Arnthor Birgisson
Encyclopedia
Arnthor Birgisson born on February 12, 1976, in Reykjavik, Iceland, is a Swedish
songwriter and producer
. His music can be described as a mixture of pop and R&B. Arnthor moved to Sweden in 1978 at age two, and is currently living in Stockholm.
Arnthor began his professional songwriting and production career in 1996 when he worked at Cosmos Studios
together with the owner/musicproducer/songwriter Kent (Gillström) Isaacs
and also the music producer Bloodshy. In 1997, the founders of the record label Murlyn Music, nders Bagget/] and Christian Wåhlberg, saw the potential in Arnthor and Bloodshy, and handpicked them to the newly formed production company. Arnthor’s breakthrough came a year later with the song "Because of You
" written for boy band 98 Degrees
. During the time Arnthor worked at Murlyn Music (until 2003) a series of hits were created for stars such as Ronan Keating
, Jennifer Lopez
, Jessica Simpson
, Janet Jackson
, Samantha Mumba
and Celine Dion
.
Between 2003 and 2008 Arnthor worked at Maratone
(the former Cosmos Studios
, a production company founded by Max Martin
and Tom Talomaa, together with songwriters and producers such as Rami
and Dr. Luke
. During the years at Maratone, Arnthor created songs for Enrique Iglesias
, Shayne Ward
and Westlife
among others.
In 2008, Arnthor’s song "Say OK", performed by Vanessa Hudgens, was rewarded the prize for “This Year's Biggest American Pop Hit" at the BMI London Awards. The U.S. organization Broadcast Music Incorporated
was supporter of the prize.
Arnthor has during his career worked with record labels including Sony BMG Music Entertainment
, Universal Music, EMI Group and Warner Music Group
.
In 2008 Arnthor founded the Swedish-based record and production company, Aristotracks, together with businessman Linus Andreen and artist Emilia de Poret
. Since then, and up to today, he has written and produced songs for artists such as Britney Spears
, Leona Lewis
and Shontelle
.
On September 7th, Birgisson won Popjustice's 2011 Twenty Quid Music Prize for Song of the Year with "Higher" by The Saturdays. Co-written with Ina Wroldsen
.
On October 6, 2011, Birgisson received a Pop Award at the BMI London Awards for the song "Impossible" performed by Shontelle
.
Arnthor is currently working with Aristotracks artist, Kim Cesarion, on his debut project. In mid 2011 Arnthor also founded a band together with singer/songwriter Ina Wroldsen
called Ask Embla.
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
songwriter and producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
. His music can be described as a mixture of pop and R&B. Arnthor moved to Sweden in 1978 at age two, and is currently living in Stockholm.
Arnthor began his professional songwriting and production career in 1996 when he worked at Cosmos Studios
Cosmos Studios
Cosmos Studios former Abbey Road Studios / EMI - studios in Skärmarbrink on the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden, has been since the early sixties a landmark of Swedish and international music.-External links:* *...
together with the owner/musicproducer/songwriter Kent (Gillström) Isaacs
Kent (Gillström) Isaacs
Kent Isaacs, a Swedish producer, mixer, musician and entrepreneur, is owner and operator of Cosmos Music Group, an independent Scandinavian music company...
and also the music producer Bloodshy. In 1997, the founders of the record label Murlyn Music, nders Bagget/] and Christian Wåhlberg, saw the potential in Arnthor and Bloodshy, and handpicked them to the newly formed production company. Arnthor’s breakthrough came a year later with the song "Because of You
Because of You (98 Degrees song)
"Because of You" is a 1998 song by 98 Degrees, released as a single from their album 98 Degrees and Rising. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum in December 1998.-Track listings and formats:CD5/Cassette single...
" written for boy band 98 Degrees
98 Degrees
98 Degrees is an American adult contemporary boy band consisting of four vocalists: brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons. The group was formed by Timmons in Los Angeles, California....
. During the time Arnthor worked at Murlyn Music (until 2003) a series of hits were created for stars such as Ronan Keating
Ronan Keating
Ronan Patrick John Keating is an Irish recording artist, singer-songwriter, musician, and philanthropist. Keating debuted on the professional music scene alongside Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Stephen Gately, in 1994 as the lead singer of Boyzone. His solo career started in 1999, and...
, Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lynn Lopez is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, and fashion designer. Lopez began her career as a dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color. Subsequently venturing into acting, she gained recognition in the 1995 action-thriller...
, Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson
Jessica Ann Simpson is an American recording artist, actress, television personality, and fashion designer whose rise to fame began in 1999. Since that time, Simpson has achieved many recording milestones, starred in several television shows, movies, and commercials, launched a line of hair and...
, Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years...
, Samantha Mumba
Samantha Mumba
Samantha Tamania Anne Cecilia Mumba is an Irish singer and actress.Her first album was released in 2000. Her most notable role was Mara in the 2002 film The Time Machine. She has also appeared in a number of Irish independent films.-Early life, education and early career:Mumba was born in Dublin,...
and Celine Dion
Celine Dion
Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
.
Between 2003 and 2008 Arnthor worked at Maratone
Maratone
Maratone is a music production company, started by two music producers and songwriters, Max Martin and Tom Talomaa. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, it was started in January 2001 after the closing of the Cheiron studios...
(the former Cosmos Studios
Cosmos Studios
Cosmos Studios former Abbey Road Studios / EMI - studios in Skärmarbrink on the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden, has been since the early sixties a landmark of Swedish and international music.-External links:* *...
, a production company founded by Max Martin
Max Martin
Martin Karl Sandberg, known professionally as Max Martin, is a Swedish music producer and songwriter. Raised in Stenhamra, a suburb of Stockholm, Sweden, he broke through as a producer and songwriter in the mid to late 1990s after crafting a string of hits for pop artists like the Backstreet Boys,...
and Tom Talomaa, together with songwriters and producers such as Rami
Rami
Rami or RAMI can refer to:*Rami, the plural of ramus, literally a branch, as of a plant, nerve, or blood vessel*Specifically, rami are upward portions on both sides of the mandible...
and Dr. Luke
Dr. Luke
Lukasz Gottwald , better known as Dr. Luke, is an American songwriter, record producer, and remixer. Luke performed with the Saturday Night Live Band for ten seasons until 2007. He has co-written and co-produced a string of commercially successful songs...
. During the years at Maratone, Arnthor created songs for Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is a Spanish pop music singer, a son of singer Julio Iglesias.Enrique started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa...
, Shayne Ward
Shayne Ward
Shayne Thomas Ward is an English pop singer who rose to fame as the winner of second series of The X Factor. He has sold over 3 million records worldwide and has had number one albums and singles in 9 countries.During The X Factor competition, Ward was mentored by manager Louis Walsh...
and Westlife
Westlife
Westlife are an Irish boy band established on 3 July 1998. They are to disband in 2012. The group's line-up was Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, and Brian McFadden . The group are the only act in British and Irish history to have their first seven singles peak at number one...
among others.
In 2008, Arnthor’s song "Say OK", performed by Vanessa Hudgens, was rewarded the prize for “This Year's Biggest American Pop Hit" at the BMI London Awards. The U.S. organization Broadcast Music Incorporated
Broadcast Music Incorporated
Broadcast Music, Inc. is one of three United States performing rights organizations, along with ASCAP and SESAC. It collects license fees on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers and distributes them as royalties to those members whose works have been performed...
was supporter of the prize.
Arnthor has during his career worked with record labels including Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Sony BMG Music Entertainment was a recorded music company, which was a 50–50 joint venture between the Sony Corporation of America and Bertelsmann AG...
, Universal Music, EMI Group and Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group is the third largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry, making it one of the big four record companies...
.
In 2008 Arnthor founded the Swedish-based record and production company, Aristotracks, together with businessman Linus Andreen and artist Emilia de Poret
Emilia de Poret
Emilia de Poret, born on August 10, 1976, in Luleå, Sweden, is a Swedish singer and songwriter. She made her debut under the name Lia Andreen with her first single Mistreat Me from the album Back where I belong. The single was released in 2001, and reached 34th place on the Swedish single chart...
. Since then, and up to today, he has written and produced songs for artists such as Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
, Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis
Leona Louise Lewis is a British singer and songwriter. Lewis first came to prominence in 2006 when she won the third series of the British television series The X Factor....
and Shontelle
Shontelle
Shontelle Layne , known professionally as Shontelle, is a Barbadian singer, and songwriter. She released her debut album Shontelligence in November 2008. Her sophomore album, No Gravity, was released in September 2010...
.
