Jon Shave receives honorary doctorate from the University of Liverpool

Grammy-nominated, BRIT Award-winning and Ivor Novello Award-nominated songwriter and producer Jon Shave has received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the University of Liverpool, in recognition of his contribution to contemporary popular music.

Across a career spanning more than two decades, Shave has contributed to some of the most distinctive British and global pop records of the 21st century.  His work has amassed more than 23 billion streams worldwide and includes credits with Charli XCX, Zara Larsson, Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Jessie J, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Zayn, Iggy Azalea, Lil Peep, and David Guetta.

Responding to the honour, Jon Shave said:

“Receiving this honorary doctorate from the University of Liverpool means a great deal to me. Liverpool was where I first met people who took pop music seriously as craft, culture and language, and that changed the way I thought about what a songwriter or producer could be. Popular music is often measured in charts, streams and cultural moments, but behind those moments are years of listening, learning, experimenting, collaborating and trying to make something honest. To have that work recognised in this way is incredibly special.”

The honour follows a landmark period in Shave’s career.  In recent years, he has contributed to four songs on Charli XCX’s award-winning album BRAT, including “Sympathy is a knife”, “So I”, “I think about it all the time” and “Spring breakers”.  His recent work also includes songs and productions with Jessie Ware, JADE, Lily Allen, Tyla, Melanie C, SISTRA and Loreen.

University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones said, “We are delighted to honour Jon Shave with this award in recognition of his contribution to music and global success. As a graduate of the University, Jon exemplifies the creativity, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit that define our institution. Through alumni like Jon, we see the lasting impact of what we offer our students and the positive influence they go on to have globally.

It’s fantastic to welcome Jon back onto campus for our graduation ceremonies, where he will play an important role in inspiring our graduands as they take their next steps in shaping their futures.”

Shave began his career at the renowned Xenomania songwriting and production house, where he contributed to era-defining records for artists including Girls Aloud and Sugababes.  He later co-founded The Invisible Men, the songwriting and production trio behind major international hits including Jessie J’s “Do It Like A Dude”, Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX’s “Fancy”, and productions for artists including Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Zayn and David Guetta.

Alongside his chart work, Shave has contributed to music for television and film, including producing two songs performed by Miley Cyrus as Ashley O in the Black Mirror episode “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too”, including “On A Roll”.

The honorary doctorate recognises Shave’s long-standing contribution to popular music as a songwriter, producer and collaborator whose work connects commercial success with distinctive musical craft.

Contact: Caroline Trout