His latest collaboration, 'Twilight Zone' with Ariana Grande, showcases his ability to create haunting, minimalistic productions that captivate listeners. With a track record that includes hits like Sam Smith's 'Unholy' and Taylor Swift's 'End Game,' ILYA continues to shape the sound of contemporary pop music, working alongside industry giants like Max Martin.
Ariana Grande's "Twilight Zone" Captivates with Haunting Melodies
"Twilight Zone" by Ariana Grande is a standout track from her deluxe album "Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead." This song highlights Grande's artistic evolution, offering a mesmerizing blend of synth-pop and ethereal elements that captivate listeners. Produced by the powerhouse team of Max Martin and ILYA, the track features a minimalistic yet haunting arrangement that allows Grande's vocals to shine. ILYA, a Swedish-Iranian producer known for his work with top artists, brings his signature touch to the production, adding depth and texture. The song draws inspiration from the classic TV series, exploring themes of disorientation and surrealism. "Twilight Zone" has received overwhelming praise, breaking records on Apple Music and solidifying its place as a significant addition to Grande's discography.
ILYA: Crafting Hits with a Global Touch
Ilya Salmanzadeh, professionally known as ILYA, is a Swedish-Iranian songwriter and producer who has become a pivotal figure in the music industry. His multicultural upbringing, moving from Iran to Denmark and then to Sweden, has infused his work with a rich diversity that resonates across genres. ILYA's career took off when he co-wrote and produced Ariana Grande's hit single "Problem," which skyrocketed to international success. Known for his blend of pop and R&B, ILYA has collaborated with a wide array of artists, including Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, and Beyoncé. His recent work includes producing Ariana Grande's "Twilight Zone," a track that showcases his talent for creating haunting, minimalistic productions that highlight the artist's vocal prowess. As part of Max Martin's Wolf Cousins collective, ILYA continues to shape the sound of contemporary pop music with his innovative approach and collaborative spirit.
Top 5 Songs Produced by ILYA
Discover five standout tracks that showcase ILYA's exceptional talent in blending diverse musical influences and crafting unforgettable pop hits.
"Unholy" by Sam Smith & Kim Petras
"Unholy," a groundbreaking collaboration between Sam Smith and Kim Petras, quickly became a cultural sensation. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, marking a historic win for Kim Petras as the first openly transgender woman to receive a major-category Grammy. The track's innovative blend of electropop, dance-pop, and synth-pop elements, infused with a Middle Eastern-inspired Phrygian dominant scale, set it apart in the pop landscape. ILYA, as both songwriter and producer, played a crucial role in crafting the song's hypnotic beat and unique sound, elevating its artistic depth. His ability to integrate diverse musical influences helped "Unholy" resonate with a wide audience, solidifying its place as a defining moment in contemporary music.
End Game by Taylor Swift (Ft. Ed Sheeran & Future)
"End Game," a standout track from Taylor Swift's 2017 album Reputation, features the dynamic collaboration of Ed Sheeran and Future, with ILYA playing a crucial role as both songwriter and producer. The song achieved significant commercial success, earning platinum certifications in multiple countries and peaking in the top 40 on various international charts. Its innovative blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, highlighted by trap beats and catchy hooks, reflects Swift's artistic evolution. ILYA's contribution was instrumental in crafting the song's genre-defying sound, seamlessly integrating Future's gritty rap and Sheeran's melodic verse with Swift's introspective lyrics. This collaboration not only showcased Swift's versatility but also underscored ILYA's ability to elevate tracks with his distinctive production style, reinforcing his reputation as a key figure in contemporary pop music.
Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding
"Love Me Like You Do," performed by Ellie Goulding, is a standout track from the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack that achieved remarkable success worldwide. The song topped charts in over 30 countries and was nominated for prestigious awards, including a Grammy and a Golden Globe. Its blend of electronic-pop and emotional balladry, combined with Goulding's ethereal vocals, created a captivating sound that resonated with audiences globally. ILYA, a key songwriter and producer, played a crucial role in crafting the song's memorable chorus and dynamic production. His expertise, along with contributions from Max Martin and others, elevated the track to become one of Goulding's most iconic hits, showcasing ILYA's talent for creating music that connects deeply with listeners.
"How Do You Sleep?" by Sam Smith
Released as part of Sam Smith's third studio album Love Goes, "How Do You Sleep?" stands as a testament to their artistic evolution. The track achieved remarkable success, reaching number one in Lebanon and securing top ten positions in thirteen countries. It has been certified 5× Platinum in Australia and 2× Platinum in the US, with over 1 billion streams to date. The song's pop ballad style, characterized by introspective lyrics and a modern production, highlights Smith's exploration of new artistic boundaries. ILYA, as both songwriter and producer, played a pivotal role in crafting the song's sound, infusing it with electronic textures and atmospheric synths that complement Smith's emotional vocal delivery. This collaboration resulted in a track that not only resonated with audiences worldwide but also marked a defining moment in Sam Smith's career.
Side To Side by Ariana Grande (Ft. Nicki Minaj)
"Side to Side," a standout track from Ariana Grande's 2016 album Dangerous Woman, features the dynamic collaboration of Nicki Minaj and showcases the songwriting and production prowess of ILYA. The song achieved remarkable success, peaking at No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning a sextuple platinum certification in the US. Its reggae-pop and dancehall fusion, combined with themes of empowerment and playful innuendo, captivated audiences worldwide. ILYA's contribution was pivotal, as his expertise in blending traditional reggae elements with modern pop production created an infectious groove that resonated with listeners. His work, alongside Max Martin, elevated the track's appeal, ensuring its place as a memorable hit in Grande's discography.
Unlock the Value of Your Music
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