Scene at Berklee: Charlie Puth

Scene at Berklee presents snapshots and stories from the hundreds of clinics, workshops, performances, and other events that take place in our community year-round.

For an artist known for his sophisticated pop songwriting and intricate production work, Charlie Puth's approach to music making couldn't be more simple: I make my greatest work by not overthinking, said Puth B.M. '13, speaking to more than 1,100 students and other attendees who tuned in to his virtual Visiting Artist Series clinic this week. Worry about making music that you like.

But staying true to the music you like doesn't mean you shouldn't challenge yourself; artists should continue seeking out new sounds and styles, Puth emphasized. Raised on a steady diet of folk, soft rock, and R&B-James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and TLC are among his early influences-Puth experimented with jazz at Berklee, which shaped his slick, subtly retro blend of R&B and pop. Puth called his most recent song, Girlfriend, his single for Berklee, citing the track's musical complexity.

Enjoy Berklee because it goes by really quickly. So many life-changing experiences happened to me in Boston.

-Charlie Puth

During the interview, which was moderated by Prince Charles Alexander, professor in the Music Production and Engineering Department, Puth answered questions from students about a wide range of topics, including how to turn TikTok snippets into hit songs, arranging vocal stacks, and his most memorable experience at Berklee: selling out his first show at the Red Room at Cafe 939. Enjoy Berklee because it goes by really quickly, Puth said. So many life-changing experiences happened to me in Boston.

The event kicked off with a performance of Puth's record-setting 2015 single, See You Again, from the a cappella group Pitch Slapped, and an introduction from Berklee President Roger H. Brown.

Berklee's Visiting Artist Series connects students with some of the most influential artists and creators in the industry today. Upcoming events will feature Lennon Stella, TeaMarrr and Kareen James, Michael Franti, Audra McDonald, and Jac Ross and Rodney Darkchild Jerkins.

Related categories:

Scene at Berklee

News

Related Reading

30 under 30 To celebrate Berklee Todays 30th anniversary, we are highlighting a selection of alumni who were born after that inaugural issue was printed.

Berklee Announces Spring 2020 Signature Series This semesters concerts highlight pop with a twist, along with the music of the African diaspora, the Middle East, and more.

A Wave of Talent SJA Music Institute is dedicated to turning out some of South Korea's-and Berklee's-top musicians.

More from Berklee Now

Most Popular

BerkleeNYC to Offer Master of Arts in Creative Media and Technology Launching in fall 2021, the one-year graduate program will consist of three specializations: songwriting and production, live experience design, and writing and design for musical theater.

Latest

Scene at Berklee: Charlie Puth At a Visiting Artist Series clinic this week, the pop hitmaker and Berklee alumnus talked about his influences and why his latest single, Girlfriend, is indebted to Berklee.

Robert Chambers Named VP of Community, Government, and Auxiliary Relations Chambers brings 25 years of government and educational experience to his new role at Berklee.

Krystal Prime Banfield Named Vice Chair of Boston Arts Academy Banfield currently serves as Berklee's vice president for Educational Outreach and Social Entrepreneurship.

Read All

Subscribe The latest sounds, stories, and ideas, sent to your inbox weekly.

Berklee Blogs

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

Snapchat

Soundcloud

Spotify

LINK:	https://www.berklee.edu/news/berklee-now/scene-berklee-charlie-puth?ss...
	See more stories from berklee

More from Berklee