Michael Goldwasser

About

Michael Goldwasser is the co-founder of Easy Star Records, a leading independent reggae label, and a freelance producer and songwriter. He is the mastermind behind a unique musical genre - taking classic albums and re-imagining them as reggae. His production Dub Side of the Moon, a reggae version of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, is one of the best-selling independent reggae releases of 21st Century and has been praised by Pink Floyd guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour himself. Likewise, the members of Radiohead are all fans of his album Radiodread, a reggae version of their classic OK Computer. His album Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band, an adaptation of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper album, held the #1 spot on the Billboard Reggae Chart upon release and was the first reggae album to crack the Billboard Top 200 in over two years. Easy Star’s Thrillah, a version of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, also shot right to the top of the reggae chart. His most recent entry in the series is Ziggy Stardub, a reworking of David Bowie’s most famous album.

Michael has written, produced, arranged, and played with some of the biggest names in reggae including Steel Pulse, Third World, Toots & the Maytals, Matisyahu, and Sister Nancy. He has done remixes for diverse artists such as Yoko Ono, Kelly Clarkson, Janelle Monae, Jason Mraz, Dhani Harrison, Umphrey’s McGee, and Rebelution. In recent years, Michael has been producing for and writing with multiple Grammy-winner Jason Mraz, including the album Look For The Good, and he has served as Musical Director for Mraz’s live show.

Michael also produces/writes/plays as Goldswagger, his r&b/soul/funk alter-ego, and his self-titled album went to #1 on the UK Soul Chart. He has also had dozens of his compositions/productions featured in TV shows and feature films.

In addition to producing, songwriting, and running a record company, Michael is an adjunct professor at Marymount Manhattan College, teaching a course called The Art and Business of Record Production. Michael has been a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers since 1992 and a Voting Member of the Recording Academy since 2003.