Josh Abraham
Josh Abraham is an American record producer, songwriter, and music executive, renowned for his work with major artists and his leadership in music publishing.[1][2] Abraham began his career in the mid-1990s as a self-taught musician, producer, and engineer in Los Angeles, where he developed a distinctive style influenced by rock, hip-hop, blues, and electronic music.[2][3] Early on, he served as an A&R executive and staff producer at Virgin Records, signing and developing acts such as Thirty Seconds to Mars and Courtney Love.[2] In 2004, he founded Pulse Recording and acquired the historic Soundcastle Recording Studios, which had been operational for over 25 years.[1] Four years later, in 2008, Abraham co-founded Pulse Music Group with Scott Cutler and Anne Preven, where he serves as co-CEO; the company has since amassed over 100 billion streams and 250 million RIAA-certified units, representing artists including Kehlani and James Blake.[2][3][4] His production and songwriting credits span a wide array of genres, contributing to over 50 million albums sold worldwide and collaborations with artists such as P!nk, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Kelly Clarkson, Shakira, Linkin Park, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus.[1][2] Notable projects include producing the albums A Beautiful Lie for Thirty Seconds to Mars, I'm Not Dead for P!nk, and Contraband for Velvet Revolver, as well as co-writing hits like "Sit Next to Me" by Foster the People, "Been You" by Justin Bieber, and "Loca" by Shakira.[1] He has also worked with producers like Rick Rubin on albums such as Slayer's Christ Illusion (2006) and tracks for Orgy, Limp Bizkit, Staind, and Linkin Park.[3] Abraham's contributions extend to film soundtracks, including Something's Gotta Give (2003), Not Another Teen Movie (2001), and Pete's Dragon (2016).[5] Abraham has received a Grammy nomination in 2023 for the album Artists Inspired by Music: Interscope Reimagined, and he has been recognized on Billboard's Power 100 and Indie Power Players lists.[2] Additionally, in 2024 he co-hosted a charity auction with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine that raised $2.5 million for music education initiatives.[6] His analytical approach to music, rooted in dissecting influential tracks from artists like Albert King, Prince, Pink Floyd, and The Notorious B.I.G., continues to shape his eclectic production style and publishing roster.[3]Early Life and Career Beginnings
Background and Influences
Josh Abraham was born on January 12, 1973, in Los Angeles, California.[7] Growing up in the city, he developed an early interest in music, particularly through playing guitar.[3] Abraham's musical foundations were rooted in guitar-led blues and rock, alongside a passion for early hip-hop, which shaped his initial creative explorations.[3] Lacking formal musical education, he embarked on a self-taught path, experimenting with production techniques using rudimentary home recording setups during his formative years.[2][8] By the mid-1990s, Abraham had immersed himself in Los Angeles's vibrant music scene, forging initial connections as a budding musician, producer, and engineer.[3] This period marked the beginning of his professional trajectory in the industry, leveraging his self-acquired skills to engage with emerging artists and studios.[2]Initial Productions and Breakthroughs
Josh Abraham entered professional music production in the mid-1990s, marking his first major label credit on Deadsy's self-titled album in 1997, where he served as producer and recording engineer for tracks including "The Elements" and "Key to Gramercy Park."[9] This project, recorded at studios like NRG Recording in Los Angeles, showcased Abraham's emerging expertise in industrial rock and electronica-infused sounds, though the album faced release delays and was initially issued as a promotional CD.[9] Abraham expanded into A&R and production roles during this period, notably through his work as a staff producer and A&R executive at Virgin Records, where he contributed to projects for artists including Courtney Love.[2] His early breakthroughs included key remixes on Linkin Park's Reanimation (2002), where he co-produced and performed on the track "By_Myslf" alongside Mike Shinoda, featuring guitars by Stephen Carpenter of Deftones; this remix album reimagined Hybrid Theory tracks for a hip-hop and electronic audience, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and amplifying Abraham's impact on genre fusion.[10] Around the same period (2000–2004), he collaborated on projects like Velvet Revolver's debut Contraband (2004), producing the hard rock supergroup's hits including "Slither," which reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart and drove the album to multi-platinum status.