Arnthor Birgisson
Arnthor Birgisson (born 12 February 1976) is a Swedish songwriter, record producer, and musician of Icelandic origin. Born in Reykjavík, Iceland, he relocated to Sweden in 1978 at the age of two and has lived in Stockholm ever since, where he pursued music education at Adolf Fredrik's Music School and later at Kungsholmen's High School (Stockholm's music high school).[1] Birgisson began his professional music career in 1996 at Cosmos Studios in Stockholm, initially focusing on recording techniques for vocals, drums, and string arrangements. His major breakthrough arrived in 1998 when he co-wrote and co-produced the hit single "Because of You" for the American boy band 98 Degrees, marking the start of a successful partnership with producer Anders Bagge at the Murlyn Music Group.[2][3][1] Throughout the early 2000s, Birgisson established himself as a key figure in pop and R&B production, collaborating with global artists including Jennifer Lopez ("Play", 2001), Jessica Simpson ("Irresistible", 2001), Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, Samantha Mumba, and Leona Lewis. He frequently works with lyricist Ina Wroldsen on songs such as "Strongest" (2017) and the ballad "Impossible", originally released by Shontelle in 2010 and later achieving massive success as a cover by James Arthur in 2012, which became Birgisson's largest hit to date.[2][3][4] Birgisson's contributions have earned him recognition, including a BMI London Award in 2008 for "Say OK" by Vanessa Hudgens, and he continues to produce music across genres while maintaining a low-profile approach to his craft, often emphasizing private studio collaborations over public performances.[1][2]Early life and education
Childhood and relocation
Arnthor Birgisson was born on February 12, 1976, in Reykjavík, Iceland.[1] His early years were spent in Iceland before his family relocated to Stockholm, Sweden, in 1978 when he was two years old.[1] Growing up in Stockholm, he became immersed in Swedish society from an early age.[1] During his childhood in Sweden, Birgisson attended Adolf Fredrik's Music School in Stockholm.[1]Musical training
Birgisson pursued his early musical education at Adolf Fredrik's Music School in Stockholm, a municipal elementary school renowned for its choir profile and rigorous focus on choral music. The institution provides daily music and choir lessons, emphasizing high-level training in singing, sight-reading, and ensemble performance, with admission based on competitive proficiency tests.[5][1] This foundational experience at the school, which has produced numerous professional musicians through its internationally acclaimed youth choirs, laid the groundwork for Birgisson's development in music.[6][1] He later continued his studies at Stockholms Musikgymnasium, part of Kungsholmens Gymnasium, where he combined advanced vocal and instrumental training with academic programs in natural sciences or social sciences.[7][1]Career
Early professional work
Birgisson entered the music industry in 1996 at Cosmos Studios in Stockholm, starting as an assistant producer and gaining initial hands-on experience in songwriting and production.[1] In 1997, he was recruited to the newly established Murlyn Music by founders Anders Bagge and Christian Wåhlberg, where he worked under their mentorship on foundational projects, building his expertise in contemporary production until leaving the studio in 2003.[1] From 2003 to 2008, Birgisson moved to Maratone Studios, which operated out of the Cosmos Studios building in Stockholm, collaborating within a team focused on pop music production and refining techniques central to commercial hit-making during this formative period.[1]Key collaborations
Arnthor Birgisson formed a long-term production duo with Swedish producer Anders Bagge in the late 1990s, operating under the moniker Bag & Arnthor at Murlyn Music Studios.[2] Their partnership specialized in pop-R&B tracks incorporating prominent guitar elements, blending melodic hooks with rhythmic grooves to suit diverse vocalists.[2] This collaboration, which began with early joint productions in Bagge's home studio, became a cornerstone of Birgisson's mid-career output, emphasizing versatile songwriting that spanned genres while prioritizing artist-specific tailoring.[2] Birgisson also collaborated with producer Christian "Bloodshy" Karlsson, particularly during his time at Murlyn, where they co-wrote and produced material blending pop sensibilities with electronic influences. These joint efforts contributed to Birgisson's reputation for innovative arrangements in the early 2000s pop landscape.[8] Through these partnerships, Birgisson established strong ties with major record labels, including Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, EMI, and Warner Music Group, facilitating global distribution of his productions.[1] Similarly, Birgisson contributed to Enrique Iglesias' projects in the mid-2000s, focusing on emotive ballads and rhythmic pop structures that aligned with the artist's crossover appeal.) These associations underscored Birgisson's role in bridging Scandinavian production expertise with mainstream international markets.[3]Major productions and hits
