Lester Mendez

Infobox musical artist
Name = Lester Mendez


Img_capt = Mendez
Background = non_performing_personnel
Alias = Lester
Genre = Latin, pop, electronica, heavy metal
Instrument = Singing, piano
Occupation = Songwriter, producer, backing vocalist

Lester Mendez is a record producer, and songwriter. His production/writing credits include a multitude of successful hits including Shakira's "Underneath Your Clothes" and "La Tortura", Jessica Simpson's "A Public Affair", and Nelly Furtado's "Te Busqué".

Mendez worked with legendary rock and roll artist Carlos Santana on his album, "Shaman". He co-wrote and produced a song with Dallas Austin and Grammy winner Macy Gray called "Amoré (Sexo)" featured on "Shaman". "Amoré (Sexo)" was such a smash that Clive Davis personally asked Mendez to produce additional Santana tracks with artists such as Seal and Nickelback.

Current hits written and produced by Mendez include "Objection (Tango)" and "Underneath Your Clothes", from Shakira's highly-acclaimed English-language debut album "Laundry Service" on which Mendez co-wrote and produced many songs. Previously, Mendez produced five songs on Shakira's album "¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?", including "Octavo Día" which he co-wrote with her. Lester also produced the majority of Enrique Iglesias' Spanish album, "Quizás", which went straight to the top of the Latin charts. Mendez and Iglesias have a history together co-writing such songs as "You're My #1" and "If the World Crashes", featured on the Interscope superstar's multi-platinum English releases "Enrique" and "Escape" respectively. Lester also produced Iglesias' single "Sad Eyes" (written by Bruce Springsteen). Mendez's programming, arranging, and remixing credits include artists such as: Jimmy Page, David Byrne, Ricky Martin, Spice Girls, Chris de Burgh, Johnny Mathis, Will Smith, Collective Soul, Tarkan, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Grace Jones, PM Dawn, Bee Gees, Pet Shop Boys, and Angélique Kidjo.

Lester has songs on the Kerli record called “Walking on Air” and “Hurt Me” (Island Def Jam). He also has three songs on the Lucy Walsh record including the title track “Lost in the Lights” as well as “Midnight Obsession” and “Awful Sorry” (Island Def Jam). Lester has songs on the Jem album called “It’s Amazing”, “I Always New” and “I Want You To….” (ATO). He is currently working with Jessie Malakouti, Young Love and they have recorded two songs “Shine” and “Like That” (Island Records). He is also working with Justin Timberlake’s first-signing Esmee Denters on her debut (Tennmen Records) and worked with PlayRadioPlay! (Island Def Jam) on his debut album, Texas. Lester has a song on The Cheetah Girls new album TCG called “On My Way” (Hollywood Records). He is also known to have recently collaborated with American singer Anastacia on her 4th studio album Heavy Rotation.

External links

* [http://www.emimusicpub.com/worldwide/artist_profile/lester-mendez_profile.html EMI Music Publishing]
* [http://www.gcpro.com/feature_0204_artist.html GC Pro interview]