Max Martin to be made Polar Music Prize Laureate, gives rare interview

Other Laureates include Björk, Paul McCartney, Patti Smith, Quincy Jones, and Steve Reich.

Martin is one of the most prolific pop talents in the world - have a look over his production discography. Explaining their reason to include him as a Laureate, the Polar Music Prize say: "In the last 20 years, no composer in the world has written melodies as sustainable or as widespread as those of Max Martin."

To announce the Laureates, the Polar Music Prize has also shared a video tribute, featuring a rare Max Martin interview.

Speaking about his influence, he says (in Swedish): "If you can somehow influence popular culture, shape it in some way, when something becomes bigger than just a song, that's the greatest thing for me… this is what I love about music. You can reach so many people."

The seven-minute clip tracks Martin's career from his rock'n'roll roots as the frontman for It's Alive to the modern day, with Martin revered as one of the best songwriters on the planet.

Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Maroon 5's Adam Levine, Pink, and A.J. McLean and Brian Litrell from the Backstreet Boys also speak about their time working with Martin.

Mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli is also made a Polar Prize Laureate. Both are due to receive their prizes on 16 June from King Carl XVI in Stockholm, Sweden.

Check out the announcement/interview below.