Grammy-Nominated Songwriter, Film & Television Producer, and Philanthropist
Freddy Wexler: Biography at a Glance
- Freddy Wexler is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, creator, and film and television producer known for working with everyone from Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, BlackPink, and Post Malone to Billy Joel, Diana Ross, and Celine Dion.
- An industry veteran, Wexler has become known as someone with an ability to create unique cultural moments, an innate understanding of pop culture, and an ear and eye for talent.
- Wexler is credited with Billy Joel’s historic return to new music, recently co-writing and producing Joel’s new single and conceiving/directing its groundbreaking AI-based music video; Wexler also quarterbacked all marketing, radio, and promotional strategies around its release, landing Joel his highest chart position in 31 years.
- Wexler was named in Variety’s Family Entertainment Impact Report List for Film and Television and has committed to donate a portion of earnings from every project to a charitable organization related to its theme or subject matter.
- Wexler co-wrote and co-produced the single Stuck with U by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and smashed debut streaming records, amassing over 1 billion streams, multiple awards, and generating over $5.5 million for families of first responders.
- As a creator and film/television producer, Wexler is building a heart-driven multi-platform entertainment company that challenges stereotypes, redefines heroes, celebrates diversity, and looks for light in the darkest of places.
- Wexler has his finger on the pulse and is an advisor and/or early-stage investor in many companies, including Snapchat, Coinbase, Ro, and Liquid IV.
- Wexler is a sought-after speaker on the intersection of technology and creativity, diversity in storytelling, and the art of creating cultural moments.
Videos
Biography
Freddy Wexler is an industry veteran. He is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, creator, and film and television producer with 10 Billboard #1s and a robust film, television, and animation slate. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Post Malone to Billy Joel, Diana Ross, and Celine Dion. Over the years, Wexler has become known as someone with an ability to create unique cultural moments, and Billy Joel’s new single (which Wexler co-wrote and produced)—and video (which he directed)—are a case in point.
After vowing to never write another pop song 31 years ago, Billy Joel has a top 10 hit with Turn the Lights Back On and credits Wexler for his return to new music. In addition to producing and co-writing the single, Wexler managed the entire rollout, working with Joel’s long-time team to shift the release from Legacy to a Columbia Records top priority—bolstering Joel’s catalog and ushering in a whole new demographic of Joel fans. Wexler oversaw marketing, radio, and promotional strategies, including Joel’s historic Grammy performance, a new merch line, and a groundbreaking AI-based music video.
Wexler was named in Variety’s Family Entertainment Impact Report List for Film and Television and has committed to donate a portion of earnings from every project to a charity organization related to its theme or subject matter. For the past 3 years, he has contributed to at least one Grammy-nominated album (including Album of the Year for Justin Bieber’s Justice and Grammy Award-winning Bewitched by Laufey), and his songs have been streamed billions of times, released by artists including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, BlackPink, Selena Gomez, Lil Wayne, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Halsey, Pink, Marshmello, Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Martin Garrix, Pusha T, Wyclef Jean, Tiesto, Steve Aoki, Bea Miller, and Avicii.
But music is only one piece of the picture. As a creator and film/television producer, Wexler is building a heart-driven multi-platform entertainment company that challenges stereotypes, redefines heroes, celebrates diversity, and looks for the light in the darkest of places. The Freddy Wexler Company’s film, television, and animation slate includes projects at Disney, Universal, Sony, the NFL, MGM’s Orion Pictures, Hello Sunshine, Nickelodeon, Westbrook, Fulwell 73, Fremantle, and Random House.
His production slate includes the previously announced Untitled Football Biopic (MGM's Orion Pictures), based on the life of Keith Adams, deaf coach of the championship-winning all-deaf high school football team; Soul Superhero (Westbrook), a live-action musical fantasy, which Wexler is also co-writing; Grace (Walt Disney Pictures), a dance drama about a highly talented, disabled dancer, which Wexler is also co-writing. Wexler recently co-directed and produced Unfinished Business (NFL Network), a short documentary about Keith Adams. Wexler recently inked a first look television deal with Disney.
Wexler co-wrote and co-produced the single “Stuck with U” by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and smashed debut streaming records, amassing over 1 billion streams, multiple awards, and over $5.5 million for families of first responders. Wexler penned the hit “Like it’s Christmas” for the Jonas Brothers, “Be Kind” for Halsey and Marshmello, and “Mon Soleil,” the only original song in Emily in Paris. He worked on BLACKPINK’s sophomore album, Born Pink, the first album of a female K-Pop group to hit #1 on Billboard and most recently co-wrote on Laufey’s Grammy Award-winning album Bewitched, which marked the biggest jazz debut in Spotify history.