[11] Similarly, Abraham produced Courtney Love's solo album America's Sweetheart (2004), handling tracks like "Mono" amid her post-Hole transition, blending punk and alternative rock elements.[12] During this era, Abraham's association with Virgin Records as a staff producer facilitated deals and outputs for artists including Courtney Love and emerging acts, positioning him at the forefront of rock and alternative music development from 2000 to 2004.[2] These projects established his trajectory in nu-metal and hard rock, emphasizing innovative production techniques that influenced subsequent genre evolutions.Pulse Recording and Business Ventures
Founding of Pulse Recording
In 2004, Josh Abraham founded Pulse Recording as an independent studio venture by purchasing the property of the former Soundcastle Recording Studios, which had operated for more than 25 years.[1] Located in Los Angeles' Silver Lake neighborhood, the facility was originally designed in 1967 by mid-century modern architect Carl Maston and features two state-of-the-art studios equipped for high-end audio recording and mixing.[13] The studio's initial operations centered on providing production services and fostering artist development for rock and pop projects, operating without any affiliated management or publishing divisions at the outset.[13] From 2004 to 2006, Pulse Recording served as the primary site for sessions with emerging rock acts, including the production of Thirty Seconds to Mars' breakthrough album A Beautiful Lie (2005), recorded primarily at the facility, and 10 Years' major-label debut The Autumn Effect (2005), which was also tracked and mixed there.Expansion into PULSE Music Group
Following the founding of Pulse Recording in 2004, Abraham expanded the operation in the late 2000s by establishing Pulse Management to handle artist and producer representation and Songs of Pulse as its publishing arm, both integrated under the broader Pulse umbrella in collaboration with songwriter and producer Scott Cutler.[14][15] In 2012, Pulse Recording announced an exclusive partnership with Nashville-based Creative Nation, the music management and publishing company founded by songwriter Luke Laird and manager Beth Laird, enabling shared creative resources, joint artist development, and collaborative ventures across Los Angeles and Nashville.[16][4] Abraham co-founded PULSE Music Group in 2008 alongside Cutler and songwriter Anne Preven, assuming the role of Co-CEO with a primary emphasis on music publishing administration and A&R throughout the 2010s. In 2020, Concord Music Publishing acquired a majority stake in PULSE Music Group, forming an exclusive joint venture while allowing it to operate independently. In 2023, PULSE and Concord launched Pulse Records, expanding into a record label.[4][17][18] By 2025, PULSE Music Group had further grown its boutique publishing portfolio through strategic expansions, including the October 2025 formation of a publishing joint venture with Mark Ronson's Zelig Music—its first collaborative signing being the artist Becky and the Birds—and contributions to high-profile releases like Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby," which achieved top positions on multiple Billboard charts.[19][20] In his ongoing leadership as Co-CEO, Abraham directs executive strategy, spearheads artist scouting initiatives, and fosters key industry relationships, guiding PULSE's A&R and business development as of November 2025.[21][22]Creative Contributions
Songwriting Discography
Josh Abraham's songwriting career spans a diverse range of genres, transitioning from rock influences in his early production work to prominent co-writing contributions in pop and alternative music. His credits often involve collaborative efforts on lyrics and melodies, frequently partnering with established artists and producers to craft anthemic tracks that blend emotional depth with commercial appeal. This evolution reflects his role in bridging rock's intensity with pop's accessibility, as seen in his work with artists from alternative bands to global pop stars.[1] Key songwriting credits include:| Year | Artist | Song | Album | Notable Co-Writers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Kelly Clarkson | Hello | Stronger | Kelly Clarkson, Josh Abraham, Oliver Goldstein, Bonnie McKee | Co-wrote lyrics and melody for this empowering pop ballad, emphasizing themes of self-discovery.[1] |
| 2012 | Carly Rae Jepsen | Turn Me Up | Kiss | Carly Rae Jepsen, Bonnie McKee, Josh Abraham, Oliver Goldstein, Kevin Maher | Contributed to the upbeat pop track's infectious chorus and lyrical structure.[23][1] |
