Those song hits you love? There is a woman behind more of them than you think. These are women who have quietly, brilliantly, and persistently shaped the sound of modern pop music from behind the scenes. You may not know their names, but you almost certainly know their work. This Women’s Month, Popmedley is changing that. Here are 10 female pop producers and songwriters who deserve far more credit than they get.
1. Linda Perry Producer and Songwriter
If you have ever sung along to “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera, “What You Waiting For?” by Gwen Stefani, or “Missundaztood” by Pink, you have experienced Linda Perry’s genius firsthand. Originally the lead singer of 4 Non Blondes, Perry reinvented herself as one of the most sought-after pop producers of the 2000s, working with everyone from Alicia Keys and Adele to Britney Spears and Celine Dion. In 2019, she made history as the first woman nominated solo for the Non-Classical Producer of the Year Grammy since 1999. She has been quietly building a legacy that most people don’t even know to attribute to her.
2. WondaGurl Producer
WondaGurl, born Ebony Oshunrinde in Brampton, Ontario, was just 15 years old when she won a Toronto beat-making competition and caught the attention of producer Boi-1da. By her late teens, she was already producing for Jay-Z and Travis Scott. Her credits include Travis Scott’s “Antidote,” Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money,” and work with Drake, Pop Smoke, and Kid Cudi. She later earned a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and launched her own WondaChild label to mentor the next generation of producers. A force in every sense of the word.
3. Ester Dean Songwriter and Producer
Ester Dean is the woman behind some of the most infectious pop hooks of the last two decades. She co-wrote Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” and “What’s My Name?,” Katy Perry’s “Firework” and “ET,” and Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass,” among dozens of others. Her ability to craft melodies that feel both inevitable and irresistible has made her one of the most in-demand songwriters in the business, yet most casual music fans have no idea who she is. As Point Blank Music School noted, her talent for creating infectious melodies has made her an influential force in modern pop.
Women represented just 2.6 percent of music producers on the Billboard Hot 100 between 2012 and 2020. These 10 women represent the change that is long overdue.
4. Amy Allen Songwriter
Amy Allen made history at the 2025 Grammy Awards when she became the first woman to win Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical, a category that has been dominated by men since its inception. Behind the scenes, she has written hit after hit for artists including Harry Styles, Halsey, and Camila Cabello. Her songs are distinguished by an emotional clarity and lyrical precision that makes them feel personal even when sung by someone else entirely. Her Grammy win was historic, and long overdue.
5. Imogen Heap Producer, Songwriter and Innovator
Imogen Heap occupies a unique space in pop music: she is both a celebrated solo artist and a pioneering producer whose influence extends far beyond her own recordings. Her track “Hide and Seek,” built entirely using a vocal harmonizer, became one of the most sampled and referenced songs of the 2000s. As a producer, she co-produced Taylor Swift’s fan-favourite track “Clean” from the 1989 album, bringing her atmospheric, electronic touch to one of the decade’s biggest pop records. She also invented Mi.Mu MIDI-controller gloves, which Ariana Grande later used on tour.
6. TRAKGIRL Producer
TRAKGIRL, born Shakari L., grew up in Virginia idolising Missy Elliott and Timbaland, and she has spent her career living up to those influences. Her production credits span Jhene Aiko, Omarion, Andra Day, and Luke James, among many others. But what sets her apart is her determination to pull other women up with her. In 2018, she launched the 7% Series initiative, a programme designed to bring more women into music production, named after the fact that fewer than seven percent of producers and engineers in the industry are women. In 2022, she teamed up with audio company AIAIAI to launch Future of Sound, a mentorship programme for underrepresented producers.
7. Alex Hope Producer and Songwriter
Australian producer Alex Hope started out writing coronation songs for X Factor winners in her home country, but her ambitions were always far bigger. Her mid-tempo, synth-driven pop production has since landed on albums by Troye Sivan, Selena Gomez, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Tegan and Sara. She also produced tracks for Alanis Morissette’s comeback album and contributed to the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning film Promising Young Woman. One of the most outspoken advocates for gender equity behind the mixing boards, Hope is both a brilliant producer and a vital voice in the industry.
8. Alissia Benveniste Producer
Born in Switzerland and raised in Italy, Alissia Benveniste fell in love with funk music early and eventually became one of the most respected producers working in pop and R&B today. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, she became the 10th woman in history to earn a nomination for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, a category almost entirely dominated by men. Her productions blend soulful grooves with contemporary pop sensibility in a way that feels both timeless and completely current.
9. NOVA WAV Production Duo
NOVA WAV is the production duo of Brittany “Chi” Coney and Denisia “Blu June” Andrews, and their credits read like a who’s-who of modern pop and R&B royalty. They have produced for Beyonce, Rihanna, Chloe x Halle, and many others. Despite their extraordinary output, they remain one of the best-kept secrets in pop music production. As Grammy.com noted, their work has helped shape the modern sound of some of the biggest names in the industry, yet their names rarely appear in the headlines.
10. Calina Producer, Engineer and Songwriter
Colombian vocal producer, engineer, singer, and songwriter Calina has built a formidable reputation in both Latin and mainstream pop circles. Her biggest achievement to date is winning a Latin Grammy for her work on Carlos Vives’ Cumbiana II, which won Best Contemporary Tropical Album in 2022. Her ever-growing list of collaborators includes Maria Becerra, Gloria Trevi, Luis Fonsi, Laura Pausini, Nelly Furtado, and Juanes. She is proof that the most exciting production talent in pop music right now is coming from everywhere, not just the usual places.
The Bigger Picture
These 10 women are not exceptions to the rule. They are proof that the rule is wrong. Pop music has always been built by women as much as it has been performed by them, but the industry has been slow to acknowledge it. This Women’s Month, the least we can do is say their names, share their stories, and make sure that the next generation of female producers and songwriters knows there is a seat at the table waiting for them.