Ali Payami is a Swedish record producer, songwriter, and DJ.
Payami's first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 was The Weeknd's single "Can't Feel My Face". In 2016, he won a Grammy for Album of the Year for his contributions on Taylor Swift's album 1989. He has also worked with other musicians such as Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, Ellie Goulding and Katy Perry.
Early life Ali was born in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Then, once his family moved to Sweden during his early childhood. he was first exposed to music in Malmö. At a young age he listened to many genres of music, ranging from Dr. Dre's The Chronic to Nirvana. He watched people in bands rehearse and make music, which prompted him to develop interest in the same. This interest was reflected by his statement "When you play something and see people's reactions when they hear it... It really affected me."
Growing up, however, he became more interested in house music, siding away from the pop genre he was exposed to. This was evident from his words "...these guys were more into pop and mainstream, and I chose more house music..." in an interview. Payami didn't understand how to make music when he was younger. However, as years passed and new, better software became available for music production, he learnt the basics by watching others do so. Later, he bought the programs and started creating music himself.
Ali Payami then started DJing at school parties and in local clubs. He said “DJing played a big part in what I do now; the mentality of it and the love of both new and old music. When you play something and see people's reactions when they hear it... It really affected me.” in an interview with Billboard. While working in clubs, Payami had to get other jobs to support himself, including a short lived job as a telemarketer. He described this experience as "weird", stating “I loved DJing, but what I didn't like was being the center of attention.”
Career Beginnings Ali Payami met Julius Petersson, then an A&R for Warner/Chappel, during the time he was DJing in clubs. This provided him a major opportunity at the time, as the public house gave him a cash advance. In Payami's words, "It allowed me to not have to work on anything else but music, so you can eat but also concentrate on what you want to do". Payami was also grateful to Julius and considered him a visionary, stating "Julius was such a visionary. He believed in not just me, but a lot of people who are very successful now."
Through Petersson, Max Martin's brother-in-law, Payami was introduced to Shellback, a highly successful Swedish music producer. This eventually enabled Payami to collaborate with Max Martin. Payami commented on Martin, saying "He's not only amazing and talented the way everyone knows him, but he's also a great guy. It's not just music; you learn so much about life, how to collaborate with people, and how to be open and not let egos take over the room.”
Rise to fame Ali Payami's collaborations with Max Martin since 2014 have been an "ubiquitous part of the pop radio landscape", as described by Billboard. His work on Ariana Grande's song "Love Me Harder" was one of the first of such collaborations, on which Payami commented, "I remember sitting in a studio in L.A. and me and [Peter Svensson] were just playing around. A few days later, he showed me this voice note with a part of a melody that we had played, and we tried to recreate it. From there, the whole thing came together. Savan came in with more melodies and lyrics, and then after that The Weeknd did his thing."
Ali Payami worked on The Weeknd's song "Can't Feel My Face", which helped him settle himself as a popular pop artist. The song hit No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and obtained two Grammy nominations, for "Record of the Year" and "Best Pop Solo Performance". Payami said that it was a very simple song, and not "super advanced". Max Martin, on Payami, jokingly commented that he was envious of him, who "listened to new music all the time"
Payami has worked with Taylor Swift, co-writing and co-producing "Style" from her album 1989 (2014), and "...Ready for It?" from Reputation (2017).
Payami co-wrote and co-produced Katy Perry's single "Chained to the Rhythm" from her album Witness (2017).
Payami worked with Poppy on her fifth studio album Zig (2023).
Payami resides in Stockholm and works in Wolf Cousins Studio.