Birgisson's breakthrough as a songwriter came with "Because of You," co-written with Anders Bagge, Christian Karlsson, and Patrick T. Tucker for the American boy band 98 Degrees' second album, 98 Degrees and Rising, released in 1998. The track, a romantic R&B ballad featuring lush string arrangements and harmonious vocals, marked his first major international success, helping propel the album to multi-platinum status and establishing Birgisson's reputation in the pop landscape. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, spending 10 weeks in the top 10 and becoming one of the group's signature hits.[9] In 2004, Birgisson co-produced and co-wrote "All Nite (Don't Stop)" for Janet Jackson's album Damita Jo, blending pop and R&B elements with a funky bassline and upbeat tempo that showcased Jackson's vocal agility. Released as a single in 2005, the song highlighted Birgisson's ability to fuse danceable rhythms with soulful hooks, earning praise for its energetic production amid the album's overall theme of sensuality and liberation. Although it did not chart highly on the main Hot 100 due to the era's single release rules, it reached number 8 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, underscoring its impact in club and remix circuits.[10][11] Birgisson continued his string of pop successes with "Irresistible," co-written with Bagge and Pam Sheyne for Jessica Simpson's 2001 sophomore album of the same name. The sultry R&B track, characterized by its seductive lyrics and polished production, served as the lead single and peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, contributing to the album's commercial viability despite mixed critical reception that noted its formulaic teen-pop style but commended the catchy, irresistible chorus. Later, in 2008, he co-wrote "Out from Under" with Shelly Peiken and Wayne Hector for Britney Spears' sixth studio album, Circus. This acoustic-driven ballad, a cover originally intended for a film soundtrack, offered a introspective contrast to the album's dance tracks and received positive notices for its emotional depth and Spears' vulnerable delivery, with critics calling it one of her strongest ballads since "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman."[12][2][13] In 2010, Birgisson co-wrote "Impossible" with Ina Wroldsen for Shontelle's album No Gravity. The song, a poignant pop ballad, achieved greater success as a cover by James Arthur on his 2012 debut album, topping the UK Singles Chart and reaching number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking Birgisson's biggest hit to date with over 1.5 billion streams as of 2023.) Birgisson later collaborated again with Wroldsen on "Strongest" for Swedish band OneRepublic's 2018 album, though primarily associated with Norwegian DJ Alan Walker's 2018 release featuring the band, where it peaked at number 25 on the UK Singles Chart and garnered significant electronic-pop crossover appeal.)Later ventures and projects
Founding Aristotracks
In 2008, Arnthor Birgisson co-founded Aristotracks, a Swedish independent record and production company focused on pop music, alongside businessman Linus Andreen and artist Emilia de Poret.[1] The venture marked Birgisson's transition from collaborative studio work at Maratone to entrepreneurial independence, emphasizing songwriting, production, and artist development for global markets.[1] Headquartered in Stockholm, Aristotracks operated with a lean structure that included publishing and management arms, aiming to nurture talent outside major label constraints.[14] Early projects under Aristotracks highlighted its commitment to emerging pop artists through targeted productions and international partnerships. In 2008, the company released Emilia de Poret's album Pick Me Up, showcasing Birgisson's production on tracks that blended electronic and vocal elements for a modern pop sound.[15] That same year, Birgisson produced and co-wrote Natalie Bassingthwaighte's singles "Alive" and "Someday Soon," distributed globally via Sony BMG, which demonstrated Aristotracks' strategy of securing distribution deals to amplify reach beyond Sweden.[16] These efforts positioned the company as a hub for innovative, artist-driven pop, expanding operations with additional offices in Los Angeles and New York to facilitate worldwide collaborations.[14]Band formation and recent activities