| 2012 | Flo Rida (feat. Chris Brown) | Here It Is | Wild Ones | Flo Rida, Josh Abraham, others | Helped shape the hip-hop/pop fusion's rhythmic lyrics.[24] |
| 2015 | Justin Bieber | Been You | Purpose | Justin Bieber, Josh Abraham, Jason Boyd, Brandon Green, Oliver Goldstein, Saul Alexander | Co-wrote the R&B-infused track, focusing on introspective verses about relationships.[25][1] |
| 2015 | Justin Bieber | Get Used To It | Purpose | Justin Bieber, Josh Abraham, others | Collaborated on the pop melody and lyrics highlighting adaptation and growth.[1][24] |
| 2017 | Foster the People | Sit Next to Me | Sacred Hearts Club | Mark Foster, Josh Abraham, Isom Innis, others | Key contributor to the alternative pop hit's nostalgic lyrics and synth-driven melody.[1][24] |
| 2017 | Foster the People | Pay the Man | Sacred Hearts Club | Mark Foster, Josh Abraham, others | Co-wrote the socially charged track's pointed lyrics critiquing inequality.[24] |
| 2017 | Foster the People | I Love My Friends | Sacred Hearts Club | Mark Foster, Josh Abraham, others | Focused on heartfelt, friendship-themed lyrics with indie rock elements.[24] |
| 2019 | Foster the People | Imagination | Pick U Up (EP) | Mark Foster, Josh Abraham, others | Co-developed the whimsical, psychedelic pop melody and lyrics.[1][24] |
| 2020 | Katy Perry | Smile | Smile | Katy Perry, Josh Abraham, others | Contributed to the uplifting pop anthem's resilient lyrics and structure.[24] |
| 2020 | phem (feat. Machine Gun Kelly) | Sorry Mama | sorry mama (single) | phem, Josh Abraham, Machine Gun Kelly, others | Co-wrote the raw, apologetic rock-pop track addressing personal struggles.[24] |
| 2021 | DRAM | Remedies | Not specified (single) | DRAM, Josh Abraham, others | Helped craft the soulful, introspective lyrics for this R&B track from PULSE signings.[24] |
Production Discography
Josh Abraham's production discography highlights his versatility across rock, nu-metal, pop, and soundtrack work, often emphasizing raw energy and polished sonic landscapes in collaboration with major artists. His technical expertise in production, mixing, and engineering has contributed to several landmark releases, particularly in the mid-2000s, where he helped define the hard-edged sound of post-grunge and alternative rock acts. Later credits extend into pop and film, showcasing his adaptability to diverse genres while maintaining a focus on dynamic arrangements and vocal production.Key Album Productions
| Year | Artist | Album/Track | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Velvet Revolver | Contraband | Producer (with the band) | Full album production, including hits like "Slither," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart; mixed by Andy Wallace. The album sold over 2.7 million copies in the US. Album liner notes Slash Paradise |
| 2005 | Thirty Seconds to Mars | A Beautiful Lie | Producer (with the band) | Oversaw production for the entire album, featuring tracks like "The Kill (Bury Me)," which peaked at No. 3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart; certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA. Pulse Music Group Discogs release credits |
| 2006 | P!nk | I'm Not Dead | Producer (select tracks) | Produced and recorded tracks including "Runaway," which exemplifies Abraham's pop-rock fusion style; album certified 2x Platinum. Discogs credits Pulse Music Group |
| 2011 | Kelly Clarkson | Stronger | Producer (select tracks) | Produced "Alone" with Oligee, featuring vocal production by Jason Halbert; the track exemplifies Abraham's pop-rock fusion style. Album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Genius production credits Discogs credits |
Recent Productions (Post-2015)
In more recent years, Abraham's production work has shifted toward emerging artists and genre-blending projects through PULSE Music Group. Notable credits include:- Gallant – Ology (2016): Writer and producer on "Bourbon," blending R&B and electronic elements. Pulse Music Group
- DRAM – That's a Girl's Name (EP, 2018): Producer, contributing to the EP's playful hip-hop vibe. Pulse Music Group
Film and Soundtrack Contributions
Abraham's technical roles extend to mixing and production for film soundtracks, where his engineering skills enhanced emotional and narrative-driven audio:- Something's Gotta Give (2003): Produced tracks on the soundtrack, including elements incorporating samples from established hits for the romantic comedy's score. IMDb soundtrack credits
- Pete's Dragon (2016): Co-producer on "Something Wild" by Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, the film's end-credits theme; engineered at Pulse Recording. The track peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover chart. Discogs credits IMDb soundtrack credits