Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Bonnie McKee Unveils Shocking Ties to Taylor Swift and the Challenges of Writing with Katy Perry

Bonnie McKee, seen above at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, is the songwriter behind the most massive hits of the 2000s

Bonnie McKee: The Secret Weapon of Hollywood's Music Scene

She's been behind some of the biggest hits of the past decade, but Bonnie McKee's name hasn't always been on everyone's lips. As a songwriter and artist, she's worked with the likes of Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Ke$ha, and Cher, producing an impressive catalog that's earned her the title of "founding mother of recession pop." Now, as she makes waves in the music industry once again, we're diving into the fascinating story behind this talented artist.

From Grammy-Nominated Songwriter to TikTok Sensation

As for writing with Katy on some of her most iconic songs, Bonnie admitted it was 'sometimes very difficult' because 'we have a really high standard, and we wanted to make the best pop music ever,' admitting, 'on some of them, I feel like we did'

Bonnie McKee is no stranger to success. With a laundry list of hits under her belt, including "Roar," "California Gurls," and "Teenage Dream" for Katy Perry, as well as "Hold It Against Me" for Britney Spears, she's proven herself to be one of the most sought-after songwriters in the business. Her unique ability to craft catchy, upbeat pop songs has earned her a reputation as the go-to collaborator for top artists.

But Bonnie's music career hasn't always been smooth sailing. In fact, she was dropped by Epic Records after releasing her album "Hot City" a decade ago, leaving it to gather dust on the shelf. That is, until she had an unexpected resurgence of fame on TikTok during the pandemic. As users flocked to the platform to share their own songwriting processes and behind-the-scenes secrets, Bonnie's relatable personality and dedication to her craft won over fans worldwide.

The Secret to Writing Hit Songs

Bonnie originally made her album Hot City a decade ago when she was signed to Epic Records. 'I got dropped and it got shelved and they owned the masters,' Bonnie explained. 'So I pulled a Taylor Swift and I ended up rerecording all of the masters myself'

So what makes Bonnie McKee so good at writing hit songs? According to her, it all comes down to a combination of factors. "I think the best recession pop songs need an element of escapism, an element of hope, and they have to be upbeat, danceable, or at least uplifting in some way," she explains. But what really sets Bonnie apart from other songwriters is her approach: she takes notes on everything – conversations with artists about their love lives, what keeps them up at night, and more. "It's not just about throwing out a catchy hook; I want to capture the essence of who these people are," she reveals.

Collaborating with Katy Perry and Ke$ha

Bonnie's collaborations with top stars have been nothing short of legendary. Working with Katy Perry on some of her most iconic songs, Bonnie admits that it was sometimes "very difficult" because of their high standards for quality. "We'd sit around for hours, going over lines and melodies until we got it just right," she recalls. As for Ke$ha, Bonnie praises her partner's unique aesthetic: "She comes in with these incredible ideas that are so true to herself – it makes writing songs with her a joy."

'It used to be if you were a middle class songwriter and you got a B-side on a Rihanna album, or even a smaller artist than that, you could buy a house. But these days that is not the case,' Bonnie explained, calling for change in the industry.

Rerecording Her Masterpieces

When Epic Records dropped Bonnie after the release of "Hot City," they retained ownership of the masters. But Bonnie wasn't one to let go. She pulled a Taylor Swift and rerecorded every song on the album, determined to reclaim her work. As she started releasing new music on TikTok, fans began clamoring for more – some even got lyrics tattooed on their bodies! With her newfound momentum, Bonnie decided to revive "Hot City" and share it with the world once again.

The State of the Music Industry

'I got dropped and it got shelved and they owned the masters,' Bonnie explained. 'So I pulled a Taylor Swift and I ended up rerecording all of the masters myself'

As an artist who's been around since the early 2000s, Bonnie has seen the music industry change in ways both big and small. One thing that really gets under her skin is the treatment of songwriters – specifically the paltry royalties they receive for their work on streaming platforms. "It's nothing," she says bluntly. "We get 0.0003 percent of a penny per stream. That's not even enough to buy a cup of coffee." This issue has been at the forefront of Bonnie's mind as she advocates for change and better compensation for songwriters.

The Future of Music

With her sights set on creating music that truly resonates with listeners, Bonnie is gearing up to release her next album – one that promises to be darker and more honest than ever before. "I've never been as vulnerable in my songs, but I think it can be cathartic for people," she explains. And while some have criticized the current state of the music industry, Bonnie sees an opportunity for growth and innovation. "We need to rethink how we work with record labels – they're not just about making money; they're also about taking away your soul."

A Glimpse into Her Next Project

So what can fans expect from Bonnie's next album? With a renewed focus on exploring the complexities of life, love, and identity, this new project promises to be her most raw and honest yet. "It's bops, but they're just a little darker," she teases. As Bonnie continues to break boundaries in the music industry, one thing is clear: with her talent, drive, and passion for songwriting, she's here to stay.