In 2011, Arnthor Birgisson co-founded the electropop duo Ask Embla alongside Norwegian singer-songwriter Ina Wroldsen, marking a shift toward more introspective and personal songwriting compared to their prior commercial successes. The project blended electronic pop with folktronica elements, allowing Birgisson to serve as producer and co-writer while Wroldsen handled vocals. Their debut singles "Father's Eyes" and "Cry Baby," both released in 2012, showcased this intimate style ahead of their full-length album.[17][18][19] The duo's sole album, Northern Light, arrived in 2013 via Sony Music and Eccentric Music, featuring 13 tracks that emphasized atmospheric production and emotional lyrics. Birgisson's contributions as producer and songwriter on songs like "Einn" and "Writings on the Wall" highlighted the project's experimental edge within the Scandinavian pop landscape. Though Ask Embla did not release further material as a unit, it represented Birgisson's diversification into band-led creative endeavors.[20][21] Birgisson's involvement extended to the 2020 Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, where he co-wrote the fictional entry "Double Trouble" with Savan Kotecha and Rami Yacoub, and handled mixing duties on "My Marianne." Produced under MXM Productions, these contributions captured the film's satirical take on the Eurovision contest while drawing on Birgisson's expertise in upbeat pop anthems. The soundtrack's release amplified his profile in multimedia projects.[22] Birgisson continues to produce music across genres, maintaining a low-profile approach with a focus on studio collaborations, including support for emerging Scandinavian talents.Awards and recognition
BMI London Awards
The BMI London Awards, presented annually by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), honor European-affiliated songwriters, composers, and publishers for the most-performed songs on U.S. radio, television, and streaming platforms, highlighting their global reach and impact within the American music industry.[23] For Arnthor Birgisson, a Swedish-Icelandic songwriter represented by STIM, these accolades signify his pivotal role in crafting pop hits that resonate across the Atlantic, emphasizing performance metrics like airplay rotations and audience impressions.[24] In 2005, Birgisson received the Pop Award at the BMI London Awards for co-writing "All Nite (Don't Stop)" with Janet Jackson, Anders Bagge, and others, recognizing the track's extensive airplay and commercial success from the album Damita Jo.[24] The song did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 but peaked at number 19 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, and topped the Dance Club Songs chart, where it held the number-one position for one week, spending 12 weeks on that chart.)[11] Birgisson earned further recognition in 2008 when "Say OK," co-written with Savan Kotecha and performed by Vanessa Hudgens on her debut album V, was named a winning song at the BMI London Awards for its status as one of the year's biggest American pop hits based on U.S. performance data.[25] The track debuted and peaked at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100, achieving notable airplay on pop radio and later certified Gold by the RIAA for 500,000 units sold in the United States, affirming its role in launching Hudgens' solo career beyond her High School Musical fame.[26]Other accolades
In 2011, Birgisson received the Popjustice Twenty Quid Music Prize for his work on "Higher" by The Saturdays, an accolade that highlighted the song's exceptional pop craftsmanship and songwriting ingenuity.[27] Birgisson has earned broader industry recognition for his songwriting impact, including placement among the top songwriters in the UK charts for 2012, as determined by shares of the year's most successful releases according to Music Week analysis.[28] These honors underscore his sustained influence as a prolific hitmaker in international pop music.Personal life
Residence and family
Arnthor Birgisson has maintained a long-term residence in Stockholm, Sweden, since moving there in 1978 at the age of two.[29][30] He acquired Swedish citizenship through naturalization, reflecting his deep integration into Swedish society while retaining ties to his Icelandic roots. Birgisson keeps his family life private, with scant public details available about his personal relationships or household. He is a father of two children.[31] His Icelandic heritage, stemming from his birth in Reykjavík, subtly shapes his cultural identity amid decades of life in Sweden.[29]Aviation pursuits
Birgisson pursued aviation as a parallel career to his work in music, fulfilling a long-standing personal passion. He initially earned his Private Pilot License (PPL) in 2001 at Barkarby Airport near Stockholm but set aside further training due to family and professional commitments in songwriting and production. Resuming his studies in his early 40s, Birgisson completed commercial pilot certification, including multi-engine (ME) and instrument ratings (IR), culminating in a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and frozen Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) in February 2019. His education encompassed theoretical coursework at Västerås Flygteoriskola and practical flight training at Airways Flygutbildning in Örebro, Sweden, as well as Hasslö Flygförening.[31] Upon certification, Birgisson transitioned into professional flying with a focus on business aviation, starting as a First Officer on the Cessna Citation XLS for a jet operator based at Stockholm Bromma Airport. He has described this shift as a seamless extension of his music life, where the high-energy, on-demand nature of charter flights mirrors the unpredictable schedules of studio work and global collaborations, while aerial perspectives and travel have sparked creative inspiration for his songwriting. By 2021, he advanced to First Officer roles at Industriflyg AB, Sweden's largest private jet operator.