On September 7th, Birgisson won Popjustice's 2011 Twenty Quid Music Prize for Song of the Year with "Higher" by The Saturdays. Co-written with Ina Wroldsen
Ina Wroldsen
Ina Wroldsen, born in 1984, is a Norwegian songwriter.Wroldsen is currently living in London.-Discography:Songs written/co-written by Ina Wroldsen....
.
On October 6, 2011, Birgisson received a Pop Award at the BMI London Awards for the song "Impossible" performed by Shontelle
Shontelle
Shontelle Layne , known professionally as Shontelle, is a Barbadian singer, and songwriter. She released her debut album Shontelligence in November 2008. Her sophomore album, No Gravity, was released in September 2010...
.
Arnthor is currently working with Aristotracks artist, Kim Cesarion, on his debut project. In mid 2011 Arnthor also founded a band together with singer/songwriter Ina Wroldsen
Ina Wroldsen
Ina Wroldsen, born in 1984, is a Norwegian songwriter.Wroldsen is currently living in London.-Discography:Songs written/co-written by Ina Wroldsen....
called Ask Embla.
Discography
Selected songs written / co-written and produced- 1998 - 98 Degrees98 Degrees98 Degrees is an American adult contemporary boy band consisting of four vocalists: brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons. The group was formed by Timmons in Los Angeles, California....
"Because of You" - producer/co-writer - 2000 - Ronan KeatingRonan KeatingRonan Patrick John Keating is an Irish recording artist, singer-songwriter, musician, and philanthropist. Keating debuted on the professional music scene alongside Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Stephen Gately, in 1994 as the lead singer of Boyzone. His solo career started in 1999, and...
"Only You" - producer/co-writer - 2000 - Jennifer LopezJennifer LopezJennifer Lynn Lopez is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, and fashion designer. Lopez began her career as a dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color. Subsequently venturing into acting, she gained recognition in the 1995 action-thriller...
"Play" - producer/co-writer - 2000 - Ultra Naté "Get It Up"- producer/co-writer
- 2001 - Jessica SimpsonJessica SimpsonJessica Ann Simpson is an American recording artist, actress, television personality, and fashion designer whose rise to fame began in 1999. Since that time, Simpson has achieved many recording milestones, starred in several television shows, movies, and commercials, launched a line of hair and...
"Irresistible" - producer/co-writer - 2001 - Samantha Mumba "Gotta Tell You" - producer/co-writer
- 2001 - Samantha Mumba "Baby Come on Over" - producer/co-writer
- 2001 - 98 Degrees98 Degrees98 Degrees is an American adult contemporary boy band consisting of four vocalists: brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons. The group was formed by Timmons in Los Angeles, California....
"Una noche" - producer/co-writer - 2002 - Carlos SantanaCarlos SantanaCarlos Augusto Alves Santana is a Mexican rock guitarist. Santana became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered rock, salsa and jazz fusion...
"Let Me Love You Tonight" - producer/co-writer - 2003 - Celine DionCeline DionCéline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
"Sorry for Love" - co-writer - 2004 - Janet JacksonJanet JacksonJanet Damita Jo Jackson is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years...
"All Nite (Don't Stop)" - producer/co-writer - 2006 - Danity KaneDanity KaneDanity Kane was an American female music group signed to Bad Boy Records, first established in 2005. Formed on the third installment of MTV's Making the Band reality television series, the quintet comprised members Aubrey O'Day, Wanita "D. Woods" Woodgett, Shannon Bex, Dawn Richard, and Aundrea...
"Stay with Me" - producer/co-writer - 2006 - Vanessa Hudgens "Say OK" 2nd single - producer/co-writer
- 2007 - Enrique IglesiasEnrique IglesiasEnrique Iglesias is a Spanish pop music singer, a son of singer Julio Iglesias.Enrique started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa...
"Wish I Was Your Lover" - producer/co-writer - 2007 - Enrique IglesiasEnrique IglesiasEnrique Iglesias is a Spanish pop music singer, a son of singer Julio Iglesias.Enrique started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa...
"Miss You" - producer/co-writer - 2007 - Shayne WardShayne WardShayne Thomas Ward is an English pop singer who rose to fame as the winner of second series of The X Factor. He has sold over 3 million records worldwide and has had number one albums and singles in 9 countries.During The X Factor competition, Ward was mentored by manager Louis Walsh...