Discography
Albums YearArtistAlbumRole2024Jason DeruloNu KingProducer, Co-writer2023Taylor Swift1989 (Taylor's Version)Co-writerPoppyZigProducer, Co-writer2022FletcherGirl of My DreamsCo-producer, Co-writer2021L DevineNear Life Experience Part TwoProducer, Writer2020Astrid SLeave It BeautifulProducer, Co-writer2017Taylor SwiftReputationProducer, Co-writer, keyboards, programmingKaty PerryWitnessGuitar, Drums, Bass, Synths, Piano, Background Vocals, Producer, ProgrammingTove LoBlue LipsProducer, Co-Writer2016Various Artists2016 Grammy NomineesComposer, ProducerThe PigsThe Great Bluegrass SwindleComposer, Producer, Programmer Covers of Just Can't Get Enough, Total Eclipse of The Heart, Party Rock Anthem, Adele's Rolling in the Deep, Kanye West's Gold Digger and MilkshakeAriana GrandeDangerous WomanBass, Composer, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Producer, ProgrammingVarious ArtistsFitness Beats 2016Composer, Musical Instrument, Producer, ProgrammerRon JeremiahGhost Town 2016ComposerVariousGhostbusters (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Bass, Composer, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Piano, Producer, ProgrammingSabina DdumbaHomeward BoundBass, Composer, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Producer, ProgrammerChlaraIn a Different LightComposerKidz BopKidz Bop 33ComposerLalehKristallerComposerTove LoLady WoodBass, Co-composer Co-composer, Drums, Guitar, Instrumentation, Keyboards, Producer, ProgrammingNick JonasLast Year Was ComplicatedBass, Composer, Drums, Keyboards, Producer, Programming, SynthesizerVarious ArtistsLazy Afternoon [UMTV]ComposerBethLove SongsComposerBaby RockstarLullaby Renditions of Taylor Swift: 1989ComposerVarious ArtistsNow That's What I Call Music! 58ComposerVarious ArtistsNow That's What I Call Music! 60ComposerVarious ArtistsNow That's What I Call a Workout 2017ComposerVarious ArtistsNow That's What I Call Music! 57ComposerVarious ArtistsParty Tyme Karaoke: Super Hits, Vol. 26ComposerJim BrickmanPure CinemaComposerAlessandro DanelloShine - EPComposerThe WeekndStarboyComposerDavid NailUncovered - EPComposer2015Ryan Adams1989ComposerThe WeekndBeauty Behind the MadnessBass, Composer, Drums, Keyboards, Producer, Programming, SynthesizerDemi LovatoConfidentComposer, Drums, Guitar, Percussion, Producer, ProgrammingEllie GouldingDeliriumBass, Composer, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Producer, Programming, Synthesizer, Vocals (Background)Various ArtistsFifty Shades of Grey: Original Motion Picture SoundtrackBass, Composer, Drums, Keyboards, Percussion, Producer, Programming, Vocals (Background)Fifty Shades of Grey RemixedComposerSabrinaI Love Acoustic 8ComposerKidz BopKidz Bop 28ComposerKidz BopKidz Bop 29ComposerVarious ArtistsNow That's What I Call Music! 53ComposerVarious ArtistsNow That's What I Call Music! 55ComposerVarious ArtistsNow That's What I Call Music! 56ComposerVarious ArtistsNow That's What I Call Music! 54ComposerVarious ArtistsParty Tyme Karaoke: Girl Pop Mega Pack, Vol. 3ComposerVarious ArtistsParty Tyme Karaoke: Girl Pop Party Pack, Vol. 6ComposerVarious ArtistsParty Tyme Karaoke: Girl Pop, Vol. 24ComposerVarious ArtistsParty Tyme Karaoke: Pop Mega Pack, Vol. 3ComposerPiano RockstarPiano Renditions of Taylor Swift: 1989ComposerNessiRolling With the PunchesComposerAriana AzaleaStyle: New Romantics 2015 Gangnam EPComposerKoryn HawthorneThe Voice: The Complete Season 8 CollectionComposerStraight No ChaserThe New Old FashionedComposerAdam LambertThe Original HighBass, Composer, Drums, Instrumentation, Keyboards, Musician, Percussion, Producer, Programmer, Programming, Unknown Instrument, Various InstrumentsPatrick RouillerTous Les Titres Du Gagnant Nouvelle Star 2016ComposerTori KellyUnbreakable SmileComposer, Instrumentation, Percussion, Producer, Programming2014Taylor Swift1989Co-writer, Keyboards, Co-producer, ProgrammingLea MicheleLouderComposer, Engineer, Keyboards, Producer, Programming, StringsAriana GrandeMy EverythingBass, Composer, Drums, Keyboards, Percussion, Producer, ProgrammingVarious ArtistsNRG WorkoutPrimary