Also known as Gitty Years active 1996–present | Origin Chișinău, Moldova Music group The Stepkids | |
Born February 5, 1982 (age 35) ( 1982-02-05 ) Occupation(s) Record producer
Musician
Songwriter Associated acts Om'Mas Keith
Kimbra
The Stepkids
J. Cole
Chance the Rapper
Michael Uzowuru
Karmin Genres Soul music, Funk, Jazz, Alternative rock, Electronica Similar Dan Edinberg, Oneohtrix Point Never, Autre Ne Veut, Airbird, Pharoahe Monch | ||
Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman (born February 5, 1982) is a record producer, musician, and songwriter from Chișinău, Moldova. He is known for his work with the band The Stepkids, which formed in 2010. He is also known for his composition, production, and instrumentation J.Cole, Chance the Rapper, Mac Miller, and Outasight.
Contents
Early life
Jeff Gitelman was born on February 5, 1982 in Soviet-ruled Moldavia. He and his family emigrated from Chișinău, Moldova 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.
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 which led him to tour as a guitarist with Alicia Keys, as well as perform with Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Chance the Rapper.
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. 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, Donnie Trumpet's Surf, Mac Miller's The Divine Feminine, ASAP Ferg's Always Strive and Prosper, 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.
With The Stepkids
Production & writing discography
Songs
Legend in My Own MindThe Stepkids · 2011
The LotteryTroubadour · 2013
The Art of ForgettingTroubadour · 2013