September 11, 2009 11:15

Xenomania refute claims they're the new Stock, Aitken and Waterman

Songwriters attack '80s production team SAW for not developing their music

UK production-songwriting team Xenomania have distanced themselves from being the new Stock, Aitken & Waterman, attacking the '80s trio because they "stuck with one sound".

The Xenomania team, who are based in Kent, have been responsible for 20 of Girls Aloud's singles, and also worked with the likes of Sugababes, Annie, Pet Shop Boys and Kylie Minogue.

Speaking to BBC News, Xenomania's Brian Higgins and Miranda Cooper disagreed that their in-house production and writing style mirrors that of Stock, Aitken & Waterman, who dominated the UK pop scene in the '80s, achieving 13 Number One singles and selling over 40 million records by the likes of Jason Donovan, Mel and Kim and Rick Astley.

"Obviously I think Stock, Aitken & Waterman made some good records, but they stuck with one sound," Higgins said, adding: "They milked it – they had a short, explosively successful career, but 10 years back we [Xenomania] agreed we never wanted to be caught making the same record twice."

Higgins also revealed that Xenomania have been working with a dozen or so new acts who are now ready – or almost ready – to be launched. The first of these is Mini Viva, who's debut single 'Left My Heart In Tokyo' looks set to make the Top 10 in this Sunday's (September 13) UK single chart.

"You're trying to find true stars," Higgins said of Xenomania's philosophy. "I'm looking for people who are hungry, exceptionally musically talented, and have got character and backbone."

Make sure you check NME.COM around 7pm (BST) this Sunday to get the full run down on the UK single and album chart.