4 of Daniel Nigro’s Most Outstanding Productions

When indie rock band As Tall as Lions emerged from Long Island, New York, few people would have predicted the group’s singer and guitarist, Daniel Nigro, would become one of the most in-demand pop producers and songwriters in the world.

But that’s exactly what happened. Following his band’s breakup, Nigro moved to Los Angeles to pursue life as a songwriter. First, he found success writing jingles while honing his writing and production skills.

As both a songwriter and producer, Nigro’s sprawling credits include Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Caroline Polachek, Sky Ferreira, Conan Gray, and many others.

Along with Jack Antonoff, Finneas, and A.G. Cook, Nigro is a prolific producer whose work has changed the sound of popular music. Check out four of Nigro’s outstanding productions below.

“So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings” by Caroline Polacheck from Pang (2019)

Nigro called “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings” one of his favorite songs he’s produced. Polacheck arrived at the studio with the title and wrote the song with Nigro and Teddy Geiger. When Nigro heard the title, he immediately sang the hook. The track went viral on TikTok three years after its release. Also, Lady Gaga included the song on her 2020 “Women of Choice” Apple Music playlist.

And I’m out at a party, they’re playing our song
I cry on the dance floor, it’s so embarrassing
Don’t send me photos, you’re making it worse
’Cause you’re so hot it’s hurting my feelings

“Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan from The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023)

Four months after releasing “Pink Pony Club,” Atlantic Records dropped Chappell Roan. It’s a striking example of a major record label having an amazingly talented artist, and just missing the potential entirely. Roan moved back to Missouri but returned to Los Angeles and continued her work with Nigro. They wrote and recorded music independently and “Pink Pony Club” ended up on Roan’s stellar debut. Inspired by The Abbey, a West Hollywood gay bar, “Pink Pony Club” is a discovery anthem.

I know you wanted me to stay
But I can’t ignore the crazy visions of me in L.A.
And I heard that there’s a special place
Where boys and girls can all be queens every single day

“Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan (Non-Album Single, 2024)

In an email to her fans, Roan described “Good Luck, Babe!” as the “first song of the next chapter.” The pop anthem follows a woman who disregards her feelings for Roan because the woman feels compelled by society to be heterosexual. It continues a frequent theme of identity and discovery in Roan’s song lyrics. The track is layered in 1980s veneer and the baroque pop hook recalls Kate Bush.

You can kiss a hundred boys in bars
Shoot another shot, try to stop the feeling
You can say it’s just the way you are
Make a new excuse, another stupid reason

“Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo from Sour (2021)

Don’t let the missing apostrophe throw you. Rodrigo’s smash hit is part bedroom pop, part power ballad. The former Disney star sings cathartically over Nigro’s minimalist piano textures. Nigro is drawn to warm productions, and he seems to pick his spots for lush arrangements. Rodrigo’s despair reaches its peak when she sings, But I still f–king love you. Nigro received his first Grammy Award for his work on Sour.

And you’re probably with that blonde girl
Who always made me doubt
She’s so much older than me
She’s everything I’m insecure about
Yeah, today I drove through the suburbs
’Cause how could I ever love someone else?

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Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate