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Pharrell and Rick Rubin Have an Epic Conversation | GQ

GQ・31 minutes read

Pharrell discusses his musical influences, approach to collaboration, and the importance of emotions in music creation, reflecting on his eclectic tastes and the impact of hip-hop on culture. He also delves into the legal implications of copyrighting emotions in music, highlighting the evolving cultural landscape and lessons learned from legal battles, emphasizing the joy of creating resonant music.

Insights

  • Pharrell Williams emphasizes the importance of chords in music creation, viewing them as emotional coordinates that transport listeners to beautiful places, highlighting the need to capture the feelings they evoke for impactful music.
  • The transformative impact of hip-hop music, particularly songs like Strafe's "Set It Off," is discussed, showcasing how early engagement in hip-hop was driven purely by passion rather than financial gain, underscoring the genre's lasting influence and timeless appeal.

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Recent questions

  • How does Pharrell view chords in music?

    As coordinates transporting listeners to beautiful places.

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Summary

00:00

Pharrell's Musical Journey and Collaborative Approach

  • Pharrell discusses his musical interests and what intrigues him musically, focusing on chord progressions that evoke new emotions.
  • He views chords as coordinates that transport listeners to beautiful places, emphasizing the importance of capturing the feeling they evoke.
  • Pharrell mentions using Shazam to identify songs that intrigue him, highlighting its significance as a tool in his music discovery process.
  • He delves into the importance of analyzing his own feelings while listening to music, stating that understanding his emotions is crucial in comprehending the music.
  • Pharrell talks about his approach to collaboration, mentioning how he channels other artists' energies to create unique music experiences.
  • He emphasizes the need to trust in the studio, discussing how subtle disagreements are resolved by setting aside egos and focusing on the music.
  • Pharrell explains his role as a producer, aiming to show artists different sides of themselves through music creation.
  • He discusses his eclectic musical influences, including Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and Prince, highlighting his appreciation for diverse genres.
  • Pharrell reminisces about his upbringing in a musical household in Virginia, recalling the wide range of music he listened to, including go-go music.
  • He reflects on the impact of rap music in transforming perspectives and igniting a cultural shift, emphasizing its underground origins and eventual mainstream success.

20:45

"Evolution of Hip-Hop Music Creation"

  • Early on, people engaged in hip-hop purely out of love for it, as there was no financial gain initially.
  • The transformative impact of hip-hop music, particularly Strafe's "Set It Off," was immense in Virginia, with its lasting popularity.
  • The influence of classic hip-hop tracks like "Set It Off" and "The Benjamins" inspired artists to strive for similar success.
  • The enduring appeal of songs like "Set It Off" and "White Lines" highlights the timeless quality of certain hip-hop tracks.
  • The significance of intuition in music creation is emphasized, contrasting with the predictive nature of modern technology.
  • The importance of reverse-engineering emotionally impactful songs to create new music is highlighted, as seen in the process of making hits like "Blurred Lines."
  • The legal implications of copyrighting feelings in music, as demonstrated in the "Blurred Lines" case, have raised questions about the definition of a song.
  • The evolving cultural landscape and shifting societal norms impact the creative freedom of artists like Richard Pryor, reflecting changing times.
  • Lessons learned from legal battles, like the need for clarity in artistic intentions and the distinction between tangible and intangible elements in music creation.
  • The joy of creating music that resonates deeply, leading to moments of pure excitement and satisfaction in the creative process.

41:51

"Patience and passion in creative evolution"

  • Creativity in the studio is described as a patient process where uninteresting moments can suddenly become exciting without much effort, highlighting the lack of control in creativity and the role of patience as antennas and transistors.
  • The interest in fashion sparked from a young age due to not having trendy items like friends, leading to a deep appreciation for the opportunity to create. The similarity between making music and fashion is emphasized, both processes utilizing the same creative muscles.
  • The evolution of making music is linked to personal growth, transitioning from a fan to a family man with four kids, with music being the key that opened doors to emotional moments and collaborations, emphasizing the universal desire for everyone to find joy in their work.
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