The Illusion of Authorship: Who’s Really Writing Pop Music?

How do people NOT know this about pop music?

It’s a question Rick Beato asked in a viral video—and it’s worth repeating. Because even now, in 2025, so many fans still believe their favorite pop stars are the ones penning the lyrics, crafting the melodies, and building the stories we hear. But what's the actual truth? It’s way more manufactured than most people realize.

🎤 Performers vs Creators

In today’s pop ecosystem, there’s a clear divide between the creators and the performers.

Sabrina Carpenter is dominating with hits like Espresso and Please Please Please, but her breakout album, Short n’ Sweet, was written with elite industry pros—Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff, Julia Michaels, and more. She contributes, yes. But the lyrical origin? That begins in a writers' room.

Tate McRae has co-writing credits on every track of her albums. But her biggest hits (Greedy, You Broke Me First, Feel Like Shit) were built with songwriting giants like Ryan Tedder, Amy Allen, and Julia Michaels. Even earlier tracks were penned by Billie Eilish and Finneas.

These two are performers with great instincts and stage presence, but the songs they sing are mostly built by others.

✍️ Who Are the Real Architects Behind the Curtain?

Amy Allen has become one of pop music's go-to lyricists, with writing credits for artists like Harry Styles (Adore You), Halsey (Without Me), Selena Gomez (Back to You), and even Post Malone (Circles). She's also worked with Sabrina Carpenter and Tate McRae. Her fingerprints are everywhere.

Jack Antonoff, meanwhile, is perhaps the most influential modern pop architect. Originally from the band Bleachers, he's been the sonic backbone behind Taylor Swift's Midnights, Lana Del Rey's Norman Fucking Rockwell, and Lorde’s Melodrama. His production and writing touch has shaped the sound of a generation, often helping artists translate vague emotions into chart-ready poetry.

Even Taylor Swift, despite being a seasoned songwriter, has tapped Antonoff for shaping the sound of her last several records. That collaboration works because she brings the lyrics, and he helps mold them into immersive pop worlds. It's synergy—not ghostwriting.

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🎧 Writers Who Actually Create

Then there are the originators. Artists who write what they sing from scratch:

• Taylor Swift — Writes or co-writes every song she’s ever released. Over 60 solo compositions.

• Lorde — Co-writes and co-produces all her music. She maintains a deep creative control over her work.

• Billie Eilish—Writes exclusively with Finneas. Authentic, homegrown.

  These are artists whose ideas start in the bedroom, not in a boardroom.

🌏 K-Pop: Do They Write Their Own Music?

• ROSÉ (BLACKPINK) has songwriting and executive production credits on her solo album Rosie and co-wrote songs like Yeah Yeah Yeah. She's spoken openly about writing during emotional lows.

• LISA (BLACKPINK) has credits on solo songs like "Rockstar" and "New Woman," as well as high-profile collaborations. While the K-pop industry is known for heavy production control, both Rosé and Lisa have documented involvement in their music.

In K-pop, it’s rare to find full songwriting control. But these two are exceptions worth noting.

📊 Summary Breakdown

• Sabrina Carpenter — Co-writes with top hitmakers. Industry-built material.

• Tate McRae—Diary-style co-writes with elite producers. Not solo-originated.

• Taylor Swift — Writes or co-writes everything. Over 60 solo compositions.

• Lorde — Co-writes and co-produces all music. Deep creative control.

• Billie Eilish — Writes exclusively with Finneas. Authentic originator.

• ROSÉ (BLACKPINK)—Songwriter and executive producer on solo material.

• LISA (BLACKPINK)—Holds writing credits on multiple solo works.

• Amy Allen—the ghost behind countless hits: Post Malone, Halsey, Sabrina, and Tate.

• Jack Antonoff—Architect of Lana, Taylor, and Lorde eras. Pop’s sonic blueprint.

💡 Calling It Like It Is

This isn’t a shade bomb. We play Sabrina. We spin Tate. We’ve got love for their songs and respect for their hustle.

But at Boss Global Radio™, we’re not here to feed illusions. We’re here to Broadcast Truth™. And the truth is, not every star writes the story they’re telling. That matters. Especially in an industry where authenticity is currency—but packaging is often what gets promoted.

🎿 Why It Matters

Because once you know how it works, you can hear the difference.

You can hear when a line was lived…

And when it was assigned.

You can celebrate performance without pretending it’s authorship.

And that’s the space we hold: music with meaning, not just metrics.

Boss Global Radio™

Real Hip Hop. Real Pop. Real Music. Real Listeners.

Broadcasting Truth™