Pharrell Williams has renewed his worldwide deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The multi-year pact takes Williams into his third decade with the company. “Pharrell has been part of my extended music business family for two decades and his talent, creativity and songwriting abilities are only exceeded by his humanity. We are delighted and proud to continue to work with him and his team,” said Sony/ATV Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier in a statement.
In addition to his own career as an artist, Williams continues to be one of the most sought-after songwriters and producers in pop music. In the last several months alone, the “Happy” writer had nine songs on Justin Timberlake’s new Billboard 200 chart topper, Man Of The Woods, as well as co-wrote Camila Cabellos’ “Havana” and Migos’ “Stir Fry,” and his group N*E*R*D scored its first Top 40 entry with the Rihanna-fronted “Lemon.”
The prolific Williams, who is co-managed by i am OTHER’s Caron Veazey and Patriot Management’s Ron Laffitte, ranks in the top 5 of Sony/ATV’s most licensed artists because of such high synch demand, says Brian Monaco, Sony/ATV president/global chief marketing officer.“Every time I’m in L.A., he plays me what he’s working on and comes up with creative ideas on how to pitch his songs in the marketplace. He asks questions about what’s working or say ‘here are some B-sides you may not have heard,'” Monaco says.
“It’s really a creative back and forth. We’ll look at a brand to attack or a film that he may fit in. I may have talked to him three months ago about an idea and he’ll remember and send me something.” As the long-standing relationship continues to grow, Williams has even expressed interest in working with some of Sony/ATV’s developing writers, including newcomer Gizzle, whose “Get Loud For Me” has been licensed for ads for Ram, Bose, as well as several trailers. For his part, Williams, who was courted by several publishing companies as the end of his contract approached, said: “It’s incredible to think that it’s now 20 years since I first signed a publishing deal with these guys. I look forward to continued success with Marty, Brian Monaco and Sony/ATV.”