Best Of: Pharrell Williams / Lisa Marie Presley's Memoir
Oct 19, 2024
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Pharrell Williams, a Grammy-winning singer and producer, shares insights about his new animated biopic, 'Piece by Piece,' and explores the fascinating world of synesthesia in music. He also delves into his collaborations with stars like Snoop Dogg and Kelis. Joining him is Riley Keough, actress and co-author of her mother Lisa Marie Presley's memoir. She candidly discusses her childhood under the weight of her family's legacy, her mother's marriage to Michael Jackson, and the complex emotions tied to grief and identity.
Pharrell Williams discusses his unique synesthesia, which enriches his music creation by allowing him to visualize sound through colors.
Riley Keough reflects on co-authoring her mother's memoir, revealing the complex emotions tied to fame, loss, and their familial bond.
Deep dives
Pharrell's Unique Biopic Concept
An innovative animated biopic narrates Pharrell Williams' life story using Lego animation, reflecting the playful and imaginative aspects of his childhood. This creative choice stems from his fond memories of building and exploring through Lego sets, which allowed him to escape and ideate freely. By telling his story in this unique format, Pharrell aims to engage not only adult audiences but also make it accessible for his children, who were young at the time of the project’s inception. The film intertwines musical elements and captures pivotal moments in Pharrell's career, highlighting his evolution within the music and fashion industry.
Exploring Synesthesia in Music
Pharrell discusses his synesthesia, a condition that allows him to see colors associated with different musical notes and sounds, creating a unique sensory experience when making music. This neurological phenomenon provides him with a vivid and enriched perspective on music creation, allowing him to share diverse colors with collaborators. Throughout the discussion, he elaborates on how different artists interpret and experience music, underscoring the individuality of their creative processes. The film illustrates this by visually depicting Pharrell's perception of music through colorful animations that correspond with melodies and rhythms.
Collaboration Stories with Iconic Artists
In the biopic, Pharrell reflects on his collaborations with several renowned artists, most notably his work with Snoop Dogg on the hit 'Drop It Like It's Hot.' He provides insights into how he encouraged Snoop to embrace a lighter side in his music, leading to a profound shift in public perception of the rapper. Pharrell's ability to capture the essence of an artist's character and talent is highlighted as both an artistic strength and a point of honor, particularly when Snoop praises him for revealing a more cheerful side of his persona. The film also includes anecdotes from industry legends that illustrate the depth and impact Pharrell has had in shaping modern music.
Riley Keough's Insights on Her Mother's Memoir
Riley Keough shares her experiences co-authoring a memoir with her late mother, Lisa Marie Presley, shedding light on the intimate yet complex layers of their familial relationship. The memoir provides a candid exploration of Lisa's tumultuous life, including her father's legacy, marriages, and struggles with grief. Riley emphasizes the raw and vulnerable nature of her mother's writing, capturing the difficult emotions surrounding loss, identity, and the burdens of fame. This dialogue illustrates how documenting these experiences serves as a therapeutic process for both mother and daughter, culminating in a powerful narrative filled with personal revelations.
Grammy-winning producer, singer, songwriter and rapper Pharrell Williams has a new animated biopic called Piece by Piece. He talks with Tonya Mosley about synesthesia and collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Kelis, and Gwen Stefani.
We'll also hear from Riley Keough, Elvis's granddaughter and Lisa Marie Presley's daughter. She talks about the memoir she co-authored with her late mother. Before her unexpected death, Lisa Marie chronicled her childhood, her marriage to Michael Jackson, and growing up in Elvis's shadow.