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Dr. Luke
Gottwald in 2014
Gottwald in 2014
Background information
Birth nameŁukasz Sebastian Gottwald[1]
Also known as
  • Kasz
  • Richard Head
  • Made in China
  • Tyson Trax
  • Loctor Duke[2]
Born (1973-09-26) September 26, 1973 (age 51)
Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
OriginNew York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • record producer
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1996–present
Formerly ofSaturday Night Live Band

Łukasz Sebastian Gottwald (born September 26, 1973),[3] known professionally as Dr. Luke, Tyson Trax, and Made in China, is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He began his professional music career as the Saturday Night Live Band band's lead guitarist in 1996. After which, he produced remixes for acts such as Bon Jovi and Gravediggaz, and came into prominence in 2004 for producing Kelly Clarkson's single "Since U Been Gone" with Swedish record producer Max Martin.

Gottwald continued to co-write and produce commercially successful songs such as "Who Knew" (2006) for Pink, "Girlfriend" (2007) for Avril Lavigne,[4] and "I Kissed a Girl" (2008) for Katy Perry, before leaving Saturday Night Live and reuniting with Clarkson for "My Life Would Suck Without You" (2009). As the founder of both Kemosabe Records and Amigo Records, Gottwald has signed artists such as Kesha, Doja Cat, Becky G, Juicy J, R. City, and Lil Bibby to the former, as well as Kim Petras and Joy Oladokun to the latter.[5]

In 2014 Gottwald was involved in a series of lawsuits with Kesha, known collectively as Kesha v. Dr. Luke, where she alleged abuse and employment discrimination, whilst he claimed breach of contract and defamation. The case was settled out of court in June 2023.

Gottwald owns two publishing companies, Kasz Money Publishing, for his own songs, and Prescription Songs, which employs other songwriters. As of January 2011, he has garnered 21 Top 40 Billboard Hot 100 singles, becoming the producer with the third most such hits since the charts were created.[6] His work has been recognized with various music industry awards. Billboard named him one of the top performing producers of the 2000s. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers awarded him Producer and Songwriter of the Year honors from 2009 to 2011. At the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, and Perry's Teenage Dream was nominated for Album of the Year.

Early life

Gottwald was born in Providence, Rhode Island.[3] He is Jewish.[7] His father, Janusz Jerzy Gottwald, was an architect who was born in Łask, Poland.[8] Gottwald spent many of his formative years in New York City. He had originally wanted to be a drummer, but his parents refused to allow a drum kit in the house.[3] At 13, he picked up his older sister's guitar and taught himself how to play. As a teenager, Gottwald would "listen to bad music over and over, if there was a guitar part [he] admired, so [he] could figure out what the guitar player was doing right."[3][7]

Career

Gottwald attended the Manhattan School of Music for two years.[9] He joined the Saturday Night Live Band as the lead guitarist in 1996[10] until the 2006–2007 season.[11]

He produced tracks and remixes for various artists including Arrested Development and Nappy Roots.[12] He released the 12" single "Wet Lapse", under the name Kasz, for Rawkus Records, and remixed the theme from the film Mortal Kombat.[13] While deejaying at a house party, Gottwald met producer Max Martin and subsequently gave Martin a tour of New York clubs when Martin arrived in the city.[3]

In 2004, he co-wrote and co-produced the Kelly Clarkson Billboard Hot 100 number two song, "Since U Been Gone" with Max Martin[3] and provided the singer another hit in "Behind These Hazel Eyes".[14] Subsequent songs by Pink, "Who Knew" and "U + Ur Hand" reached the top ten in the US.[4] He would go on to co-produce a number one for Avril Lavigne with the song "Girlfriend" as well as seven other songs on Lavigne's album. He also achieved a UK number one with the 2007 song "About You Now" for the Sugababes. Gottwald contributed two songs to Katy Perry's second album, One of the Boys in 2008. US Billboard number one, "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot n Cold", as well as three songs to Britney Spears' 2008 album, Circus,[4] including the title track. He also co-produced the US number one song "Right Round" by Flo Rida. His third co-production for Kelly Clarkson, "My Life Would Suck Without You" reached the top of the Hot 100 as well. In late 2009, his song for Miley Cyrus, "Party in the U.S.A.",[4] co-written by Jessie J, reached number two on the chart. In December 2009, Billboard named him as one of the top 10 producers of the decade.[15]

