DOCSKIM is a reputation that always pops up on the earth of Ok-pop.
From tearing it up onstage with Epik High and as a part of Ghost band with BTS, to working facet by facet Ok-Pop pioneer Search engine optimisation Taiji, the Korean-American keyboardist, music producer, and songwriter has all of it. DOCSKIM has been across the scene for 11 years, exploring and increasing his artistic abilities with each venture and present he is thrown upon.
“The music business is difficult; there’s no different option to put it,” DOCSKIM tells Bandwagon. “However the ones who’re meant for will probably be those who pay their dues and courageous by the storm. Success just isn’t at all times assured however a better appreciation for music and life, basically, got here to me after all of the onerous instances.”
Bandwagon caught up with DOCSKIM to speak about his origin story, the bits and items he picked up all through his musical journey, and the opposite tasks he has lined up.
How lengthy have you ever been within the music business and what does it take to stay round?
I’ve been within the music business for technically 11 years however at all times felt like I didn’t obtain the success of my friends. Numerous them began music research earlier and I felt like I used to be at all times behind.
I feel one piece of recommendation I may give to these within the music business is stick with your instincts. It’s very easy to overthink conditions and fear about what the opposite get together would suppose however each time I caught with my intestine, some life-changing occasion would fall into my arms.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to fail. Failure results in success.
What was your first instrument?
My mother signed me up for piano classes after I was younger and I caught with it ever since! There was a time when my household had been going by monetary points and my mother requested me if I needed to proceed piano classes. Me being a child, I had no thought about our cash issues and I apparently mentioned sure.That’s when my mother knew I used to be meant to pursue music.
I took French horn fairly critically after I was younger. I REALLY took bass guitar critically in faculty when a buddy left his bass in my dorm room. (Bass is my favourite instrument!)
You are a multi-instrumentalist, however most identified for the keyboard. What drew you to the keys specifically?
Once I was in highschool, the reward workforce chief knew I performed piano and requested me if I needed to play keyboard at church. I feel that’s when my musical pursuits actually began to take off.
It was so cool with the ability to play completely different sounds akin to strings, guitar, bass on mainly what was an electrical piano. That led to my desires of being a session keyboardist and a music producer; I’d be using and finding out many sounds as an alternative of simply piano.
What are the highs and lows of being within the music business?
I’m undecided concerning the music business however so far as music basically, the highs are assembly so many nice musicians and artists and listening to a lot new music.
I can’t describe the sensation I get after I meet somebody inspirational or hear a brand new track that makes me need to go into the studio instantly.
The music business is difficult; there’s no different option to put it. However the ones who’re meant for will probably be those who pay their dues and courageous by the storm. Success just isn’t at all times assured however a better appreciation for music and life basically got here to me after all of the onerous instances.
Each artistic has that stagnant second the place they can not seem to create. Inform us, how did you overcome the dip you confronted in 2017? What did you to get you again up within the zone?
I lived within the USA all my life so even to today, I nonetheless really feel like a foreigner right here in South Korea. That feeling of loneliness, coupled with being round people who I didn’t appear to click on with (clout chasers, “influencers”, folks with small desires), I misplaced all curiosity in music.
In my free time, I had no urge to the touch the piano or make any songs. This lasted about two years. Slowly however absolutely, I simply form of went into my very own world and stopped caring what folks considered me and my music. I burned bridges with anybody that I felt can be a detrimental affect on my psychological well being and/or my profession.
Ever since then, so many nice issues occurred career-wise and I fell again in love with life, music, and particularly piano once more. What could also be unimaginable for the haters may be your subsequent dream come true!
How completely different is it working as a producer from performing as a member of a touring band? Is there one thing you want greater than the opposite? How do you shift your mindset once you put in your composer hat/producer hat/arranger hat/and so on?
I used to have massive points with going forwards and backwards as a producer and a keyboardist. Nonetheless, I noticed how fortunate I used to be that I could possibly be a part of each worlds.
Manufacturing and musicianship are positively intercorrelated. Each outcome from how a lot work you place in! Manufacturing helped me simplify my musicality whereas enjoying devices helped me to place a particular sonic stamp on my tracks.
You’ve got labored with among the finest acts within the business all through the years – Search engine optimisation Taiji, Epik Excessive, BTS, and extra. Inform us about these experiences and the way they’ve helped you develop as a musician.
I respect Search engine optimisation Taiji a lot as he’s the primary main artist to essentially belief me and provides me the arrogance to pursue manufacturing as a profession as an alternative of a pastime.
Once I was scouted for his band, it actually felt like boot camp from day one. However by that have, I realized professionalism and that placing within the additional work results in outcomes that most individuals can’t obtain.
BTS skyrocketed my manufacturing profession beginning with ‘Lie’ and it simply bewildered me how my dream got here true and the way thousands and thousands of individuals had been liking music that I had a hand in creating. BTS positively pushed me to turn into a greater producer and I can’t thank Pdogg (BTS’ fundamental producer) sufficient for at all times trusting my sound.
Being with BTS from their debut, in what methods would you say BTS have been a optimistic affect in your profession and vice versa?
Seeing BTS’ success develop from small recognition to worldwide domination, it’s positively a reminder that something is feasible with the fitting mindset, robust will, and luck.
Even after taking on the world, they’re nonetheless so cordial and humble. It’s a superb reminder to at all times hold my ego in test and pursue all of my desires, regardless of how loopy they appear.
How do you discover the dedication to maintain preventing to your craft?
I nonetheless have a lot to say. And I’ve a lot room to enhance musically. I need to be the perfect DOCSKIM there ever was. All in a matter of time!!
Apart from Ok-pop, what different kinds of music do you hearken to and affect you as an artist?
My favourite artist is D’Angelo however I really like a lot music, it’s unimaginable to listing all of them. Hip-hop, ’90s r&b, jazz, and soul music are positively my favorites however something from Studio Ghibli OSTs to JRPG soundtracks to emo rock.
If the music stirs some form of emotion in me, I prefer it. It’s hilarious however I truly don’t hearken to any Ok-pop in any respect. I really feel like I’d begin attempting to comply with tendencies production-wise if I achieve this.
Are there different tasks outdoors the world of Ok-pop you have got lined up?
I’ve been engaged on my debut album for over 10 years however scrapped a whole lot of demos. Simply need to launch the proper album that I’d need to hearken to. Hopefully, when the world is healthier, I’d have the ability to tour with my band and say hello to my followers in particular person!
What dream tasks do you sit up for attaining within the close to future?
My debut album! Producing for artists that I’m a fan of! Scoring movies! Making video game soundtracks! Proceed to create a bridge between South Korea and the remainder of the world!
BTS are slated to carry out on MTV Unplugged with Ghost band on 24 February, 11 AM KST (10 AM PHT/SGT).
