CJ Baran

Last updated

CJ Baran
Birth nameChristopher John Baran
Born (1990-02-13) February 13, 1990 (age 34)
Melville, New York, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
InstrumentGuitar
Years active2006–present
LabelsPulse Music Group, MXM Music, VAMP

Christopher John Baran (born February 13, 1990), known professionally as CJ Baran, is an American record producer and songwriter based in Los Angeles. He is known for his work with artists including Melanie Martinez, Carly Rae Jepsen, Panic! At The Disco, and Nessa Barrett, among many others. He is a founding member of theatre company Woolf and the Wondershow and co-writer, creator, and producer of their Los Angeles future theater musical CAGES.

Contents

Early life

Baran is originally from Melville, New York, where he took an early interest in music, learning several instruments and beginning his first band at 11, Kaution. [1] Whilst attending St. Anthony's High School.

Career

Baran joined Steve Scarola, Nick DeTurris and Derek Ries to form Push Play. Baran was lead vocalist, keyboard player, and rhythm guitarist for the Long Island-based band. [1] [2] They recorded their debut album in Baran's basement, before receiving a record deal from Wind-Up Records and Sony Music. Following a tour with the band, Baran realized he preferred to make music rather than tour and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in production. Baran went on to sign with Pulse Recording for his writing and production work in 2011. In 2013, Baran met producer Max Martin, who brought Baran on to his recording company, MXM. Baran was co-signed with both Pulse and MXM from 2015 to 2023. [3]

Baran initially received critical acclaim for his work on Carly Rae Jepsen's E-MO-TION album, which Billboard ranked as the #2 best pop album of the year, under 25 by Adele. [4] He wrote and produced Panic! at the Disco's "Victorious", which climbed to number one on Apple Music and No. 89 on the Billboard Hot 100 in fall 2015. The song is part of the Grammy-nominated album, Death of a Bachelor , which became the number one album on the Billboard 200 in January 2016. Baran co-wrote and produced Melanie Martinez's "Pity Party", which was certified 2x platinum by the RIAA in 2021. The song was the lead single from Martinez's album Cry Baby , which peaked at number six on the Billboard 200. He has provided music for the TV series Empire , most notably his song "Do it" featuring Becky G. [5]

In 2015, Baran and composer Benjamin Romans set out to combine forces and create a genre bending multimedia musical as Woolf and the Wondershow. They began performing their future theater show CAGES in a converted warehouse in The Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. Baran and Romans co-wrote the music and lyrics as well as co-directed. [6] For the LA run, Baran performed live on stage as main character Woolf, while Romans performed the live score. The show was a first of its kind, blending ghost holograms interacting with live actors using projection mapping. [7] The show was successful, enjoying a 6th month run of sold-out performances, before being halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CAGES returned in late 2021, with the release of an official soundtrack recording and film. The show enjoyed an additional run of London performances in 2022. [8] CAGES has been noted as an innovative experience that blends Broadway, pop music and film, and was called 'groundbreaking' by the Los Angeles Times. [9] As described by Forbes, CAGES "is breathtaking...one part Les Mis, another part Kanye West, a dash of Broadway here, and a sprinkle of cinema there - all mixed together in an entirely new kind of immersive blender complete with earth-shattering sound." [10]

Most recently, Baran executive produced Melanie Martinez's third album, PORTALS , which was released in 2023 and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. [11] [12] His work on PORTALS positioned him at number one on the weekly Billboard Alternative Producers Chart. [13] Additionally in 2023, Baran founded his own production and publishing company, VAMP, focused on world-building and creating niches in the alternative genre. The name is a multi-acronym for "very alternative music publishing" and "very alternative music production." [14] [15]

