Music Producer & Keyboardist

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: One of the projects I’m most proud of is Jeff Bernat’s album The Gentleman Approach, which is pretty much my production debut to the world. The album achieved significant success in South Korea, selling nearly 3 million units. My role was to produce and arrange several tracks, and seeing it resonate with such a large audience was a career highlight.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m currently working on a 5-track EP, blending jazz and R&B with electronic elements. I’m also producing tracks for a few independent artists while developing a series of remixes that fuse jazz with modern hip-hop beats.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I’d recommend Kevin Cho for production and quality, but he is also well-versed in digital media, creative direction, and marketing. I got to see him in action through one of my frequent music collaborators Davey Nate, consistently delivering high-quality work.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I love both for different reasons. Analog provides warmth and character that’s hard to replicate, while digital offers flexibility and precision. So I'll use a combination of both, allowing me to get the best of both worlds in my productions.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I promise to bring the highest level of professionalism and creativity to every project. My goal is to deliver music that exceeds expectations and resonates with the artist’s vision while maintaining the highest production quality.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most is the creative process—taking a simple idea or melody and transforming it into a fully produced, polished song. Watching the artist’s vision come to life and seeing how the music impacts them and their audience is incredibly rewarding.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Most clients ask, “How quickly can you turn around a track?” My answer is that while I can work efficiently, I also prioritize quality. I typically aim for a turnaround of 1-2 weeks for a fully produced track, depending on the project’s complexity.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: One of the biggest misconceptions is that music production is purely technical. While technical skills are crucial, a lot of production is about understanding emotion and storytelling. It’s about crafting a song that connects with people on a deeper level.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I typically ask: What’s your vision for the song or project? Who are your biggest influences? What emotions or story are you trying to convey through the music? Do you have any reference tracks that capture the sound you’re aiming for?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Look for someone who truly understands your vision. It’s important to hire a provider who listens carefully and is open to collaboration but also brings their own expertise to the table. Always check their past work and make sure their style aligns with yours.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: My full-size keyboard. A laptop with my DAW (Ableton Live). A Universal Audio Apollo interface. A versatile VST plugin suite (like Omnisphere). A pair of high-quality studio headphones.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I’ve been a professional music producer and keyboardist for over 15 years. I started out as a jazz musician, which laid the foundation for my deep understanding of music theory and improvisation. Over time, I transitioned into production, working with artists across genres and gaining recognition for my work in the U.S. and internationally, including collaborations with K-pop artists and producing platinum tracks.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a blend of jazz-influenced melodies and harmonies with modern production techniques. I like to fuse elements of R&B, soul, and hip-hop to create tracks that are both timeless and contemporary. There’s always a balance between technical musicianship and emotional expression in my work.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I would love to work with Anderson .Paak. His ability to blend genres like R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop is incredible, and I think my jazz background and production style would complement his sound. His energy and authenticity as an artist are also things I greatly admire.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Leave space in your mix. It’s easy to get caught up in adding too many elements, but sometimes less is more. Allow the song to breathe and let the key components—whether it’s the vocals, piano, or drums—stand out. Use dynamics and contrast to create impact. A perfect example is one my most simple, yet successful songs I did with Jeff Bernat called "Call You Mine."

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I work on a wide range of music, but I primarily focus on R&B/soul, hip-hop, jazz and anything alternative. These genres allow me to incorporate rich musical elements, from complex chord changes to groovy bass lines. However, I also enjoy working on pop and electronic music, blending organic and electronic sounds to create fresh, innovative tracks.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my ability to blend genres seamlessly while maintaining the integrity of the track. Whether it’s jazz, R&B, or pop, I can adapt my musical approach to fit the artist’s vision without compromising on creativity or quality. I’m also highly skilled at layering intricate chord progressions and melodies that elevate the emotional impact of a song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a unique fusion of musicality and technical prowess. My experience as a jazz pianist allows me to infuse soulful melodies and complex harmonies into my productions, while my background in beat-making ensures a solid rhythmic foundation. I also prioritize creating emotional depth in each song, making sure that every element contributes to the song's overall feel.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I begin by getting to know the artist’s vision, asking questions about their influences and the sound they’re aiming for. Then I’ll build the foundation of the track—starting with a beat or chord progression—while keeping close communication with the artist. As the track develops, I refine the arrangement, add layers, and work through multiple revisions based on feedback. I believe in being collaborative while also bringing my own creative input to the project.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Outside of my small setup at home, I currently work in various studios. I used to have my studio I called The BRDNST, but sometimes I felt stagnant on the creative end, and didn't really push for many collaborations. So being sort of like a studio gypsy nowadays has helped with keeping my network alive and meeting other creators more often, not to mention changes of scenery :)

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I’m heavily inspired by musicians like Herbie Hancock and Robert Glasper, who push the boundaries of jazz while incorporating modern influences. On the production side, I draw inspiration from Pharrell Williams and J Dilla for their innovative beats and genre-blending techniques. Their ability to create timeless music while evolving with the industry is something I strive to emulate in my own work. I also have to mention Quincy Jones b/c similar to myself myself, he started out in the jazz world then ended up as a producer with a relentless vision for each project.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I often work as a producer and pianist, focusing on creating original compositions, arranging, and producing tracks across various genres like jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and pop. I collaborate with artists to bring their ideas to life, whether it’s full production, mixing, or providing instrumental arrangements. Many clients also come to me for high-quality piano sessions, beat production, and remixes that blend multiple genres.