Kuk Harrell shares career insights at Dean’s Spotlight Session
Legendary vocal producer Kuk Harrell visited Taper Hall on Nov. 21, 2025 to discuss his career. During the Spotlight Session moderated by USC Thornton Dean Jason King, Harrell broke down Logic Pro sessions working with A-list talent like Summer Walker and Jenny from BLACKPINK and answered questions from student audience members.
His place in the music industry was cemented after co-writing and vocal producing Rhianna’s “Umbrella,” thereafter producing vocals for era-defining singles like her “Only Girl (In the World),” “Single Ladies” by Beyonce and “Baby” by Justin Bieber. His list of clientele features the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, Anitta, Zaara Larson, Celine Dion and Mary J. Blige, sticking with some artists for years to maintain their stylistic voices.
Through working with these singers, Harrell pioneered what a vocal producer does: Bring the best, most authentic and song-serving performances out of talent. He looks for rasp, emotion, grit, lightness and personality — in other words, perfect imperfection.
The best and most important way to cultivate these performances, according to Harrell, is to create an emotional safe space for the artist. A vocal producer must “meet their personalities where they’re at,” and adjust to their needs through active and empathetic listening.
Pizza and drinks in the hall awaited attendees as Harrell took the time to personally greet and talk to students, connecting with them as a peer and fellow practioner. His generosity was a reflection of his main purpose, which he elucidated at the seminar’s close: “…to instill confidence and joy in others.” Vocal production is simply his vessel to do so. This iteration of the Dean’s Spotlight Sessions was yet another opportunity to serve that purpose.
“It was a complete honor and a blessing to be able to be here at USC Thornton, to be able to share my heart and my career, and I’m looking forward to seeing everybody else again,” Harrell energetically shared. “I’m hoping and praying for nothing but success for everyone that has attended this seminar.”
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Photo credit: Sherman Tsang