Wexler has an innate understanding of pop culture and an ear and eye for talent. He began his career as a young talent scout for Sony, where he discovered and pitched an unknown artist, Stefani Germonatta, as “the next Madonna.” Germonatta, whose early demos Wexler recorded, is Lady Gaga. Next, he signed Rachel Platten (singer of 8x platinum hit “Fight Song”). The list goes on. Wexler is also the founder of The Brain Music, a 360 music company specializing in publishing, records, and management.
Topics
Turn the Lights Back On: Overcoming Creative Block and Rediscovering Inspiration
In this deeply personal and engaging talk, Freddy Wexler delves into the shadows of creative block and self-doubt that every artist encounters and illuminates the path back to inspiration. Drawing parallels from the rejuvenation of Billy Joel's career and the creation of the iconic "Turn the Lights Back On" music video, Wexler shares his unique strategies for reigniting the creative spark within. Attendees will learn practical techniques for overcoming stagnation, the importance of external influences and experiences in rekindling creativity, and how to harness the power of collaboration to illuminate new paths forward.
The Future of Creativity: Art Meets Technology
In an era where technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives, Freddy Wexler stands at the intersection of art and innovation, much like his work in Billy Joel's "Turn the Lights Back On" music video. This speech explores the evolving landscape of creative expression, where technology not only enhances creativity but also opens new avenues for artistic exploration. Wexler will discuss the implications of these changes for creators and the industry, sharing insights on emerging trends, the role of AI and digital platforms in creativity, and how to stay ahead in the constantly evolving creative economy.
The Power of Ten Minutes: Transforming Brief Encounters into Lifelong Journeys
Freddy Wexler's career is a testament to the power of first impressions and the lasting impact of meaningful connections. From turning a supposed 10-minute meeting with Billy Joel into a two-year collaborative journey to his early recognition of Lady Gaga's star potential, Wexler understands the art of creating memorable moments. In this speech, Wexler shares the mindset, preparation, and presence required to turn fleeting moments into profound opportunities, offering insights into leveraging brief encounters for lasting impact in the creative world and beyond.
The Storyteller's Thread: Weaving Narratives from Music to Media and Beyond
In this immersive presentation, Freddy Wexler delves into the quintessential role of storytelling in shaping human experience and driving success across various domains. Drawing from his multifaceted career—from penning hit songs and uncovering talents like Lady Gaga to crafting compelling TV pitches, and even making strategic investments in startups like Snapchat—Wexler reveals how the art of storytelling forms the backbone of creative expression and business innovation. He illustrates how a compelling narrative can captivate an audience, whether it's through the lyrics of a chart-topping song, the journey of a breakthrough artist, the pitch for a groundbreaking television series, or the vision behind a revolutionary startup, demonstrating that at the heart of every successful endeavor lies a powerful story waiting to be told.
Crafting Cultural Moments: The Alchemy of Timeless Music
Freddy Wexler is known not just for creating hits but for crafting moments that resonate deeply within the cultural zeitgeist. In this insightful speech, Wexler discusses the intricate process of creating music that transcends the ordinary to become part of our collective cultural history. Through examples like the transformative collaboration with Billy Joel and other iconic projects, he will reveal the elements that contribute to a song's longevity and impact, including emotional authenticity, narrative resonance, and the ability to capture the spirit of the times.
Grit and Resilience: The Unsung Heroes of Success
Behind every chart-topping hit and cultural milestone in Freddy Wexler's career lies an untold story of unwavering grit and resilience. This speech highlights the less glamorous, yet crucial, aspects of achieving success in any creative field. Wexler shares his experiences of facing rejection, navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, and the relentless pursuit of his creative visions. Attendees will gain insights into the importance of resilience, the art of bouncing back stronger from setbacks, and the mindset required to turn challenges into opportunities.
Manifesting Dreams into Reality: The Power of Possibility
Freddy Wexler's extraordinary path from pitching the "next Madonna" - now known as Lady Gaga - to orchestrating Billy Joel's return to pop music after 31 years illustrates the profound power of belief and manifestation. In this motivational speech, Wexler shares his philosophy on the power of possibility, drawing from personal anecdotes and his vast industry experience. Audience members will learn the significance of holding onto their vision, the role of resilience in overcoming obstacles, and practical steps to manifest their deepest aspirations into tangible outcomes.