Selected discography

YearArtistSongAlbumWriterProducerEngineer
2024 Nessa Barrett "AFTERCARE"AFTERCARE [a] Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
"PORNSTAR"
"HEARTBEAT"
"DISCO (feat. Tommy Genesis)"
"RUSSIAN ROULETTE"
"BABYDOLL"
"GIVEN ENOUGH"
"EDWARD SCISSORHANDS"
"GLITTER AND VIOLENCE"
"PINS AND NEEDLES"
"STAY ALIVE"
"DIRTY LITTLE SECRET"
COIN "Growing Song"I'm Not Afraid of Music AnymoreYes check.svg
Zinadelphia"Knock The Wind"The MagazineYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Mars Argo "Lick It Like A Kitten"I Can Only Be Me EPYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Baby Storme "Rest In Pieces"N/AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Noga Erez "AYAYAY"THE VANDALISTYes check.svg
"Come Back Home"Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Caity Baser "I'm A Problem"Still LearningYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
bludnymph "The Things I Do For Love"N/AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
2023 Melanie Martinez "DEATH" PORTALS [a] Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"VOID" Yes check.svg
"TUNNEL VISION"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"FAERIE SOIRÉE"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"LIGHT SHOWER"Yes check.svg
"SPIDER WEB"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"LEECHES"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"BATTLE OF THE LARYNX"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"THE CONTORTIONIST"Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
"MOON CYCLE"
"NYMPHOLOGY"
"EVIL"
"WOMB"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"POWDER" PORTALS (Deluxe) Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
"PLUTO"
Baby Storme"Sunglasses At Night"Forever HalloweenYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
"This City is a Graveyard"N/AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Mars Argo"I Can Only Be Me"I Can Only Be Me EPYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
2022Woolf and the WondershowCAGES (Official Cast Recording) [a] Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
ONE OK ROCK "When They Turn the Lights On" Luxury Disease Yes check.svgYes check.svg
Chicago "You've Got To Believe" Born For This Moment Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"If This Is Goodbye"
Mars Argo"Angry"I Can Only Be Me EPYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Au/Ra "plz don't waste my youth"N/AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
2021Au/Ra"Bite Marks"N/AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Darren Criss "let's"MasqueradeYes check.svgYes check.svg
"walk of shame"Yes check.svg
"f*kn around"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"for a night like this"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"i can't dance"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
2020 Aly & AJ "Attack of Panic"We Don't StopYes check.svg
"Joan of Arc on the Dance Floor"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
Carly Rae Jepsen "It's Not Christmas Til Somebody Cries"N/AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
"Let's Be Friends" Dedicated Side B (Japan Edition) Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
"Always On My Mind"
COIN"Cemetery"CemeteryYes check.svgYes check.svg
2019 K.Flay "Only The Dark" Solutions
Carly Rae Jepsen"Everything He Needs" Dedicated Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
Kailee Morgue, Hayley Kiyoko "Headcase"N/AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
ONE OK ROCK"Grow Old Die Young" Eye of the Storm Yes check.svgYes check.svg
2018Kailee Morgue"Medusa" Medusa Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
"Discovery"
2017COIN"Talk Too Much" How Will You Know If You Never Try Yes check.svg
Betty Who "Mama Say" The Valley Yes check.svg
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness "So Close" Zombies on Broadway Yes check.svgYes check.svg
ONE OK ROCK"One Way Ticket" Ambitions Yes check.svgYes check.svg
2016Carly Rae Jepsen"Store" EMOTION SIDE B Yes check.svgYes check.svg
Nelly, Simple Plan "I Don't Wanna Go to Bed" Taking One for the Team Yes check.svg
2015 Panic! at the Disco "Victorious" Death of a Bachelor Yes check.svgYes check.svg
Pentatonix "Cracked" Pentatonix (album) Yes check.svg
Melanie Martinez "Pity Party" Cry Baby Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"Cake"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
Hilary Duff "Rebel Hearts" Breathe In. Breathe Out. Yes check.svgYes check.svg
MIKA "Promiseland" No Place In Heaven Yes check.svg
Bea Miller "Dracula" Not An Apology Yes check.svgYes check.svg
Carly Rae Jepsen"Emotion" E•MO•TION Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"Let's Get Lost"Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"Love Again" E•MO•TION (Deluxe Expanded Edition) Yes check.svgYes check.svg
2014 The Vamps "Lovestruck" Meet The Vamps Yes check.svgYes check.svg
The Cab "These Are The Lies" Lock Me Up Yes check.svgYes check.svg
2011 Pixie Lott "Everybody Hurts Sometimes" Young Foolish Happy Yes check.svgYes check.svg
"Till The Sun Comes Out"Yes check.svgYes check.svg

Notes

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carly Rae Jepsen</span> Canadian singer (born 1985)