In 2010, Gottwald was named Songwriter of the Year at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards and received 10 ASCAP Pop Music Awards for the year as the songwriter and publisher.[12] He had received ten Pop Music Awards from ASCAP between 2006 and 2009. He was also named to Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business, placing at number 33.[16] Gottwald's co-production for Katy Perry's "California Gurls"[4] debuted at number two on the Hot 100 and later reached number one. The second single "Teenage Dream" would follow suit. Taio Cruz's "Dynamite",[4] co-produced by Gottwald, reached number one in the UK and number two in the US. He contributed to three more top ten songs, "Magic" for B.o.B, "My First Kiss" for 3OH!3, and "Take It Off" for Kesha, as well as a top five song, "Your Love Is My Drug", by the latter on the Hot 100.

In 2010, he was named both the Number One Hot 100 Songwriter of the Year and Number One Producer of the Year by Billboard.[17][18] At the start of 2011, Advertising Age called Gottwald "the year's most successful producer and songwriter in terms of chart longevity."[19]

In 2011 Gottwald co-executive produced Britney Spears' seventh studio album Femme Fatale alongside Max Martin.

On the week ending March 3, 2012, Gottwald's co-production for Katy Perry's "Part of Me" became the 20th song to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100. He also produced Perry's single "Wide Awake", which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, whilst topping the US Pop Songs chart.[20]

In October 2014, Kesha filed a lawsuit against Gottwald, claiming sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, civil harassment, violation of California's laws against unfair business practices, infliction of emotional distress (both intentional and negligent), and negligent retention and supervision.[21][22] Gottwald responded by filing a countersuit alleging that Kesha's lawsuit was an attempt by Kesha, her mother, and her new management firm to extort him into releasing her from her contract.[23] In June 2023, one month before the case was scheduled for trial, Kesha and Gottwald released a joint statement saying the case had reached a settlement. Both parties wished each other well, although Gottwald still denied the allegations while Kesha continued to say she could not remember everything that night.[24][25]

After the lawsuit, Gottwald has maintained a low public profile.[26] As of April 2017, he was no longer listed on the official Sony Music website[27] and later that month it was announced that he was no longer the CEO of Kemosabe Records.[28] That same year, Gottwald adopted the pseudonym Made in China.[29] He has since produced songs for artists such as Trey Songz, Ne-Yo, and Big Boi. In 2017, Gottwald began songwriting and producing for German singer-songwriter Kim Petras.[30] He also produced five songs on Doja Cat's second album Hot Pink (2019), including its number one single "Say So".[31]

In 2021, Gottwald launched Amigo Records as an imprint of Republic Records and has so far signed Petras, Big Boss Vette, and Joy Oladokun.[32][33][34] The same year, he wrote and produced "Big Energy" by Latto which won Song of the Year at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards.[35][36] In 2022, he produced the number one song "Super Freaky Girl" by Nicki Minaj.[35] Gottwald continued producing music into 2023, including collaborations with Doja Cat and others, again winning the ASCAP Pop Music Award for Songwriter of the Year in May.[35]

Lawsuit

This section is an excerpt from Kesha v. Dr. Luke.[edit]

Kesha v. Dr. Luke refers to a series of lawsuits and countersuits between the singer Kesha Rose Sebert (Kesha) and the music producer Łukasz Sebastian Gottwald (Dr. Luke). Sebert filed a civil suit against Gottwald in October 2014 for infliction of emotional distress, sex-based hate crimes and employment discrimination.[37] Gottwald filed a lawsuit in New York Supreme Court in which he sued Sebert and her mother, Rosemary Patricia "Pebe" Sebert, for defamation and breach of contract.[38][39][40]

