Inside Julia Michaels' Hit-Making Process with Selena Gomez

Julia Michaels, the acclaimed songwriter behind hits for Justin Bieber and Demi Lovato, continues to leave her mark on the music industry with her latest collaboration on Selena Gomez's newly released track 'Stained.'
April 2, 2025
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This song, a long-awaited addition to Gomez's discography, highlights Michaels' ability to craft emotionally resonant lyrics, building on her celebrated work on tracks like 'Issues' and 'Lose You To Love Me.'

Selena Gomez Releases "Stained," a Long-Awaited Track

"Stained" by Selena Gomez is a track that fans have eagerly awaited for years, finally seeing its official release. Originally produced during Gomez's "Revival" era, the song remained unreleased until it was included as a bonus track on her album "I Said I Love You First." This release is a testament to Gomez's connection with her fanbase, acknowledging their long-standing anticipation.

The song's unique appeal lies in its blend of personal and relatable themes, crafted with the help of talented songwriters and producers. Julia Michaels, a renowned songwriter known for her emotive and introspective lyrics, played a significant role in shaping "Stained." Michaels' collaboration with Gomez is a continuation of their successful partnership, having co-written several hits together.

The origin of "Stained" traces back to a casual studio session during the "Revival" era, where its potential was recognized but not fully realized until now. Its release has been met with enthusiastic reception, with fans celebrating the emotional resonance and artistry that Gomez consistently delivers.

Julia Michaels: Crafting Hits Behind the Scenes

Julia Michaels, a talented songwriter hailing from Davenport, Iowa, has made a significant impact in the music industry through her exceptional songwriting skills. Her journey began at a young age in Santa Clarita, California, where she honed her craft and began collaborating with established songwriters like Joleen Belle and Lindy Robbins. Michaels' ability to create resonant pop anthems has led her to work with some of the biggest names in music, including Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato. Her style is characterized by introspective and emotionally charged lyrics, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists. Michaels' work has been recognized with numerous award nominations, including multiple Grammy nods. Her recent collaboration on Selena Gomez's song "Stained" is yet another testament to her prowess in crafting compelling music.

Julia Michaels: The Creative Force Behind 5 Hit Songs

Discover five hit songs that showcase Julia Michaels' exceptional songwriting talent, highlighting her ability to craft emotionally resonant and chart-topping tracks.

"Issues" by Julia Michaels: A Personal and Commercial Triumph

"Issues," the debut single by Julia Michaels, marked a significant milestone in her transition from a behind-the-scenes songwriter to a solo artist. Released in 2017, the song quickly climbed the charts, peaking in the top 10 in multiple countries and earning multi-platinum certifications worldwide, including Diamond status in France. Its success was further cemented with a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year. Known for its downtempo pop style and confessional lyrics, "Issues" explores themes of vulnerability and emotional honesty, resonating with listeners through its relatable portrayal of relationship dynamics. Julia Michaels' songwriting prowess shines through in this track, as she channels personal experiences into a universal narrative, showcasing her ability to craft emotionally charged and introspective pop anthems.

Sorry by Justin Bieber

"Sorry," performed by Justin Bieber, is a standout track that showcases the collaborative genius of its creators. The song, co-written by Julia Michaels, achieved remarkable success, spending three weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and seven weeks on the Canadian charts. Its tropical house and dancehall influences, combined with Bieber's laid-back vocals, created a fresh, infectious sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. Julia Michaels' contribution to the songwriting process was pivotal, crafting relatable and conversational lyrics that complemented the song's vibrant production. Her ability to quickly capture the essence of the track in under an hour highlights her exceptional talent and played a significant role in the song's widespread acclaim and enduring popularity.

Lose You To Love Me by Selena Gomez

"Lose You to Love Me" marked a significant milestone in Selena Gomez's career, becoming her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving triple platinum certification. Released in 2019, the song was praised for its emotional depth and vulnerability, resonating with listeners as an anthem of self-love and personal growth. Julia Michaels, a renowned songwriter known for her introspective and emotionally charged lyrics, co-wrote the track alongside Gomez. Michaels' contribution was pivotal in crafting the song's poignant narrative, which explores themes of healing and self-discovery. Her ability to translate complex emotions into relatable lyrics helped elevate the song's impact, solidifying its place as a defining moment in Gomez's artistic journey.

Bed Chem by Sabrina Carpenter

"Bed Chem" by Sabrina Carpenter stands out as a captivating blend of synth-pop and contemporary R&B, showcasing Carpenter's evolution as an artist. Co-written by the talented Julia Michaels, the song is part of Carpenter's acclaimed album Short n’ Sweet. While not a chart-topper, "Bed Chem" received praise for its playful and sensual tone, with critics highlighting its creative lyrics and Carpenter's impressive vocal range. Julia Michaels' contribution to the songwriting process brought a depth and introspective quality to the track, enhancing its emotional resonance. Known for her work with top artists, Michaels' involvement helped elevate "Bed Chem" into a standout track, further cementing Carpenter's place in the music industry.

Dive by Ed Sheeran

"Dive," a standout track from Ed Sheeran's third album ÷ (Divide), showcases the collaborative genius of songwriter Julia Michaels. Released in 2017, the song quickly climbed to No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, contributing to the album's record-breaking success with over 56.73 million Spotify streams on its release day. Known for its passionate balladry and blues-infused guitar work, "Dive" highlights Sheeran's versatility and storytelling prowess. Michaels' lyrical contributions, focusing on themes of vulnerability and emotional investment, add depth to the track's narrative. Her involvement, alongside producer Benny Blanco, helped shape the song's dynamic structure and emotional resonance, solidifying its place as a fan favorite and a testament to Sheeran's ability to craft universally relatable music.

Discover the True Value of Your Music

Julia Michaels' work, from chart-toppers like 'Issues' to her recent collaboration on 'Stained,' showcases the immense potential of a songwriter's catalog. If you're a songwriter, producer, or artist, consider exploring how your music can become a powerful financial asset. Royalty Exchange offers a unique platform where you can unlock the full value of your music catalog without any commitment. With a free catalog valuation, you can assess your music's worth based on real market data. The process is straightforward and flexible, allowing you to retain control while investors bid to maximize your payout. With a fast and efficient process, you can secure funding quickly, empowering your career. Take the first step today and see what opportunities await with a free catalog valuation. Explore your options now.

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