MICK SCHULTZ

When compiling a list of heavy hitters in production, one would be remiss to leave out newcomer Mick Schultz. Sitting across the table from this polite, unassuming young man, one would never suspect that just below the surface lies a musical genius. Yet, at just 20 years of age, Mick Schultz has built up an arsenal of tracks that rival any of today's top producers. Schultz erupted onto the urban music scene earlier this year with his smash hit, Birthday Sex and further promises to deliver one of the year's most anticipated albums, Jeremih, slated for a June 30th release.
 

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, it did not take Mick long before he was making his mark musically. Mick's gift and passion for music was clear from a very early age, as a set of turntables given to him on his 9th birthday would cast in stone his future career choice. "I started out Dee-Jaying parties for neighborhood kids, all for the love of making music," recalls Schultz. "My father noticed my immediate obsession and encouraged me to take piano lessons as a way to "legitimize" my newfound hobby." It just so happened that the piano teacher his parents had chosen for their son turned out to be a local music producer that could not overlook the prodigy he had found in Mick. As it would later turn out, his parent's decision to have Mick classically trained on the piano would prove the last piece of a history making puzzle. 
 

From that first spin of his turntables, Mick's appetite for making music, and using his talent to entertain, became insatiable. By age 14, he had already started recording and producing for various groups, experiencing a large degree of local success. Mick also started working with local engineer, Eric Peterson, honing his skills and solidifying his sound. "It was amazing how once I got my hands on the equipment, I just soaked it up," declares Mick with a modest confidence. Among the many instantly likable and admirable traits this young man possesses, is the fact that he pays homage to those who have helped him develop his talent. "In my short life, I have had the privilege of working with and observing some very talented people, all the while adding my own style to what I was learning." Mick has proven himself to be not merely a producer, but a successful pianist, writer and engineer as well. 
 

It wasn't however, until a chance meeting with then unknown musical talent, Jeremih, that Mick would meet his match musically, so to speak. Their mutual love of making music made them fast friends and the pair began working together out of Mick's Chicago studio. "With music, like everything else, you need harmony to make harmony," explains Mick. "Jeremih and I have worked well together from the beginning and just sort of vibe off of each other. The music just flows out naturally." Music's newest dynamic duo has recently completed Jeremih's self titled first album and, all the while, Mick has been simultaneously hard at work churning out future hits for some of the industry's brightest stars. 
 

While there is a well deserved air of confidence about him, there is not an ounce of bravado. Mick Schultz approaches all things musical with an unprecedented intensity and passion. "Every time I write a song, it drives me more. My goal is to have the whole world listening to my music," admits Mick. "That's why I write." While Mick's music certainly speaks to his generation, it is strong enough and passionate enough to appeal to the masses and leaves no doubt in anyone's mind that he will soon have the whole world listening to his music.  
 

Mick Schultz also possesses an inner drive and work ethic rare in such a young man, all qualities which have helped get him where he is today. To date, Mick has started his own production company, Mick Schultz Productions, acquired his first artist, Jeremih, now signed to Def Jam Records, signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing and produced a hit record, ranked number one on Billboard. Not bad for a kid who started out making beats in his basement just out of his sheer love of music. "I'm not in it for the fame or anything," admits Mick. "I just simply love making music that people listen to." Regardless of whether Mick  intended to become famous, one thing is for certain, famous he will certainly be, as he continues to carve out his place in music history.