Gottwald (Dr. Luke) has denied all of the allegations. In the legal documents filed in support of his defamation suit against Sebert (Kesha), he claims that Kesha and her mother made "defamatory statements in an attempt to extort Gottwald [Dr. Luke] into releasing Kesha from her exclusive recording agreement".[41] This New York lawsuit resulted in the staying (or a stop to the legal proceedings) of a California lawsuit where Kesha claimed Dr. Luke was liable for sexual harassment, misogyny, civil harassment, violation of California's laws against unfair business practices, infliction of emotional distress (both intentional and negligent), and negligent retention and supervision.[41] In her New York counter-claim, Kesha alleged that Dr. Luke "sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally" abused her since the beginning of their professional relationship. The suit alleged he drugged and raped her on two occasions, made threats against Kesha and her family, and called her derogatory names.[42]

On February 19, 2016, a request made by Sebert (Kesha) for a preliminary injunction was denied.[43] Kesha appealed the decision the following month.[44] On April 6, 2016, New York Justice Shirley Kornreich, dismissed all of Kesha's counter-claims against Gottwald (Dr. Luke).[45] Kesha and her legal team appealed the injunction decision, and on June 7, 2016, Kesha was recorded in a deposition stating all the allegations' details.

On June 22, 2023, Kesha and Dr. Luke released a joint statement saying they have reached a settlement.[46]

Discography

Main article: Dr. Luke production discography

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

ASCAP Pop Music Awards

  • 2010 – Songwriter of the Year (Won)[48]
  • 2011 – Songwriter of the Year (Won)[49]
  • 2023 - Songwriter of the Year (Won)[50]

iHeartRadio Music Awards

  • 2021 - Producer of the Year (Nominated)[51]