ArtistTove LoQueen of the CloudsCo-composer, Instrumentation, Producer, Programming, RemixingTaylor SwiftTaylor Swift Karaoke: 1989Composer, Keyboards, Producer, Programming2012LoreenHealComposer2011Various ArtistsMost Wanted!, Vol. 1: The Ultimate ClubhousePrimary Artist2010Various Artists101 Ibiza AnthemsProducerVarious ArtistsBig Tunes: Destination DanceProducerVarious ArtistsClub Anthems 2010ProducerVarious ArtistsClubland SmashedPrimary ArtistVarious ArtistsKanikuly 2010Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsMinistry of Sound: Running Trax, Vol. 2ProducerAli PayamiRootsPrimary ArtistVarious ArtistsThe Mash Up Mix 2010Producer2009Various ArtistsAbsolute Dance: Winter 2009Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsChilled Euphoria [Ministry of Sound]Additional Production, RemixingVarious ArtistsClubbers Guide 2009Producer, Composer, Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsClubland Classix, Vol. 2Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsClubland Classix 2 [Digital Bundle Package]Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsDance Chart, Winter/Spring 2009Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsEuro Hits 2008Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsFrom House to Electro 2009: In the MixPrimary ArtistVarious ArtistsHardcore Til I Die, Vol. 2 Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsHed Kandi: Beach House 2009 ProducerVarious ArtistsHed Kandi: Summer Sampler 2009Producer, Engineer, Mixing, Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsHed Kandi: The Mix Spring 2009Composer, Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsHouse 2009 Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsMinistry of Sound: Annual 2010Additional Production, RemixingAmy DiamondSwings and RoundaboutsComposerVarious ArtistsThe Annual Compilation 2010Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsUltimate NRG 4Primary Artist2008Various ArtistsClub Sensation 2008Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsClub House Sensation 2008Producer, Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsClub Sounds, Vol. 46Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsClub Trance, Vol. 2Composer, Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsClubbers Best ChoicePrimary ArtistVarious ArtistsClublife: The Weekend Has LandedPrimary ArtistVarious ArtistsDream Dance, Vol. 49Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsElectro House Alarm, Vol. 3Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsFuture Trance, Vol. 45Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsHed Kandi: The Mix - Summer 2008Producer, RemixingFridaHoppa Upp!Producer, ComposerVarious ArtistsHousexy 2008Producer, RemixingVarious ArtistsIbiza Residence '08Primary ArtistDaniel DesnoyersIn Da House, Vol. 3Composer, Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsKontor House of House, Vol. 6Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsKontor Top of the Clubs, Vol. 40Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsMinistry of Sound: Annual 2009 [Germany]Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsMinistry of Sound: The Annual, Winter 2009Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsProgressive AttackPrimary ArtistVarious ArtistsTanecní Liga Best Dance Hits 2008Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsTanecní Liga, Vol. 105Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsTekno! 47Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsTunnel Trance Force, Vol. 46 Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsViva Club Rotation, Vol. 39Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsWelcome to the Club, Vol. 14Primary ArtistVarious ArtistsWork It out...Pump It Up!!!Primary Artist2007Various ArtistsClub Miami, Vol. 1 Composer, Primary ArtistDJ JondalLa Nuit, Vol. 2: Rare LoungeProducer, ComposerMåns ZelmerlöwStand by For...ProducerVarious ArtistsSunshine HouseComposer, Primary Artist2005ArashArashRemixing2001Various ArtistsDisco KandiProducer, Engineer, Mixing, Composer, Primary Artist
Produced songs