peermusic U.K. has signed 3X Ivor Novello award-winning songwriter/producer, Brian Higgins to an exclusive global music publishing deal, as announced today by Nigel Elderton, President, Europe & Managing Director, peermusic U.K. and Mike Sault, Head of A&R, peermusic U.K. The deal encompasses future works.  

The renowned British multi-platinum songwriter/producer is responsible for Cher’s GRAMMYÒ-winning track “Believe,” which has been covered over 60 times. Throughout his 25-year career, Higgins has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Cher, Kylie Minogue, The Sugababes, Girls Aloud, and more. After teaming up with Miranda Cooper, Tim Powell, Nick Coler and Matt Gray to launch the critically acclaimed production company Xenomania, the group quickly became one of the most revered pop songwriters and producers collaborative in the industry. 

Brian Higgins and peermusic’s Mike Sault have a long history of considerable success – Sault initially signed Higgins to Warner Chappell in 1997 back when Sault was an A&R manager.  

“I’m delighted to be back working with Brian again. Having someone as influential, innovative and prolific as Brian joining us at peermusic is a complete honour. He’s the epitome of what a great songwriter should be, and without doubt one of the best writers/producers of his generation, behind some of the greatest moments in UK pop over the last 20 years or so,” said Mike Sault, Head of A&R, peermusic U.K. “Most importantly the new music is incredible, and so here’s to the next chapter which we’re super excited for.” 

“Brian Higgins is one of the most well-respected songwriters in the UK and as his discography shows he has created countless hits for some of our most notable pop artists,” said Nigel Elderton, President, Europe & Managing Director, peermusic U.K. “We are delighted to represent him as his new publisher and we’re very much looking forward to working with Brian and his team during the next exciting phase of his career.”   

“I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with Nigel, Mike and the rest of the wonderful peermusic team,” said Brian Higgins. “As I continue moving forward with new projects it’s important that I have a collaborative and supportive team at my side, and I know this new partnership with peermusic will be just that.”  

Higgins found early success with the single “All I Wanna Do,” for Australian singing sensation Dannii Minogue, which led to the opportunity to co-write Cher’s multi award-winning song “Believe.” Higgins’ work on the track earned him three Ivor Novello Awards in 1999 for ‘Best Song Musically and Lyrically,’ “Best Selling British Single’ and “International Hit of the Year.” Higgins went on to transform the UK pop scene through his close collaboration with Girls Aloud, co-writing and producing most of their five studio albums and hit singles like “Sound of the Underground,” “The Promise” and “I’ll Stand by You.”  

He has also seen success working with a myriad of artists, including Gabrielle Cilmi, The Saturdays, Bananarama, Pet Shop Boys, Alesha Dixon, Texas, Rachel Stevens, Saint Etienne, Gossip, Florrie and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. His accomplishments landed him a spot on The Observer’s 2008 list of the twenty most powerful “celebrity makers,” and he was named UK’s producer of the year in 2009 by PRS for Music. 

The first release under Higgins’ new deal with peermusic is the track “Delete It” by Atlantic Records UK artist Dopamine released 19 May. 

Other signings by peermusic UK include Davide Rossi (Goldfrapp, Coldplay, The Verve, Rihanna); a joint venture with “Whispering Bob” Harris’ popular music platform Under The Apple Tree to establish the UTAT publishing division; Foreign Affairs; Shayne Ward; Ryan Lawrie; #1 songwriter/producer, Julian Emery; Hoost; Ostereo Publishing; and the acquisition of Accorder Music Publishing, one of the UK’s largest independent media publishers with a roster of composers for such TV productions as Great British Bake Off, River Monsters, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Hunted, Endeavour, How We Got To Now, The Great American Read, and Teletubbies. peermusic U.K. also signed Big Machine Music to a long-term sub-publishing agreement for all ex-US territories.