Following the movements of ye olde zeitgeist, the internet today has been digitally rambling over the amazing talents of producer Max Martin. Popping up on Mic.com after his subdued Grammy win for ‘Producer of the Year’, it’s frighteningly clear that Martin has been puppet master of this year’s pop successes.

Taking the reigns of all the tracks that have been overplayed to ear-bleeding levels, Martin has been on the pulse of 2014 pop, making music for Taylor Swift, Arianna Grande, Iggy Azaela, Katy Perry and Jessie J. Having had a finger in most of the musical pies since the late 80s, he is part of a strange group who seemingly control mass-consumed tracks.

But who else is apart of this elusive elite? To whom do we have to attribute our radio play fury and accusations of musical homogeneity (cultural uniformity)? Let ol’ Stoney break it down for you.

Andreas Carlsson

Similarly to Max Martin, the humble producer Andreas Carlsson also hails from Sweden, bringing with him a whole host of enviable talents. Working as a producer, composer and songwriter (just casually), he’s the force behind some of the most notable pop tracks of the last two decades. A key element of the famed Cherion Studios in Sweden and later owning his own production company Meriola – he’s the strength behind a mass of contemporary pop idols.

Unusually in the context of his peers, Carlsson also has written for classic rock, including Bon Jovi and Paul Stanley. His most popular hit, however, is Backstreet Boys classic “I Want it that Way”. Choon.

Talking about production with Hitquarters about musical production, Carlsson stated of modern music production: “it’s a different time, but I think it’s more exciting now than it has ever been, because music is back in the hands of the songwriter and the creator. The person that comes up with content in the future is king.”

We’re not sure if we agree – but his skills are undeniable.

Notable tracks: “Waking Up in Vegas” – Katy Perry,  “Bye Bye Bye” – ‘N sync, “Invisible” – Clay Aiken, “Everyday” – Bon Jovi.

Sia 

Although now famous for her own amazing tracks and strange performance styles (we cant figure out if she’s the least or most narcissistic artist of all time…ART). Seriously though, it’s kind of impossible not to have a lot of respect for Sia. Born in Adelaide and entering the music industry via Australian acid jazz (yes, that is the most niche genre we’ve ever heard of too), she got a break singing back up vocals for Jamiroquai before singing with Sony Music

As well as consistently delivering her own awesome tunes time and time again – Sia is also behind some of the biggest hits of the age. Taking up songwriter position for some of the most acclaimed pop divas – Sia whacks together pop anthems like it’s no big thang.

Notable choonz: “Pretty Hurts” – Beyoncé, “Diamonds” – Rihanna and (Stoney favourite) “Sexercise” – Kylie Minoge.

Lukaz Gottwold (Dr. Luke)

Getcha pop prescriptions from the good doctor. Songwriter, producer, remixer and multi-instrumentalist – Dr. Luke is an insane pastiche of everything pop. Making his entrance into the industry as a guitarist on Saturday Night Live – he then moved into writing jingles and remixing underground hip hop (um…OK).

Now owning two publishing companies – he’s taken on some of the more upbeat hits of the day and completely mastered the ‘American trash’ pop universe. No doubt swimming in cash – you’ve gotta give it to the Dr – he’s damn consistent.

In hilarious histories, Gottwald was also at the centre of a Ke$ha controversy in 2013 – with fans accusing him of stripping her of her creative control. Ke$ha later sued him for sexual assault in 2014, before records of her denying the assault in 2011 were uncovered. Yikes.

Notable choonz: “I Kissed a Girl” – Katy Perry, “Girlfriend” – Avril Lavigne and “Party in the USA” – Miley Cyrus.

Scott Storch

So this is a little bit more hip hop – but a crazily notable inclusion none the less. Beginning his career as a keyboard player for legends of hip hop The Roots – he found his big commercial hit working with the other good Dr. on ‘Still D.R.E’.

Instead of writing about his insane riffs – you’ve gotta watch this video below to realise he’s behind some of the biggest of all time. Instead of writing about his insane coke habit and baller lifestyle, you’ve gotta watch him on mtv cribs (also – conveniently below!).

No surprises after watching that last one – Scorch went bankrupt. But he’s back with a vengeance and his eyes on EDM – recently working with TAI and getting cray at Ultra.

Notable choonz: “Cry Me a River” – Justin Timberlake, “Naughty Girl” – Beyoncé and “Candy Shop” – 50 Cent.

Follow Izzy Combs on Twitter @Izzy_Combs