Carly Rae Jepsen is a Canadian singer and songwriter. After studying musical theatre for most of her school life and while in university, Jepsen garnered mainstream attention after placing third on the fifth season of Canadian Idol in 2007. In 2008, Jepsen released her folk-influenced debut studio album Tug of War in Canada before it was internationally released in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Call Me Maybe</span> 2011 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Call Me Maybe" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen from her EP Curiosity (2012) and later appeared on her second studio album and international debut album Kiss (2012). The song was written by Jepsen and Tavish Crowe as a folk song, but its genre was modified to pop following the production by Josh Ramsay. It was released as the lead single from the EP on September 20, 2011 in Canada through 604 Records. In 2012, Jepsen was signed to Schoolboy Records and released "Call Me Maybe” worldwide through the label, as her debut international single. Musically, "Call Me Maybe" is a teen pop, dance-pop and bubblegum pop track that alludes to the inconvenience that love at first sight brings to a girl who hopes for a call back from a new crush.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carly Rae Jepsen discography</span>

Canadian singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen has released seven studio albums, two remix albums, four EPs, 28 singles, 11 promotional singles, and 24 music videos. In 2007, Jepsen finished third in the fifth season of the talent series Canadian Idol. She subsequently signed a recording contract with Fontana and MapleMusic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Time (Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen song)</span> 2012 single by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen

"Good Time" is a song by American electronica project Owl City and Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on June 26, 2012, as the lead single from Owl City's album The Midsummer Station and was used as the second single from Jepsen's second studio album, Kiss. "Good Time" was written by Matt Thiessen, Brian Lee, and Adam Young of Owl City. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, with critics describing it as a "summer anthem".

<i>Kiss</i> (Carly Rae Jepsen album) 2012 studio album by Carly Rae Jepsen

Kiss is the second studio album by Canadian singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on September 14, 2012, by 604, Schoolboy and Interscope Records. After her debut, Tug of War (2008), was only released in Canada, Kiss became Jepsen's first internationally released album. Songs on the album are in the nu-disco, dance-pop, and teen pop genres, drawing inspiration from the Cars, Madonna and Robyn. Featuring production from a wide collection of producers including Dallas Austin, Josh Ramsay, and Redfoo, the album features guest vocals from Justin Bieber and Owl City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tonight I'm Getting Over You</span> 2013 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Tonight I'm Getting Over You" is a song by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen, taken from her second studio album and debut international release, Kiss (2012). It was released in the United States as a single on February 19, 2013, as the international fourth single from the album. An official remix featuring rapper Nicki Minaj was released on May 6, 2013. The song was written by Jepsen, Lukas Hilbert, Max Martin, Clarence Coffee Jr., Shiloh, and Katerina Loules. Thematically, the track centers around a break-up, with lyrics about getting over her ex-boyfriend by dancing with someone new. The song has some dubstep aspects. "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" received mostly positive reviews from music critics; some deemed it one of the best tracks on Kiss, as they did with "Call Me Maybe".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All That (song)</span> 2015 song by Carly Rae Jepsen

"All That" is a song by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen from her third studio album, Emotion (2015). It was released as the first promotional single from the album on June 3, 2015, via 604, School Boy, and Interscope Records. The song was written by Jepsen and producers Ariel Rechtshaid, and Dev Hynes.

<i>Emotion</i> (Carly Rae Jepsen album) 2015 studio album by Carly Rae Jepsen

Emotion is the third studio album by Canadian singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on June 24, 2015 in Japan and worldwide on August 21, 2015 through 604, School Boy, and Interscope Records. Looking to transition from the bubblegum pop-oriented nature of her second studio album, Kiss (2012), Jepsen found inspiration in 1980s music and alternative styles. She enlisted a team of mainstream and indie collaborators, including Sia, Mattman & Robin, Dev Hynes, Ariel Rechtshaid, Rostam Batmanglij, Greg Kurstin, and Peter Svensson of the Cardigans, culminating in a largely synth-pop-centric effort.

<i>Cry Baby</i> (Melanie Martinez album) 2015 album by Melanie Martinez

Cry Baby is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Melanie Martinez, released on August 14, 2015, through Atlantic Records. Between September and December 2012, Martinez rose to prominence upon participating in the third season of the American edition of The Voice. After the show's completion, the singer began working independently on original material, which she says she spent the majority of 2013 writing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Melanie Martinez discography</span>

American singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez has released three studio albums, four extended plays, twelve singles, two promotional singles and thirty one music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">First Time (Carly Rae Jepsen song)</span> 2016 promotional single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"First Time" is a song recorded by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen for her second remix album, Emotion Remixed + (2016), which was released only in Japan. The song is also included on Emotion: Side B.

