For the next seven days, we are inviting songwriters to record their originally written songs on Topline, our free songwriting app, and submit for the chance of a 30-minute online feedback session from our own Chief Creative Advisor Nile Rodgers and three of his favourite songwriters: Jamie Scott (One Direction, Rag’n’Bone Man, Rudimental & Jess Glynne), Giorgio Tuinfort (David Guetta, Rihanna, Sia, Ariana Grande & Whitney Houston) and Poo Bear (Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish & Mariah Carey).

Each day we will be sharing a deeper insight into the four judges, beginning with 4x Grammy award winning songwriter and producer Poo Bear. Poo Bear is the man behind the biggest hits of the past two decades, collaborating with the likes of Usher, David Guetta, DJ Khaled, Chris Brown, Fifth Harmony, Jennifer Lopez and Skrillex, but is best known as one of Justin Bieber’s closest collaborators.

Poo Bear, also known as Jason Boyd, has undoubtedly left his mark on the face of modern pop music. With his clever blend of various genres and intricate use of words and harmonies, it is without question that after over 500 million records sold worldwide, he is a force to be reckoned with. Poo Bear is not a typical writer, you won’t see him with his notebook or pen. It’s a simple mic, often a Shure SM7, where Poo Bear creates his renowned melodies and lyrics. “Using this mic, the SM7, instead of writing, I’m like, you know what, why would I write down what I just though of when I can just record it? You know I could literally skip this process, save an hour maybe in time. Then I look up, and I’m able to get two or three songs done in a day.”

The journey began when Jason’s family moved to Atlanta, Georgia just as the city was evolving into the mecca of the music industry. At the age of 14, Poo Bear co-wrote his first hit single for platinum selling R&B group 112 titled, Anywhere. This began his unprecedented catalogue of songs written for the biggest artists in the world. With songs topping the charts, Poo Bear’s masterful vocal production was soon to be used on the biggest selling album of the millennium. Poo Bear co-wrote multiple tracks on Usher's Confessions record, including the single Caught Up, rewarding him with two Grammys, multiple accolades and other awards. Poo Bear earned his third Grammy for his contributions to Jill Scott’s Words and Sounds: Volume 1 album and his fourth Grammy was for Chris Brown’s FAME album.

Not only has Poo Bear topped numerous music charts around the world, but he has commanded the attention of the feature film and television industries by lending his talents to Sean P Diddy Combs for his series Making the Band, writing songs for Danity Kane, in addition to 8Ball&MJG for the soundtrack for the acclaimed feature film The Fast and the Furious. Poo Bear’s reputation for being a consummate professional has awarded him the opportunity to work abroad with legendary musicians Jah Cure, Mavado, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia and iconic DJ Paul Oakenfold. Poo Bear also co-wrote and produced 10 singles on Justin Bieber’s Journals album with each single spending significant time as number one on iTunes.

Poo Bear was asked by Billboard “How do you know when a song is "the one?" He explained that: “Every now and then I’ll have a feeling like, "Whoa, this is going to be a big record" but then a lot of times, I just know to stick to my formula. A lot of times I don’t know. Even on songs like “What Do You Mean?”, I wasn’t sure about it but it was [Bieber's manager] Scooter [Braun] who said, "That’s a hit record, that’s Justin’s first single.” Sometimes all it takes is someone on the outside to say, "That’s a hit." So I’d rather put my all into it and hope that it’ll turn into a hit or maybe it won’t but I know I gave it my all and it’s something I’m proud.”

After nearly two decades of being behind the scenes and imprinting music with his dynamic skills, Poo Bear’s journey has led him to centre stage. He has justifiably earned his place at the top of the list of songwriters, vocal producers and producers worldwide. We are honoured to have him as part of the Abbey Road Studios’ It’s All About Your Topline’ songwriting competition, where for one lucky songwriter, they will receive a a 30-minute online feedback session with the prolific producer. The competition closes Monday 27 April so enter now!