Ammar Malik (born June 22, 1987) is an American songwriter. He has co-written several modern pop songs, most notably Maroon 5's "Moves like Jagger" and Gym Class Heroes' "Stereo Hearts" which have both been certified multi-platinum by the RIAA.[3] He tied for 17th place in Songtrust's publication of the top 20 songwriters of 2011.[4] Ammar Malik's songs have sold over 100 million copies worldwide in total.
Ammar Malik | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 22, 1987 |
| Origin | Northern Virginia, U.S. |
| Genres | Pop, pop rock, alternative hip hop, reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Songwriter, musician |
Early life and education
editMalik was born in Northern Virginia, on June 22, 1987, to first-generation American born to Pakistani parents.[5][6] He first started learning guitar when he was 14.[7] As a high school and college student he wrote and performed music locally with several different bands.
Malik attended George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where he majored in English.[5]
Songwriting
editMalik's close friend and co-manager David Silberstein had a childhood connection to producer Benny Blanco along with his brother and now co-manager Jeremy Levin. After Malik and Blanco were introduced, Blanco suggested he try his hand at writing songs for other artists.[5] Though Malik had intentions of being an artist himself, when nearing the end of college he decided to give it a shot. In an interview Malik said that two of his biggest influences are Radiohead and Rx Bandits.[3] He also co-wrote "Compass" by Lady Antebellum in 2013's single.
In 2013, Malik won the coveted BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year title, along with Benny Blanco, and Claude Kelly.[8] Each contributed four songs to the year's most performed list. Malik co-penned "Ass Back Home", "Moves Like Jagger, "Payphone" and "Stereo Hearts".[8] Benny Blanco, Adam Levine and Ammar Malik also clinched BMI Pop Song of the Year honors for their co-write of "Moves Like Jagger".[8]
Songwriting discography
editPersonal life
editMalik married Chyna Bardarson on June 19, 2022 in Malibu, California.
References
edit- ^ "Songwriter/Composer: MALIK AMMAR". BMI. Retrieved February 17, 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Credits for PUT IT ON YOU". ASCAP. Retrieved February 17, 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b c "10 Questions: Ammar Malik". BMI Music World. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
- ^ "Top 20 Songwriters of 2011". Songtrust. Archived from the original on January 10, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
- ^ a b c "Songwriter Profile: Ammar Malik". Music Connection. Archived from the original on May 21, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
- ^ "Without Ammar Malik, Maroon 5 Wouldn't Have Moves Like Jagger". Divanee. October 4, 2011. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
- ^ "He's Got Us Moving Like Jagger". Newsweek Pakistan. Archived from the original on December 28, 2011. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
- ^ a b c "Adam Levine Receives President's Award at 61st Annual BMI Pop Awards". Music Connection. Retrieved June 13, 2013.
- ^ "Keith Urban Lights The 'Fuse' This Fall". Retrieved August 8, 2013.