The Ivors 2016

Awards International Achievement

Music has no geographic boundaries, and this Ivor Novello Award specifically celebrates the achievements of British and Irish songwriters who have experienced exceptional international success.

International Achievement To write a hit is one thing. To write a hit that resonates around the world is quite another.

And to keep writing the hits that keep resonating around the world is another thing entirely.

Wayne Hector is one of that rare breed of songwriters. He has penned hit after international hit almost since he moved into songwriting from performing in the ‘90s. He was born in Hackney and grew up in Surrey, but his songs have redefined pop music around the world.

Hector is no stranger to the domestic charts, having worked on hits for the likes of Damage (Forever) and Westlife (Swear It Again, Flying Without Wings – both UK No.1s) in his early days, and more recently The Vamps (Last Night). But over the years he has become the go-to guy for any artist looking for a song that will connect with audiences from Surrey to Suriname.

Consequently, the list of those who have sung his hits reads like a who’s who of modern music – perhaps because he’s also extremely versatile. He’s conquered country music, co-writing Carrie Underwood’s I Just Can’t Live A Lie and Rascal Flatt’s Feels Like Today with Steve Robson. He’s moved into classical crossover, working with Il Divo. He’s done rock (The Fray’s Break Your Plans) and dance (Tiesto’s Red Lights). But contemporary pop music is his real forte and there are few successful pop acts out there who haven’t been helped out by Hector.

His regular partnership with Steve Mac has delivered global smashes for the likes of The Wanted (All Time Low, Glad You Came) and Jess Glynne (Take Me Home). But he’s also worked with many other writers and artists over the years.

His work with One Direction helped the one-time X Factor contestants become one of the biggest groups in the world. He worked on some of their most significant international hits, including Best Song Ever and Steal My Girl, and helped ease their transition from talent show wannabes to global pop phenomenon.

The achievements of Nicki Minaj’s Starships, meanwhile, are perhaps even more impressive.

Co-written by Hector, that song was Minaj’s most successful single, going Top 5 in over 15 countries and logging 21 consecutive weeks in the Billboard US chart Top 10. It’s been certified six-times platinum in the States, selling over 8 million copies.

Proof that when Wayne Hector writes a hit, it hits home – wherever your home might be.

The 2016 Ivor Novello Awards 27