Pharrell Williams, a name synonymous with innovation and chart-topping hits, is the subject of the latest episode of Song Exploder, diving deep into the creation of his song, “Piece by Piece.” For those unfamiliar, Pharrell’s groundbreaking work with The Neptunes in the 90s revolutionized music production and profoundly inspired the creation of Song Exploder itself. His influence spans genres, marked by 13 Grammy Awards and Oscar nominations, and iconic collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Britney Spears, and Gwen Stefani. Beyond his collaborations, Pharrell has crafted global anthems like “Happy,” the best-selling song of 2014 from Despicable Me 2. Now, his multifaceted career takes another exciting turn with Piece by Piece, an animated Lego movie based on his life, featuring the titular “Piece By Piece Song.”
In this highly anticipated Song Exploder episode, Pharrell dissects the layers of “Piece by Piece,” offering listeners a rare glimpse into his intricate songwriting and production methods. He reveals the song’s evolution, starting from its initial conception as a draft that was ultimately discarded. Pharrell meticulously details how he constructed the foundation of “Piece by Piece” using MIDI instruments, programming each part himself before enriching the track with live musicians. A particularly personal touch is the inclusion of his former high school marching band, adding a layer of depth and nostalgia to the song’s vibrant soundscape.
Pharrell Williams discussing his song 'Piece by Piece' on Song Exploder podcast
Listeners eager to explore the sonic architecture of “Piece by Piece” can stream the track on various platforms here. For those interested in more Song Exploder content featuring Pharrell, revisit the Run The Jewels episode about “JU$T,” where Pharrell’s distinctive backing vocals add another dimension to the track, accessible here.
This Song Exploder episode is not just a listening experience; it’s an educational journey into the mind of a musical visionary. By breaking down “Piece by Piece,” Pharrell illuminates the often-unseen steps of song creation, offering valuable insights for aspiring musicians and devoted fans alike. Tune in to Song Exploder to fully appreciate the artistry behind the “Piece by Piece song” and gain a deeper understanding of Pharrell Williams’ enduring musical genius.
