Ammar Malik

Ammar Malik is a first-generation American born to Pakistani parents in Northern Virginia.[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 as an English major.[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]