Ammar Malik | |
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Born | June 22, 1987 |
Origin | Northern Virginia, U.S. |
Genres | Pop, pop rock, alternative hip hop, reggae |
Occupation(s) | Songwriter, musician |
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.
Malik 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]
Malik'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]
Malik married Chyna Bardarson on June 19, 2022 in Malibu, California.