PaprTape on SoundBetter

Multi-Genre composer/producer who has worked with Burberry, Marshall Headphones, Philip Glass, and more

Tony Yang, 楊伯翊 (Yáng•bó•yì), going by the stage name PaprTape (previously PaperTape), is a producer and musician who makes music in various genres that combines traditional and modern techniques.

PaprTape was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and started with the violin and piano at the age of 6. He traveled back and forth between the U.S. and Taiwan as a child, learning music with various teachers, and also studied with Khuillip Jeung from The Juilliard School.

PaprTape began his career in Asia, winning first place in the International Floral Expo Remix Competition for remixing Teresa Tang's "What Would You Say," and later produced the girl group 六月弦 (Six.S.) that reached top 10 in the music charts in Taiwan. He then continues to compose, produce and perform around the world including China, Taiwan, Canada and the U.S.

As an artist and composer, PaprTape makes and produces music for film, TV, artists, etc. with artists and musicians including Michael Riesman and the Philip Glass Ensemble, Fung Bros, JJ Lin, OuYang Nana, Wang Zhi-Ping, and many others. His works has been featured and/or published by Burberry, Marshall Headphones, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, Next Media Animations, etc.

He is currently living in Brooklyn, NY, working with Michael Riesman of the Philip Glass Ensemble, International Artists and Brands.

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Credits

2 Reviews

Endorse PaprTape

by hope2yu
Verified
I asked Mixing & Mastering Tony. His work is very sophisticated, and he works fast…
I much appreciated his trustable work and style.
by Adrian Gariba
Tony is a very talented producer/musician. I enjoyed working with him over the years. He is also a very professional and timely person which is rare in this industry.

Interview with PaprTape

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recently finished my 3rd Burberry project. I did the music, foley, sound fx, mixing, and mastering. I was able to combine different genres according to the moving imagery. The client was really happy and it is one of the few projects where I can combine multiple skillsets together.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: These days, I'm working on commercial projects, R&B and Hip Hop with various artists, some classical stuff, and some ambient experiential music for my own.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I randomly clicked from Spotify. I don't know who is on here.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Whichever showcase your artistry the most. These days a lot of people get caught up on analog stuff. Yes, I do love analog, but at the same time a kid with just a laptop can make amazing music.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I'll do whatever it takes to make it work.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The journey and when others really appreciates and enjoy my work. I can be happy making music by myself, but when I work with and bring joy to others, that really means something.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Can you change this and/or add that? I'll think about it for a moment and say "why not?!"
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Some people thought I just copy and paste from loops. Some people thought I'm only a beat maker. Some people thought I'm only a composer. I use the tools that I have and just make it work.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I usually ask the clients what style they are going for, if they are welling to experiment, and artists and songs that fits what they're going after.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be professional and think about what style really suits you. I can be flexible, but in order to not go in circles, it is best if you can find 3 samples that sums up what you are looking for.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My violin, a workstation keyboard, zoom recorder with built in mics, a pair fo headphones, and solar power for the electronics.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I would say I've been doing this for 10+ years. I started with the violin and piano at the age of 6, which gave me musical foundation. I started playing around with music production in college, then later went to Taiwan and started working in the music industry there.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I'm usually more chill on my personal stuff with warm analog pads and distinct melodies. I go crazy and more creative with client projects, especially when matching fast moving imagery.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Alina Baraz. Her sultry vocals really calms me
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Practice, Practice, Practice. Working with others will help you learn. Take criticisms and keep growing.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: R&B, Hip Hop, Electronic, and Classical
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My ability to never give up and just make things work.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: my open heart, seriously.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I usually get to know the people I work with first. Sometimes it is hard to communicate the vision in terms of music, and I think it is important to understand each other and be flexible. It'll help making the process smoother.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I just have a home studio in a Brooklyn apartment with enough equipment for me to do almost everything besides live drums.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Anyone who is passionate and not too hung up on gears or status. There are people who talk too much about the gears they have, and then there are people who talk too much about who they've worked with.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I usually do full production work from making the tracks to final mastering. I'll occasionally sit in and monitor full studio recording projects.