During his lengthy career as a record producer and songwriter,  a diverse group of artists such as Prince, SheDaisy, Wave, Michelle Branch, Lizzie McGuire and legendary roots-rock icon John Mellencamp have all recorded music under his influence.

Neigher began his career as a producer fifteen years ago, after years of formal musical training and working in bands. In the short time that has passed since his first producing project - Tonio K.'s Romeo Unchained LP(A & M), co-produced with T- Bone Burnett (Wallflowers), Neigher has distinguished himself by working with the likes of Prince and John Mellencamp, as well as newer artists like Wave (WEA), Leah Andreone (RCA) ,  Columbia Records' Melanie Doane , Australia's famed guitar-hero Tommy Emmanuel  (550/Epic) and Country Music legends SHeDAISY(Lyric St./Hollywood)    While his work as a producer has brought him the most notoriety, Neigher's ability as a songwriter is equally responsible for his success. He has been writing professionally since he moved to Los Angeles from Massachusetts fifteen years ago.  At that time, Neigher, who says performing was never his main passion, made a conscious decision to pursue what he defines as the "most creative" aspect of the music business-being in the studio. Soon after he began to dedicate himself to songwriting, Neigher's songs came to be covered by a diverse collection of artists, from Tuck & Patty to Joe Cocker and from Wilson Pickett to Sass Jordan. He also wrote the rare gem "Taste My Spirit" with a then unknown Alanis Morissette..   In 2002 and 2003, songs written by Neigher  will be released by Shedaisy(Hollywood/Lyric St.), The Beu Sisters(S-Curve/Virgin), Closure (TVT), The Troys (Elektra) and many others. Having been a staff writer at Almo-Irving, Warner/Chappell, Universal Music, and BMG Music, Neigher's songs have been released in almost every country in the World.

In 2000, when a 16 yr old Michelle Branch was introduced to Rick, it was the recordings he made and the CD called Broken Bracelet that got her signed to Maverick Records.

In 2001,  Niagra Falls group Wave (WEA) scored a #1 hit  with their song "California" in Canada., and subsequent Top 10 hits "Think It Over" and "Sleepless".  Neigher produced all three w/ c0-writer Ben Dunk.   In September 2002 Wave's follow up cd "State Of Mind" has already spawned a smash 1st single - "That's How It Feels. (written and produced by Neigher)

The Go-Go's reunion album, God Bless The Go-Go's, included the track "Here you Are" which he also produced.

Nova Scotia native Melanie Doane, won last year's Best New Solo Artist at the  Canadian Juno Awards. This critically acclaimed singer/songwriter/instrumentalist's  Columbia  Records release  breaks new ground, combining evocative Pop/Alternative songwriting and eclectic musical offerings.

Working with young unsigned bands is also an important part of Neigher's career strategy. Orange County California's Sonichrome  signed a major record deal with Capitol Records after a fierce bidding war prompted by tracks produced by Neigher and their great shows tearin' up the live circuit in L.A..  The CD called "Breathe The Daylight" is a critics favorite. Their songs have appeared on major movie soundtracks, such as "Never Been Kissed" and "Blast From The Past".

Because he comes to producing with a background as a musician and a songwriter, Neigher acknowledges that his strength as a producer lies in his ability to work with an artist to develop and focus a "musical identity". That may include writing songs for a project as well as producing it, as was the case with San Diego native Leah Andreone, with whom he co-wrote the entire album. Andreone's RCA debut CD "Veiled" spawned the Hot 100 hit - "It's Alright It's OK". Singer/Songwriter Kirsten Proffit's new CD on Broken Arrow records contains 3 new songs co-written with Rick Neigher. An early 2006 release is scheduled.

Neigher worked on the John Mellencamp single version of, "Wild Night", a duet with Me'shell N'degeocello - this Van Morrison song was a #1 hit.
 
 
 

Contact Rick Neigher @ rickneigher@gmail.com


 

         Rick Neigher is published by BMG Music in the  U.S.
 

       Universal Music Publishing administers  Rick Neigher's Sylvan St. Songs (BMI) for the world outside the U.S.
 


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