Jeff Gitelman

Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman (born February 5, 1982) is a record producer, musician, and songwriter from Chișineu, Moldava. He is known for his work with the band The Stepkids, which formed in 2010.^[1] He is also known for his composition, production, and instrumentation J.Cole, Chance the Rapper, Mac Miller, and Outasight.

Early life

Jeff Gitelman was born on February 5, 1982 in Soviet-ruled Moldavia. He and his family emigrated from Chișineu, Moldava in 1991 and moved to New Haven, Connecticut. His interest in music developed in his early childhood when he found a guitar in the a trash can and his father fixed it for him. He subsequently learned how to speak English through listening to and learning how to play Western music, notably The Beatles.^[2]

Music career

Performing

Gitelman's music career began with musical performances when he was a teenager while attending Amity High School. After graduating high school, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. His first professional job was recording and touring with Lauryn Hill^[3] which led him to tour as a guitarist with Alicia Keys, as well as perform with Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Chance the Rapper.^[4][5]

The Stepkids

In 2010, Gitelman, along with Tim Walsh and Dan Edinberg formed The Stepkids, a psychedelic soul band. They released their debut self-titled album The Stepkids (album) in 2011 under Stones Throw Records.^[6] The band toured and collaborated with Kimbra, Mayer Hawthorne, and Aloe Blacc.

Independent work and Production

Following his work with The Stepkids, Gitelman relocated to Los Angeles, California to focus on production. His guitar and production work is featured on J. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive,^[7] Donnie Trumpet's Surf,^[8] Mac Miller's The Divine Feminine,^[9] ASAP Ferg's Always Strive and Prosper,^[10] as well as work with Dej Loaf and Kid Ink.

Education

Gitelman has worked in music education, serving on thePanel of Music Industry Advisors at the 2015 Grammy Camp in Los Angeles. He has conducted lectures and seminars on composition, production, music business, and performance to young musicians throughout the country. In 2005, Gitelman co-founded the American Roots Music program, an initiative to teach young adults grades one through twelve the history of American music through performance and lecture. In 2015, Gitelman was inducted into his alma matter Amity High School's hall of fame.^[11]

Discography

With The Stepkids

• The Stepkids (2011)
• ''Direct To Disc - Stones Throw Records Live Album (2012)
• Troubadour (2013)
• Wanderers EP (2011)

Production & writing discography

Mac Miller – The Divine Feminine

• 05. "Cinderella" (ft. Ty Dolla Sign) (2016)

ASAP Ferg - Always Strive and Prosper

• 01. "Rebirth" (2016)

Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment - Surf (2015)

• 01. "Miracle"
• 02. "Slip Slide"
• 03. "Warm Enough"
• 05. "Wanna Be Cool"
• 10. "SmthnthtIwnt"
• 11. "Go"

Karmin – Leo Rising

• 07. "Along the Road" (2015)

Logic - The Incredible True Story

• 18. "The Incredible True Story" (2015)

Outasight - Big Trouble (2015)

Pharoahe Monch - PTSD

• 16. "Eht Dnarg Noisulli" (2014)

Jennifer Hudson - I Remember Me

• guitar (2011)

Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom

• guitar (2009)

References