Fresh Air: Pharrell Thinks He Sounds Like Mickey Mouse
Hosted by Tanya Mosley, NPR
Release Date: November 29, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Fresh Air, hosted by Tanya Mosley, Pharrell Williams delves into the multifaceted aspects of his life and career. The conversation navigates through his latest animated biopic, "Piece by Piece," his unique synesthetic experiences, collaborations with iconic artists, and profound reflections on his ancestral roots.

"Piece by Piece" – An Animated Biopic

Pharrell introduces his new biopic, "Piece by Piece," directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville. Unlike traditional biopics, the film employs LEGO animation to narrate Pharrell's journey from his childhood in Virginia Beach to his rise in the music and fashion industries.

Pharrell Williams [01:29]: "When I was a child, my fondest memories were the LEGO sets my parents got me. Building with LEGO allowed me to escape and imagine in real time."

This unique storytelling method not only makes the film visually engaging but also personal, aiming to resonate with Pharrell's young children.

Synesthesia and Musical Creativity

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Pharrell's synesthesia—a neurological condition where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory pathway. This ability profoundly influences his music production.

Pharrell Williams [08:44]: "Synesthesia allows me to hear colors and see sounds. For instance, the synth lines in 'Milkshake' appear as yellow and brown zigzags to me."

Pharrell explains how this sensory crossover enhances his creativity, enabling him to craft music that not only sounds unique but also evokes vivid visual imagery.

Iconic Collaborations and Musical Evolution

Pharrell reflects on his collaborations with legendary artists like Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, and Kendrick Lamar. One notable collaboration discussed is "Drop It Like It's Hot" with Snoop Dogg.

Snoop Dogg [17:53]: "You were the first to allow us, the public, to see the smile in me."

Pharrell shares insights into the production process, emphasizing the importance of understanding an artist's energy and how it translates into music.

Navigating Success and Artistic Integrity

The conversation shifts to Pharrell's solo endeavors, particularly his experiences with touring and developing his singing voice. He candidly discusses initial insecurities about his vocal abilities, humorously likening his early voice to that of Mickey Mouse.

Pharrell Williams [25:35]: "I had a problem with my voice for many years because I felt like I sounded like Mickey Mouse."

Pharrell attributes overcoming these challenges to his high standards and collaborations with exceptional vocalists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Shakira.

Ancestral Reflections and Historical Connections

Towards the end of the episode, Pharrell shares a poignant moment from his appearance on Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s Finding Your Roots. He reads about his great-great-great aunts and uncles who endured slavery, providing a deeply personal connection to his heritage.

Pharrell Williams [46:46]: "We lived in log houses with stick and dirt chimneys. They called them the slave houses. I worked on the farm cutting corn stalks and tending to cattle. There was a task of cotton to be picked and spun by them."

This revelation profoundly impacts Pharrell, instilling a sense of responsibility and a stronger connection to his cultural and historical identity.

Conclusion

Pharrell Williams offers an introspective look into his life, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights. From his innovative biopic to his explorations of synesthesia and ancestral history, Pharrell exemplifies the depth and versatility that define his career. This episode of Fresh Air not only highlights his achievements but also underscores his continuous journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution.

Notable Quotes:

• Pharrell Williams [05:10]: "The film is so cinematic. And I never thought I'd say that about a LEGO film, but it is cinematic."

• Pharrell Williams [14:26]: "Running water, being near water, it creates an effect of white noise that is particularly freeing to the part of your mind that wants to just iterate and not be distracted."

• Pharrell Williams [26:41]: "I work with great singers. The craft of singing is a real thing."

• Pharrell Williams [43:38]: "I went back to school and got my master's in music theory because I wanted to understand why we lost that case."

• Pharrell Williams [49:04]: "As black people in America, most of us don't have a connection to our lineage or ancestral lineage in that way."

Production Credits:

• Host: Tanya Mosley
• Executive Producer: Danny Miller
• Technical Director: Audrey Bentham
• Engineer: Adam Stanischevsky
• Interviews and Reviews Produced by: Phyllis Myers, Anne Marie Baldonado, Sam Brigger, Lauren Krenzel, Teresa Madden, Monique Nazareth, Thea Chaloner, Susan Yakundi, Anna Bauman
• Digital Media Producers: Molly CV Nesper, Sabrina Seward
• Additional Engineering Support: Joyce Lieberman, Julian Hurston

About Fresh Air:

Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Tanya Mosley in this episode, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries. Subscribe to Fresh Air Plus! for bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening, supporting NPR's mission. Visit plus.npr.org/freshair to learn more.