Long-time Sony/ATV songwriter Brian West is acknowledged expert in the process of artist
development. His band, the Philosopher Kings, released Gold and Platinum records in Canada
and won multiple Juno’s before becoming Columbia Records first direct signing of a Canadian
artist. After the band dissolved, Brian launched his production career under the name Track &
Field Productions. Among his first development projects was Nelly Furtado. The first album they
did together, Whoa Nelly, was an international smash and won multiple Grammys. His
production and co-writing work on that album garnered him a Grammy nomination for Producer
of the Year.

Track & Field also produced and co-wrote Nelly Furtado’s follow-up album, Folklore. This album
cemented her reputation as a real artist. His next development project was Somali-Canadian
rapper K’naan. Signed to West’s label, their first album together generated two Canadian hits
and won the Juno Award for Rap Album of the Year. K’naan’s next album was picked up by
A&M/Octone and generated the Olympic anthem hit, “Waving Flag”. K’naan’s third album
included duets with Bono and Nelly Furtado.

Since that time, West has been involved in successful artist development projects for Paper
Tongues on A&M/Octone (#1 Heatseekers), Awolnation on Redbull Records (Platinum Record),
Rachel Platten on Columbia and Andy Grammer on S-Curve/BMG (triple platinum single). West
continues to seek and develop young artists while writing for established artists such as Sia and
Maroon 5. He’s currently writing and producing the reunion album for The Philosopher Kings.


Publishing company credits include World Wide West Publishing Inc. and Worldwide West Music Inc.