"If That's OK with You" 1st single - producer/co-writer - 2007 - Shayne WardShayne WardShayne Thomas Ward is an English pop singer who rose to fame as the winner of second series of The X Factor. He has sold over 3 million records worldwide and has had number one albums and singles in 9 countries.During The X Factor competition, Ward was mentored by manager Louis Walsh...
"No U Hang Up" 2nd single - producer/co-writer - 2007 - Shayne WardShayne WardShayne Thomas Ward is an English pop singer who rose to fame as the winner of second series of The X Factor. He has sold over 3 million records worldwide and has had number one albums and singles in 9 countries.During The X Factor competition, Ward was mentored by manager Louis Walsh...
"Breathless" 3d single - producer/co-writer - 2007 - WestlifeWestlifeWestlife are an Irish boy band established on 3 July 1998. They are to disband in 2012. The group's line-up was Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, and Brian McFadden . The group are the only act in British and Irish history to have their first seven singles peak at number one...
"Us Against the World" 2nd single - producer/co-writer - 2007 - WestlifeWestlifeWestlife are an Irish boy band established on 3 July 1998. They are to disband in 2012. The group's line-up was Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, and Brian McFadden . The group are the only act in British and Irish history to have their first seven singles peak at number one...
"Something Right" 3d single - producer/co-writer - 2007 - WestlifeWestlifeWestlife are an Irish boy band established on 3 July 1998. They are to disband in 2012. The group's line-up was Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, and Brian McFadden . The group are the only act in British and Irish history to have their first seven singles peak at number one...
"Pictures in My Head" - producer/co-writer - 2008 - Emilia de PoretEmilia de PoretEmilia de Poret, born on August 10, 1976, in Luleå, Sweden, is a Swedish singer and songwriter. She made her debut under the name Lia Andreen with her first single Mistreat Me from the album Back where I belong. The single was released in 2001, and reached 34th place on the Swedish single chart...
"Pick Me Up" - producer/co-writer - 2009 - Natalie Bassingthwaite "Alive" - producer/co-writer
- 2009 - Britney SpearsBritney SpearsBritney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
"Out from Under" - co-writer - 2009 - Leona LewisLeona LewisLeona Louise Lewis is a British singer and songwriter. Lewis first came to prominence in 2006 when she won the third series of the British television series The X Factor....
"My Hands" - producer/co-writer - 2009 - Leona LewisLeona LewisLeona Louise Lewis is a British singer and songwriter. Lewis first came to prominence in 2006 when she won the third series of the British television series The X Factor....
"I Got YouI Got You (Leona Lewis song)"I Got You" is a pop song performed by British singer-songwriter Leona Lewis. It was written by Arnthor Birgisson, Max Martin and Savan Kotecha, and produced by Birgisson. It is featured on Lewis' second studio album, Echo . "I Got You" was released on 21 February, 2010, in the United Kingdom as...
" - producer/co-writer - 2010 - ShontelleShontelleShontelle Layne , known professionally as Shontelle, is a Barbadian singer, and songwriter. She released her debut album Shontelligence in November 2008. Her sophomore album, No Gravity, was released in September 2010...
"ImpossibleImpossible (Shontelle song)"Impossible" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Shontelle. It is the lead single from her second studio album, No Gravity. The song was written by Arnthor Birgisson and Ina Wroldsen, and produced in Sweden by Birgisson. It was released digitally on February 9, 2010...
" - producer/co-writer - 2010 - The SaturdaysThe SaturdaysThe Saturdays are a British and Irish pop girl group based in London, United Kingdom. The group consists of five members Una Healy, Mollie King, Frankie Sandford, Vanessa White and Rochelle Wiseman. In 2007 the band were formed through Fascination Records which gave them an instant record deal with...
"HigherHigher (The Saturdays song)"Higher" is the award winning song performed by British-Irish girl group The Saturdays taken from their mini-album, Headlines!. Written by Ina Wroldsen and co-written & produced by Arnthor Birgisson, the song confirmed to be the mini-album's second single when it was released on 1 November 2010 by...
" - producer/co-writer - 2010 - Nadine CoyleNadine CoyleNadine Coyle is an Irish singer, songwriter, actress, and model who rose to fame in the early 2000s as a member of the band Six before becoming a member of successful girl-group Girls Aloud. The group amassed a joint fortune of £25 million by May 2009...
"Put Your Hands Up" - producer/co-writer