Alexander Guy Cook, known professionally as A. G. Cook, is a prominent English record producer and musician who has significantly influenced the hyperpop genre. He founded the now-defunct record label PC Music in 2013, which became a platform for innovative artists like Hannah Diamond and GFOTY. Cook’s vision for PC Music was to treat emerging artists with the same respect as major label acts, leading to a unique sound characterized by exaggerated pop tropes and retro-styled instrumentation. His work laid the groundwork for the hyperpop movement, earning him recognition as a pioneering figure in the genre.
Cook’s collaboration with Charli XCX has been particularly noteworthy, serving as the lead and executive producer on several of her projects, including the mixtapes “Number 1 Angel” and “Pop 2,” as well as the albums “Charli” and “how i’m feeling now.” His production style, which amplifies mainstream pop clichés, has garnered critical acclaim, with Pitchfork praising “Pop 2” as a vision of what pop music could be. In 2020, Cook’s contributions to the music industry were recognized when he received the Variety Hitmakers Innovator of The Year Award.
In addition to his work with Charli XCX, Cook has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Beyoncé, for whom he co-produced the Grammy-nominated track “All Up in Your Mind” from the album “Renaissance.” His solo albums, “7G” and “Apple,” both released in 2020, received critical praise for their exploration of hyperpop, showcasing his ability to blend complex arrangements with catchy melodies.
As a visionary in the music industry, Cook continues to push boundaries with his innovative production techniques and collaborations. His recent projects include the album “Britpop,” released in 2024, and ongoing work with various artists, solidifying his status as a key player in contemporary pop music. Cook’s unique approach to music production, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a penchant for experimentation, ensures that he remains at the forefront of the evolving music landscape.