References

  1. ^ Winton, Richard (October 14, 2014). "Kesha sues producer, alleges years of sex abuse and forced drugging". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 6, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  2. ^ Powell, Jon (May 29, 2020). "Lil Wayne liberates deluxe version of 'Funeral'". REVOLT. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Sternbergh, Adam (June 20, 2010). "The Hit Whisperer". New York. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Capatides, Christina (February 22, 2016). "35 huge songs written by Kesha's former mentor Dr. Luke". CBS News. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  5. ^ "Prescription Songs/Amigo Records promotes General Manager Ashlee Gibbs to Director of Operations". March 2, 2023.
  6. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (January 8, 2011). "Dynamite Doc" Billboard.
  7. ^ a b Willman, Chris (September 3, 2010). "Dr. Luke: The Billboard Cover Story". Billboard. Retrieved October 19, 2014.
  8. ^ "Janusz Gottwald Obituary". The Berkshire Eagle. September 22, 2010. Archived from the original on October 6, 2013.
  9. ^ "Lukasz Gottwald | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  10. ^ Sternbergh, Adam (October 14, 2014). "From the Archives: New York Magazine's 2010 Dr. Luke Profile". Vulture. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  11. ^ "Dr. Luke: The Man Behind Pop's Biggest Hits". NPR. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Fennessey, Sean (May 18, 2010). "Surveying the Dr. Luke Moment: A Critical Look At Lazers, Glitter, and the Un-Sexing of America's Pop Stars Archived May 21, 2010, at the Wayback Machine" Village Voice.
  13. ^ "G-Card Manual Archived December 31, 2010, at the Wayback Machine". TC Electronic. p. 17. Retrieved on December 26, 2009.
  14. ^ Houghton, Cillea (August 15, 2023). "The Angsty Meaning Behind Kelly Clarkson's "Behind These Hazel Eyes"". American Songwriter. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  15. ^ "Billboard Charts: 2009 Hot 100 Producers". Billboard.biz.
  16. ^ "Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People". Retrieved on May 28, 2010.
  17. ^ Billboard Charts: 2010 Hot 100 Songwriters. Billboard.biz. Retrieved on 2012-12-07. Archived October 8, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ Billboard Charts: 2010 Hot 100 Producers. Billboard.biz. Retrieved on 2012-12-07. Archived February 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  19. ^ "Advertising Age". Retrieved January 3, 2011.
  20. ^ "Katy Perry Chart History". Billboard.
  21. ^ "Kesha Suing Dr. Luke for Alleged Sexual Assault & Emotional Abuse". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  22. ^ "Kesha Complaint". Scribd. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  23. ^ "Kesha -- Sues Dr. Luke for Sexual Assault and Battery". TMZ. October 14, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  24. ^ Cullins, Ashley (June 22, 2023). "Kesha and Dr. Luke Settle Legal Battle Ahead of Trial". The Hollywood Reporter.
  25. ^ Ryan, Harriet; Hamilton, Matt. "What really happened between Kesha and Dr. Luke". LA Times.
  26. ^ "Dr. Luke on Doja Cat's 'Kiss Me More' and Saweetie's 'Best Friend'". December 3, 2021.
  27. ^ "Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald". Sony Music Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 9, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  28. ^ Phillips, Amy; Yoo, Noah (April 25, 2017). "Sony Ends Dr. Luke Partnership as Kesha Battle Continues". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  29. ^ Sargent, Jordan (June 8, 2018). "Ne-Yo's New Album Good Man Has Three Songs Produced by a Bad Man". Spin. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  30. ^ Kornhaber, Spencer (August 29, 2018). "Dr. Luke's Queasy Two-Front Comeback Effort". The Atlantic. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  31. ^ "Doja Cat's "Say So" Becomes Dr. Luke's First Top 20 Hit In 5 Years". Idolator.com. March 10, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  32. ^ "Amigo Records Corporate Filing". Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  33. ^ He, Richard S. "How Do You Solve A Problem Like Dr. Luke?". Junkee. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  34. ^ "Joy Oladokun Signs Joint Partnership With Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records". Enigma. April 30, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  35. ^ a b c Hiatt, Brian. "How Dr. Luke Staged a Comeback in the Shadows". Rolling Stone.
  36. ^ Minsker, Evan (October 5, 2022). "BET Hip Hop Awards 2022: Full Winners List". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
  37. ^ Coscarelli, Joe (April 7, 2016). "New York State Judge Rejects Kesha's Claims in Dr. Luke Case". The New York Times. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  38. ^ Puth, Charlie. "Charlie Puth Talks Kesha and Dr. Luke's Legal Battle". E! Online. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  39. ^ Hendicott, James (February 25, 2016). "Sony break silence on Kesha v Dr Luke case: 'Sony is not in a position to terminate the contract'". NME. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  40. ^ Jagannathan, Meera (May 22, 2016). "Kesha vs. Dr. Luke and Sony: Ahead of the Billboard Music Awards, an explainer of their legal clash". New York Daily News. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  41. ^ a b Merriman, Rebecca (February 20, 2016). "Kesha's dramatic legal battle with alleged rapist Dr Luke". The Daily Mirror.
  42. ^ Mejia, Paula (February 19, 2016). "What's going on with the Kesha and Dr. Luke debacle?". Newsweek.
  43. ^ Ledbetter, Carly (May 18, 2016). "Judge Rules Kesha's Sexual Assault Allegations Aren't Enough To Free Her From Contract". The Huffington Post.
  44. ^ Gardner, Eriq (March 21, 2016). "Kesha Appeals Judge's Denial of Dr. Luke Injunction". Billboard.
  45. ^ Redden, Molly (April 6, 2016). "Judge dismisses Kesha's sexual assault case against producer Dr Luke". The Guardian. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  46. ^ Rosenbloom, Alli (June 22, 2023). "Kesha and Dr. Luke resolve years-long legal dispute". CNN. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  47. ^ a b c "Dr. Luke". Grammy Awards. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  48. ^ "ASCAP Pop Music Awards 2010". Ascap.com. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
  49. ^ "ASCAP Pop Music Awards 2011". Ascap.com. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
  50. ^ Mier, Tomas. "Dr. Luke Wins Songwriter of the Year Award Amid His Ongoing Legal Battle With Kesha". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  51. ^ Fields, Taylor. "2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards: See The Full List of Nominees". 102.7 KIIS FM. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
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