For the past few years, Andrew Watt has been the go-to producer for music's biggest legends. At just 35, he's earned the trust of icons like Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and Madonna through sheer talent and an infectious enthusiasm that McCartney once called "contagious."
This year has been a whirlwind for Watt, and he wouldn't have it any other way. In May 2026, McCartney released The Boys of Dungeon Lane, an album Watt produced and co-wrote over four years. July brought two more major releases: the Rolling Stones' Foreign Tongues, their second collaboration with Watt, and Madonna's latest album, which he also produced and co-wrote.
Amid this busy schedule, Watt took a moment to chat about these projects and his recent Emmy nomination for co-writing "The Dead Dance" with Lady Gaga for the hit series Wednesday.
From Gaga to the Stones: A Musical Journey
Watt's versatility stems from his eclectic upbringing. "I was born in 1990, so I grew up with a computer in front of me, listening to all kinds of music," he explains. That broad palette made him a natural fit for Gaga, whom he met while working on the Stones album. "We had so much in common," he says. "Making her album Mayhem was a blast."
When it came time to craft "The Dead Dance," Watt credits Gaga's visionary leadership. "She comes up with these incredible concepts and melodies," he says. "We were just following her lead and supporting her vision."
The Organic Magic of Fan Culture
The song's connection to Wednesday was a happy accident. "Fans had already paired Gaga's music with Jenna Ortega's dance from season one," Watt notes. "It became a viral moment, so the collaboration felt organic." He sees this as a positive shift in the industry: "Fans are creating their own content with the music they love. It's for the fans, by the fans."
Watt acknowledges that not everything is authentic, but he believes real moments resonate. "You can tell what's real versus what's manufactured," he says. "Those genuine moments are the biggest."
Recognition and What's Next
On his Emmy nomination, Watt is humble. "It's incredible," he says. "We did this work because we love music, and to see it recognized by our peers is amazing." He also reflects on performing at the Grammys this year, calling it "a great time."
With such a diverse portfolio, Watt shows no signs of slowing down. Whether he's producing for rock royalty or pop superstars, his passion for music shines through. As he puts it, "It's not why you do the work, but when it happens, it's incredible."
For more on the intersection of music and TV, check out our sneak peek at Silo season 3 or the latest on Marvel's X-Men cast.
