Netflix’s new docu-reality show is all about the music. It’s a show that shows us the inner workings of the pop industry by giving us a front-row seat for a songwriting bootcamp. The cast, or contestants if you want to call them that, are all elite musicians who have been a part of this industry for a while, most with multiple awards under their belt. They’ve written for artists like John Legend, Beyoncé, BTS, Blackpink, and more. In this show, we get to see them enjoy their time in different locations and make music for John Legend, Shaboozey, Usher, and Blackpink’s Lisa.
Honestly, watching them jam together, despite the tight schedule, makes it feel almost like watching people on vacation, just chilling together and doing what they love, with the occasional drama, of course. But don’t be mistaken, everybody is here on business. I guess we’ll be hearing some of the songs from the show on our radios a few months down the line, eh? But with that said, let’s get to know everybody on the show and what they’ve been doing so far.
Jenna Andrews
Jenna rose to fame from writing on BTS’ hit English track “Butter” (as an ARMY myself, I will admit, this is my favorite English song of the lot). The Canadian singer-songwriter had her own song featured on the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy way back in 2010. She’s written for the likes of BTS’ RM, Ed Sheeran, and more. She’s also credited on Netflix’s latest super hit, Kpop Demon Hunter, and honestly, that’s a massive slay. On the show, she’s part of some interesting drama, which you might want to check out for yourself. She’s also dating producer Stephen Kirk, and they essentially came on Hitmakers as a set.
Stephen Kirk
Since we’re already on the subject, Stephen produced some great music for Kpop Demon Hunters. Honestly, those songs haven’t left my mind (why does it feel right every time I let you in?). The man’s credited on songs like WAP by Cardi B (a banger) and Butter by BTS. Fun fact: Jenna and Stephen met while working on Butter (as they keep reiterating on the show). Stephen’s got quite the big mouth, at least on the show, and there’s some crazy drama that goes down in the second half with him.
Whitney Phillips
Whitney’s worked with Ari, Bieber, Celine, Lil Wayne, and more. She’s a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter based in LA. Just like Jenna, she started off as an artist herself and then moved into songwriting. On the show, Whitney claims she and Jenna do the same thing, but Jenna disagrees, so you can expect a riff there for sure. But do the girls give off girl’s-girl vibes, or does the drama take off?
Sevyn Streeter
Honestly, when I first saw Sevyn, I was wondering why she wasn’t an artist herself. She’s got the talent, she looks like she has the “it” factor, and she dresses the part too. I haven’t been in the game long enough, but apparently she was part of the girl groups TG4 and RichGirl, so now it all makes sense to me. She’s written for the likes of Ariana Grande and Chris Brown (oop) and has been in the scene a long time too.
Trey Campbell
Trey’s got a voice smoother than Sam Smith’s. This guy should be an artist, but anyway, he comes into the show as kind of an underdog because he feels like he’s losing in every way in life. He’s just been out of an eleven-year relationship (wowza), but I wonder if he’s back together with his boyfriend after the show. Trey’s worked a lot with John Legend, but he’s not got the awards to brag about it. He wants to make it big. He was with Equinox during Eurovision 2018. He’s worked with Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha, and more.
Harv (Bernard Harvey)
Harv’s a bit on the quieter side. I did notice him most when he had his shades on indoors. But I think he’s got some sick beats in the back doing all the talking. He’s worked with the likes of Bieber, Juice WRLD, Post Malone, Normani, and more. You definitely get the vibe, eh? Harv’s drama-free on the show, but he does bring up something interesting to Stephen, so stay tuned for that.
Tommy Brown
I just want to know why everyone on this show is exactly 39 years old. But jokes aside, Tommy’s one of the big names on here for sure, and he definitely acts like it because he seems quite disinterested for a lot of the bits. He’s best known for his work on Ari’s Thank You, Next, but man’s made it big on Instagram too and runs a restaurant of his own. Tommy’s definitely one of the more laid-back producers on the show, maybe because he’s already got so much going for him.
Nova Wav
These two ladies were my favorite on the show for sure. They’re here to work, and that’s what they’re going to be doing. I think they thrive with the dancey stuff, as we see them get up and bust out moves often during Hitmakers. Consisting of Blu and Chi (so cute), the hip hop and R&B duo have worked with Rihanna, Beyoncé, Nicki, Khaled, Ariana Grande, and more, if you can believe it. They’ve been in the scene since 2012. Yes, they get split one time in the course of the show, and they kill it even then.
Ben Johnson
Ben certainly has the most country vibe on the show and it’s not just by the way he dresses. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter is generally calm and collected, but he does make something of a mess in the final episode. He’s written for people like Justin Timberlake, Morgan Wallen, and Charlie Puth.
JHart
The last two on this list came on at the second location. JHart is definitely the most fashionable, whatever room he’s walked into. He’s worked with Troye (which I totally understand; it’s definitely a vision), Little Mix, and Bieber, amongst others. He’s putting out his own music as we speak, and a little birdie says one of the songs on the show is now his track (me, I am little birdie).
Ferras
Ferras is barely on the show because he doesn’t appreciate joining camp late. When he said he wrote for Adam Lambert, I was like, “Yes, exactly.” He’s also written for Katy Perry and more. I know the show is only 6 episodes and Ferras was there for 2, but he certainly left an impression despite basically hating being there or maybe, because of it?
