Summary
Hitmakers shines a light on songwriters and producers who create hits for A-listers, but it’s far too generic and surface-level, ironically aligning with the manufactured nature of the music industry.
There was a time, and there still are purists today, when musicians were judged for not writing their songs, especially in rap and hip-hop, with the ghostwriting scene. Netflix’s reality show, Hitmakers, may be a generic slice of what’s expected in the songwriter world, but it’s more of a sobering reflection of what the music industry is in today’s terms – the all-too-consuming pressure to routinely find the next chart-topping hit for growing generations of short attention spans and a proclivity to ride the next trend, which brings an output of manufactured music.
Given that, Hitmakers does what it’s set out to do – showcasing the creative juices that go into crafting trending hit songs and the people who wrote them. The docuseries follows twelve of the industry’s top songwriters and producers as they attend an intensive writing camp to create hits for stars such as John Legend, Shaboozey, and Lisa of Blackpink. As the saying goes – and never outdates itself – there is such a thing as “too many cooks spoil the broth,” so tensions are high with the short time duration they are forced to operate in. But essentially, the series provides the journey of a songwriter who provides ideas, lyrics, and content for their stars.
Hitmakers is not just a documentary series; it’s a testament to the unwavering dedication of songwriters and producers. It’s a journey of love for music, where these talented individuals come together to blend their craft seamlessly. They aim to create something that they will not have exclusive ownership of, apart from the credits and any agreed-upon commercials. The series is a heartwarming portrayal of their passion for crafting the perfect lyrical hook, selecting an appropriate beat at the right moment, and anticipating what their industry leaders would like to hear when the music is presented.
It’s clear that the role of a songwriter, especially those who exhaustively produce for A-listers, is a sacrificial one. They often receive the least attention and praise, with their work being overshadowed by the star power of the artists they write for. No one sees a John Legend song as anything other than a John Legend song, for instance. Like blockbuster films, there’s usually a whole host of contributing factors, especially the skills of many people. This series sheds light on the often-underappreciated role of these talented individuals.
But that’s as far as Hitmakers go – it’s propped up by some drama, but nothing too incredulous or anything that matches the run-of-the-mill, dopamine-maxxed reality shows. It is a show that’s produced at arm’s length, relying on the songwriters to compel viewers with their talents.
For me, Hitmakers had a personal impact. I found myself yearning to see a creative at the height of their talents write and craft their art. I’m not one to be inclined to chart hits, but that’s my old-fashioned side coming out, bestowed by a generation of musicians who were under pressure to create an incredible album. Now, it seems, the pressure is on to make the best singles that can accompany shorts, reels, or trends. With the emergence of AI, this approach is only going to evolve, whether for better or worse.
I’m not grumbling – as I don’t care enough to criticize overly. From an entertainment and educational perspective, Hitmakers checks the boxes. Even though the likes of Building the Band stretched itself too thin, at least that music reality show tried to find the next talent. At the same time, this series showcases how the music industry is driven by a talented group of people who deserve more recognition; at least in this sense, the docuseries does that.
