Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams discusses his life journey from Virginia Beach to music stardom, highlighted in the animated film 'Piece By Piece'. He shares insights about his unique synesthesia, vividly experiencing sounds as colors. Pharrell reflects on the emotional weight of music, the significance of collaboration, and a song once rejected by Prince. He candidly addresses his struggles with self-acceptance and his early career in public housing, emphasizing the transformative impact of reconnecting with cultural roots.
Pharrell Williams' animated film 'Piece By Piece' uses Lego to creatively connect his childhood experiences with his musical journey for his children.
His synesthesia allows him to visualize colors associated with musical notes, influencing his unique creative process and artistic interpretation.
Deep dives
Pharrell's Unique Biopic Concept
Pharrell Williams' biopic, 'Piece by Piece,' is a groundbreaking blend of musical biography, documentary, and Lego animation that creatively narrates his life story. The use of Lego as a medium stems from Pharrell's childhood memories, where building with Lego sets represented a means of imaginative escape. He intended the film to resonate with his children, making his journey relatable and understandable through a playful and visually engaging format. Pharrell's reluctance to create a traditional biopic was due to a belief that his personal story might not be compelling enough, yet the innovative approach offers a unique perspective on his life and career.
Synesthesia and Musical Creativity
Pharrell engages in a fascinating discussion about his synesthesia, a condition where he experiences a blending of the senses, allowing him to see colors when he hears music. In the film, this extraordinary ability is visually represented, making viewers aware of how he perceives sound and constructs music. Pharrell describes how different musical notes manifest as specific colors, which influence his creative process. He emphasizes the individualistic nature of synesthesia, explaining how each musician may experience it differently, leading to varied interpretations in sound and color association.
Influential Collaborations in Music
Pharrell reflects on key collaborations throughout his career, including the transformation of Snoop Dogg's persona through the hit 'Drop It Like It's Hot.' He discusses how this collaboration contributed to Snoop's public image, allowing audiences to see a lighter side of the rapper, which ultimately shifted the industry's perception of him. Pharrell also shares his experience writing for other artists, including a notable instance where he penned a song for Prince that wasn't picked up, illustrating the diverse landscape of music production and the varying tastes of different artists. These collaborations highlight Pharrell's ability to connect with artists across genres and his role in shaping iconic sounds.
Understanding the Impact of 'Happy'
The song 'Happy' emerged as an unexpected success, initially facing challenges getting radio play due to its unique sound. Pharrell describes the emotional process of creating the song, emphasizing how it reflects a deeper message of empathy and connection with listeners worldwide. Many individuals shared personal stories about how the song resonated with their struggles, revealing the profound impact it had amid societal challenges. Pharrell's commitment to creating music that uplifts and inspires is evident, as he strives to channel feelings of joy and happiness through his work, transforming personal experiences into universal anthems.
The animated film Piece By Piece traces Pharrell's early life as a boy growing up in Virginia Beach and follows his trajectory to a Grammy-winning songwriter, performer and producer. He spoke with Tonya Mosley about his synesthesia, the song Prince rejected, and disliking his own voice.
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