[32][33] In subsequent years, Birgisson progressed to Captain of the Bombardier Challenger 300 (CL30) at 1903 Aviation AB, a private aviation management firm, relocating his base to Benahavís, Spain, by mid-2025. Complementing these roles, he founded Askja Aviation Services AB in Stockholm in 2020, serving as its CEO and board member; the company provides pilot services, charter flight brokerage, and related aviation operations. This venture allows him to integrate his dual careers further, leveraging industry networks from music tours to support aviation projects as of 2025.[34][35][36]Discography
Selected songwriting credits
Birgisson's songwriting contributions span pop hits from the late 1990s onward, often in collaboration with producers like Anders Bagge.[2]- "Because of You" (1998, 98 Degrees), co-written with Anders Bagge, Christian Karlsson, and Patrick Tucker, peaked at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[37]
- "Irresistible" (2001, Jessica Simpson), co-written with Anders Bagge and Pam Sheyne, reached number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[38][39]
- "Out from Under" (2008, Britney Spears), co-written with Shelly Peiken and Wayne Hector, originally recorded for the Bratz soundtrack by Joanna Pacitti before Spears' version appeared on Circus.[40]
- "All Nite (Don't Stop)" (2004, Janet Jackson), co-written with Janet Jackson, Anders Bagge, and others incorporating elements from Herbie Hancock's "Hang Up Your Hang Ups," peaked at number 42 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[41]
- "Say OK" (2007, Vanessa Hudgens), co-written with Savan Kotecha, charted at number 61 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[42]
- "Higher" (2010, The Saturdays featuring Flo Rida), co-written with Ina Wroldsen, peaked at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart.[43][44]
- "Impossible" (2010, Shontelle), co-written with Ina Wroldsen, peaked at number 23 on the UK Singles Chart; the 2012 cover by James Arthur peaked at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart.)[45]
- "Strongest" (2018, Leona Lewis), co-written with Ina Wroldsen.[46]
Production credits
Birgisson's production career highlights his role in shaping pop and electropop sounds through collaborations at studios like Maratone in Stockholm, where he worked alongside producers such as Max Martin and Rami Yacoub between 2003 and 2008. His contributions often emphasize polished, radio-friendly arrangements with layered vocals and electronic elements, drawing from his background in programming and instrumentation.[1] For the Legally Blonde soundtrack (2001), Birgisson produced Samantha Mumba's "Baby Come On Over," blending upbeat rhythms and infectious hooks that aligned with the film's lighthearted tone; the track became a standout single from the collection.[47] Birgisson co-produced several tracks on Enrique Iglesias' album Insomniac (2007), including "Push" and "Lost," utilizing a mix of acoustic guitars and electronic beats to support Iglesias' vocal delivery in a bilingual pop context. His studio role involved recording and mixing at facilities like Polar Studios in Stockholm, emphasizing emotional depth in the arrangements. In recent years, Birgisson has focused on projects through his company Aristotracks, including productions for the duo Ask Embla, which he co-founded with Ina Wroldsen. Their 2013 album Northern Light features Birgisson's production throughout, incorporating folktronica elements with programmed synths and live instrumentation for a dreamy, atmospheric vibe. Birgisson's involvement in the 2020 Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga included production on key tracks like "Double Trouble" (performed by Will Ferrell and My Marianne), where he handled engineering and arrangement to capture an authentic Eurovision-style energy with orchestral swells and pop hooks. Co-produced with Rami Yacoub, the soundtrack's sessions took place in Los Angeles and Stockholm, blending humor with polished production.[48]Selected Produced Tracks
| Artist | Track | Album/Soundtrack | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samantha Mumba | "Baby Come On Over" | Gotta Tell You / Legally Blonde OST | 2000 | Upbeat pop single with mixing by Birgisson; peaked at No. 5 in UK.[49] |
| Rachel Stevens | "Heaven Has To Wait" | Funky Dory | 2003 | Co-produced with BAG; features string arrangements by Janson & Janson for a soulful pop edge.[50] |
| Enrique Iglesias | "Miss You" | Insomniac | 2007 | Mid-tempo ballad with Middle Eastern influences; mixed by Mark Stent.[51] |
| Ask Embla | "Cry Baby" | Northern Light | 2013 | Electropop track showcasing Birgisson's programming skills.[52] |
| Will Ferrell & My Marianne | "Double Trouble" | Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga OST | 2020 | Film-specific production with Rami Yacoub; recorded by Christian Wahlström.[48] |