#014 - Andre Kaden Black
Welcome to our interview series, where we interview emerging creatives all over the globe!
Today, we will be interviewing a highly respected and influential figure in the music industry, Andre Kaden Black has built a career spanning nearly three decades. Known for his exceptional versatility, he has contributed to songwriting, record production, artist development, session guitar work, and artist management while collaborating with some of the most prominent names in the business. He has written songs for major labels such as Sony/ATV, Warner Music, EMI, Atlantic Records, Curve Music, 21 Entertainment, and Arista/BMG.
With experience across indie and major label sectors, Andre has worked in Canada, the U.S., and Asia, establishing himself as a key collaborator. His global touring credits include performances alongside Alicia Keys, OneRepublic, Jason Mraz, and Simple Plan. He has also worked with influential talents like Fefe Dobson (Island/Def Jam), Walk Off The Earth (Columbia Records), and Grammy-winning talent agency Chris Smith Management, as well as members of Buckcherry (Eleven Seven/Atlantic), Our Lady Peace (Sony Music), and Boston (Epic/MCA).
Andre has collaborated with Pitbull (RCA/Sony Latin), contributing top-line melodies to their projects. He has also had the opportunity to write for some of the most iconic artists in the industry, including Rihanna, Corey Hart, and Christina Aguilera.
Leading industry publications, including Billboard, Professional Sound, and Canadian Musician Magazine have recognized Andre’s work. He has also been invited to speak at prominent events such as Canadian Music Week, NXNE, SXSW, and Indie Week Toronto, sharing panels with industry icons like Jermaine Dupri, Sylvia Massy, and Keith Thomas.
With over 100 records produced in world-class studios such as Toronto’s Revolution Recording, New York City’s KMA Music, and the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, Andre is a leading figure in music production and artist mentorship. His career extends beyond production; he played a pivotal role in managing former Big Machine Label Group artist Vivian Hicks, collaborating with Rick Barker (Taylor Swift’s former manager), and working with global brands like Gary Vaynerchuk (VaynerMedia), Nintendo, Crayola, and ABC’s American Idol.
With that being said, we will now dive into the questions we have prepared for Andre!
Hey, Andre! We appreciate your interest in taking part in the FTWS interview series. How are you feeling today?
Hey! Thanks so much for having me. I’m feeling good today, grateful, a little reflective, and excited to dive into this. Appreciate the opportunity.
As someone who wears many hats across the music, fitness, and fashion industries, can you walk us through your creative process—from the first spark of a musical idea to the final mastered record?
For me, the process usually starts with a feeling. I might be on a run, on set, or in a session, and something just hits. A lyric, a melody, even just a rhythm. I always try to chase that spark before overthinking it. Once I’m in the studio, I focus on building a world around that emotion, sonically and lyrically. Collaboration plays a big role too. I love pulling ideas out of artists that they didn’t even know were in them.
From there, it’s about refining, letting the song breathe, revisiting it with fresh ears, sometimes scrapping a version entirely if it’s not hitting hard enough. Once it’s dialed in emotionally and technically, I work with my amazing team to bring it to life. Mastering is the final touch, but honestly, the fun in the early chaos. I live for that moment when the messy idea finally locks into something undeniable.
What tools, studios, or collaborators are essential to your workflow? And how do you ensure your production style stays both distinct and commercially relevant?
We’re pretty fluid when it comes to gear and setup, but I always prioritize capturing emotion, whether that’s through a vintage mic chain, analog synths, or live instruments. The DAW is just a canvas. What really matters is the energy in the room and the people you’re creating with.
I’ve recorded in some of the most iconic studios around the world, Abbey Road in London, Revolution Recording in Toronto, and other incredible spaces in New York, and Nashville to name a few. Each room has its own energy, but at the end of the day, it’s not about the gear, it’s about the intention behind every take.
I collaborate with people who challenge me to be better. Artists, my amazing team of producers/engineers, and writers who are brutally honest and creatively fearless. That kind of dynamic keeps our work sharp and evolving.
To keep my sound distinct but still commercially relevant, I stay curious. I study what’s working in the market not to chase trends, but to understand what’s resonating. Then I filter it through my own creative lens. It’s about emotional impact first, polish second.
You’ve balanced high-level work with major labels like Sony/ATV and Island/Def Jam while also competing in Ironman races. What’s been your toughest challenge on this journey, and how did you push through?
Honestly, the toughest challenge has been learning how to show up fully in both worlds without burning out. Music demands your soul, and so does training for something like an IRONMAN. They’re both all-consuming in different ways, one drains you emotionally, the other physically.
There were moments where I questioned if I could keep up the pace, finishing a night session and waking up early to train. But I’ve learned that discipline is a muscle, and so is knowing when to rest. What got me through was staying connected to why I do it. I love accomplishing things, whether it’s a song or a finish line. And I’ve found that pushing myself in one area often fuels the other. When I’m mentally strong from training, I’m more creative in the studio. The balance is never perfect, but I’ve stopped chasing perfect. I just chase progress.
Your career spans multiple industries and global platforms. Whose work—whether in music, fashion, or athletics—has influenced you the most? Have you had any standout cross-cultural or interdisciplinary collaborations?
I’ve always been drawn to people who move through multiple worlds with intention and integrity. Pharrell is a big one, his ability to shift between music, fashion, and design without losing his voice is something I really admire. In athletics, someone like David Goggins reminds me that mental toughness is everything. And in fashion, I’ve always appreciated how designers like Virgil Abloh broke the rules while still honoring craft.
As for standout collaborations, working across cultures has shaped me more than anything else. Touring in Asia was a huge shift, it taught me how music connects people even when you don’t share the same language. Collaborating with artists in places like Tokyo or Jakarta challenged me to listen more, speak less, and trust the emotional core of a song.
Those experiences shifted how I approach creativity overall. Whether I’m in the studio, at a runway fitting, or prepping for a race, I’ve learned that the real edge comes from blending influences, not compartmentalizing them. I don’t see music, fashion, or fitness as separate worlds anymore. They inform each other. And when you build from that intersection, the work just hits deeper.
Between constant travel, high-performance expectations, and industry demands, how do you maintain your mental well-being, creativity, and discipline without burning out?
It’s taken me a long time to figure that out and truthfully, I’m still learning. Early in my career, I thought burnout was just part of the deal. But over time, I realized that if I wanted longevity, I had to take care of my mental and emotional well-being.
Now, I build routines that anchor me, even when I’m constantly moving. Training helps. Whether I’m lifting weights at the gym or just getting a 10k run in between sessions, movement clears my head and resets my energy. I also carve out time to unplug. No music, no social, just space to process. Time in nature, meditation, and simply lying for long periods of time under the sun have become essential rituals for me. That stillness gives me clarity.
Creativity flows when I’m mentally present, not when I’m running on fumes. So I’ve had to learn how to say no more often, protect my time, and surround myself with people who get it. Discipline isn’t just about doing more, sometimes it’s knowing when to slow down.
That concludes our interview with you. Thank you so much for participating! Would you like to share any new plans over the next few months?
Thank you. I really enjoyed this.
Over the next few months, I’m focused on finishing some exciting records I’ve been producing and launching a songwriting course designed to help emerging artists truly level up their craft. Mentorship has become a huge part of my mission, I’m passionate about guiding the next generation of talent to find their voice and navigate the industry with confidence. On top of that, I’m diving deeper into fashion and speaking opportunities, embracing new ways to share my story and inspire others. I’m staying open, driven, and ready to create meaningful impact wherever this journey takes me.
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