2013 ASCAP EXPO

Through ingenious combinations of pop, hip-hop and R&B, the Grammy-winning songwriting-production team Stargate, composed of Norwegians Mikkel Eriksen and Tor Hermansen, has crafted massive hits for some of today’s biggest artists. Stargate is a constant fixture on the charts, responsible for a wide range of unstoppable songs including Katy Perry's “Firework,” Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” and Rihanna's “Only Girl (in the World),” “S&M,” “What’s My Name” and “Diamonds” as well as songs for Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Ne-Yo, Lionel Richie and Shakira. Both Tor and Mikkel are experienced instrumentalists, and the solid musical core they bring to every production is the key to the durability of their music. In addition to their killer beats and great melodies, Stargate’s skills shine brightest in their ability to collaborate with other gifted artists, such as Ne-Yo, with whom they have created some powerful songs, including Ne-Yo’s “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)” and Rihanna dance-pop hit “Take a Bow.” Ne-Yo, who has risen to become one of modern music’s most talented and prolific artists. is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, composer and producer, and in less than five years, he’s produced three #1 albums featuring such popular hits as “So Sick,” “Sexy Love,” “Miss Independent,” “Closer” and more, sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and collaborated with everyone from Michael Jackson to Tim McGraw. His fifth album, R.E.D., was released last fall. In this very special session, Mikkel, Tor and Ne-Yo will provide a valuable look into the art of collaboration, the creative process and how they’ve created some of today’s most popular music.