Category: Finance | Title: Did Kelly Clarkson Write Underneath the Tree | Tag: Music Credits | Meta Description: Kelly Clarkson co-wrote "Underneath the Tree" with Greg Kurstin for her 2013 Christmas album...
Who Wrote Underneath the Tree
Kelly Clarkson co-wrote "Underneath the Tree" with Greg Kurstin for her 2013 Christmas album Wrapped in Red. The song was produced by Kurstin, who also handled most instrumentation and programming. Clarkson and Kurstin are credited as the sole songwriters on the track. The song is published by Kelly Clarkson Music and distributed through Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group.
Greg Kurstin is a Grammy-winning producer and songwriter who has worked with artists such as Adele, Sia, and Beck. He has multiple writing and production credits across pop, rock, and holiday music. His collaboration with Clarkson on "Underneath the Tree" was part of her shift toward a retro pop and soul sound on Wrapped in Red.
Commercial Performance and Ownership
"Underneath the Tree" reached number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The track became one of the most streamed holiday songs on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. Clarkson retains publishing rights through her own music entities, with distribution handled by Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group.
The song is managed under Clarkson's recording agreements with Atlantic Records, a division of Warner Music Group. Warner Music Group is one of the major record labels globally, with public financial reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The song's royalties are collected by performance rights organizations such as ASCAP and BMI.
Songwriting Process and Production Details
Clarkson and Kurstin wrote "Underneath the Tree" with a focus on modern pop production and classic holiday themes. The track features live instrumentation, including horns and strings, layered with electronic elements. Kurstin used analog and digital recording techniques at his studio in Los Angeles.
The production credits list Greg Kurstin as producer, engineer, and mixer, with Clarkson providing lead and background vocals. The song was recorded for Clarkson's sixth studio album, which was released in October 2013. The album was executive produced by Clarkson and released through RCA Records and Sony Music Entertainment. Learn more about royalty collections for major label artists and search SEC filings for Warner Music Group.