<i>Emotion: Side B</i> 2016 EP by Carly Rae Jepsen

Emotion: Side B is the third extended play (EP) by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on August 26, 2016, by 604 Records, Schoolboy Records and Interscope Records. Jepsen developed Side B as a companion piece to her third studio album, Emotion (2015), in response to fan demand. Side B features unreleased songs that were cut from the original effort.

<i>Dedicated</i> (Carly Rae Jepsen album) 2019 studio album by Carly Rae Jepsen

Dedicated is the fourth studio album by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on May 17, 2019, by 604 Records in Canada, and School Boy and Interscope Records in the United States. The album was preceded by the release of the singles "Party for One", "Now That I Found You", "No Drug Like Me", "Julien", and "Too Much". To support the album Jepsen embarked on The Dedicated Tour with dates in Europe, North America and Asia. A companion album, Dedicated Side B, featuring outtakes from Dedicated, was released just over a year later on May 21, 2020.

<i>K–12</i> (album) 2019 album by Melanie Martinez

K–12 is the second studio album by American singer Melanie Martinez. It was released with an accompanying film of the same name on September 6, 2019, through Atlantic Records. Martinez played the main character, "Cry Baby," in this film that she wrote and directed.

<i>Dedicated Side B</i> 2020 studio album by Carly Rae Jepsen

Dedicated Side B is the fifth studio album by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It serves as a companion piece to Dedicated (2019), her fourth studio album. It was released on May 21, 2020, by 604 Records in Canada, and Schoolboy and Interscope Records in the United States. The album features 14 outtakes from the original album. The album was preceded by the release of the single "Let's Be Friends", which was ultimately included only in its Japanese edition. Musically, the album is primarily a dance-pop record with disco influences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beach House (Carly Rae Jepsen song)</span> 2022 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Beach House" is a song by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released as the second single from her sixth studio album, The Loneliest Time, on August 5, 2022. Jepsen wrote the track with Alex Hope and Nate Cyphert, with Hope handling the production alongside SameSame, who is credited as an additional producer. Inspired by a displeasing experience, the lyrics explore the uncertain and troubling side of finding love in dating apps and Jepsen's frustration with it. Musically, "Beach House" is a disco-pop tune driven by upbeat guitar and synthesizer instrumentation.

<i>Portals</i> (Melanie Martinez album) 2023 studio album by Melanie Martinez

Portals is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez, released on March 31, 2023, through Atlantic Records. It is Martinez's first album after she took a three-and-a-half-year hiatus from releasing music. With her return, she introduced a new image and sported a new creature. In support of the album, Martinez embarked on the Portals Tour in May 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Void (song)</span> 2023 single by Melanie Martinez

"Void" is a song written, produced, and performed by American singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez. It is the second single from her third studio album, Portals. It was released as a single on March 29, 2023, through Atlantic Records and it is her highest charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 61. The music video was released on June 13, 2023.

References

  1. 1 2 La Gorce, Tammy (March 30, 2008). "Making Music, and Their Own Rules". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 20, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  2. Howes, Lewis (July 14, 2014). "What a Musical Genius Can Teach You About Creativity and Chasing Your Dreams with CJ Baran". lewishowes.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  3. "CJ Baran". Pulse Recordings. Archived from the original on February 8, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  4. "Critic Lists for Carly Rae Jepsen - E•MO•TION". Album of The Year. August 7, 2024.
  5. "CJ Baran". cjbaran.com. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  6. "Woolf & The Wondershow". August 27, 2019. Archived from the original on August 27, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  7. "'CAGES'". PLSN Magazine. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  8. "CAGES | A fantastical tale of love in a loveless world". August 8, 2022. Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  9. "Is it theater? Is it film? 'Cages' doesn't care. Just don't call it a 'musical'". Los Angeles Times. February 27, 2020.
  10. "Live Experiential Entertainment Awaits & Will Astound - Once We Are Ready (In a Post Coronavirus World)". Forbes . Archived from the original on March 26, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  11. PORTALS - Melanie Martinez | Album Credits | AllMusic , retrieved August 8, 2024
  12. Cabison, Rosalie (January 2, 2013). "Billboard 200™". Billboard. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  13. Cusson, Michael (May 26, 2022). "Alternative Producers". Billboard. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  14. "VAMP (very alternative music publishing)". VAMP. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  15. "VAMP introductory post on Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved August 8, 2024.