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Julian Bunetta on the Art, Craft, and Pain of Songwriting

Hitmaker Julian Bunetta, known for "Espresso," "Lose Control," and "Drag Me Down," shares insights on writing music for a living. His speech touches on the art, craft, and challenges faced by producer-songwriters today.

Variety Music·Jun 11, 2026·via Variety Music

Julian Bunetta on the Art, Craft, and Pain of Songwriting

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Jun 11, 2026 8:35am PT

‘Songwriting Is Easy!’ Read ‘Espresso’ and ‘Lose Control’ Hitmaker Julian Bunetta’s Awesome Speech About the Art, Craft and Pain of Writing Music for a Living

By Jem Aswad

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Jem Aswad

Executive Editor, Music

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With hits under his belt like Sabrina Carpenter ’s “Espresso,” Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control,” Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True” and One Direction’s “Drag Me Down” and “Best Song Ever,” Julian Bunetta has emerged as one of the most successful and influential producer-songwriters of this era — a status that has landed him on several Variety Hitmakers lists and was recognized Wednesday by the National Music Publishers Association , which honored him with its Non-Performing Songwriter Icon award at its annual membership meeting at New York’s Lincoln Center.