Did you know the man who worked on Hannah Montana’s “B5-Shining Star” also worked on songs for artists like TVXQ and Kis-My-Ft2? Record producer, recording engineer, and songwriter, Sean Alexander agreed to an exclusive interview with HypnoticAsia! Sean Alexander co-wrote and produced hit songs like Super Junior‘s “Why I Like You”, SHINee’s “Amigo”, Kim Hyun Joong‘s “Kiss Kiss” and worked with many more artists in Korea including Heo Young Saeng, Cross Gene, TVXQ, Girls’ Generation-TaeTiSeo and many more. His co-written piece “Obsession”, which was written for SHINee, became part of the original soundtrack of Hollywood produced movie “The Warrior’s Way”.
In this interview, Sean talks about his start in music and where he gets the inspiration. Also through this interview, you’ll understand how some of your favorite songs were produced and discovered. He even speaks up about which artist he really wants to work with in Korea. The songwriter is also in a band Avenue 52 and he mentions how he is currently managing his time between the band as well as writing and producing. Avenue 52’s music video for “Homeless” became a featured video on VEVO and you can check out their music video for “HOMELESS” below.
THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SEAN ALEXANDER
1) What’s your story?
I always had a love for music and I started songwriting the first time I picked up a guitar. I remember one summer, my cousin was over and we picked up some instruments around the house and just started writing.
2) Who or what inspired you to become a songwriter, producer, and engineer? How did you get started in the music industry?
I grew up playing in a lot of bands so naturally, that’s where everything came from. Taking one obstacle at a time such as,
1. We need a PA System: worked all summer to buy one!
2. Need to learn how to set it up: figured that out.
3. Now we need to record: saved up for a 4 track recorder then figured out how it worked.
Coming from the punk scene, everything was ‘Do It Yourself’ mentality, so that’s what I did. Eventually, the bands evolved and we recorded at other studios which helped me learn more about the recording process.
3) Where do you get the inspiration to write and produce songs for so many artists?
Inspiration can come from anything; a word, a story, another song, a track, a riff, anything really. Sometimes an idea will just pop in my head or a lyric and then I build from that. Sometimes, I write lyrics and melodies to someone else’s instrumental track and see if that inspires something. If I don’t have anything specific I want to write about, I just start messing around with sounds and chords until I find something that can inspire me, then I build from that.
4) When you write and produce music, do you have an artist already in mind?
Occasionally, but most of the time I just write and hope it works for someone.
5) Do you prefer co-writing or writing alone?
I love doing both. I love writing with others, it’s really fun! Sometimes though, it’s just as fun writing alone. Just my headphones, mic, keyboard, guitar and computer.
6) Approximately how long does it take for you to complete one song?
It really depends. Sometimes I can finish 1-2 songs in a day just writing, while other times, it can take multiple days for just one song. Usually, I have to record, edit, mix, and master the songs, so it’s not just trying to write a song, but producing and recording it as well, which can take days.
7) What is your typical work schedule like?
Lately, I’ve been working from 2/3pm to midnight on Monday-Saturday and I take Sunday’s off.
8) What type of equipment do you use when producing music?
I use pro-tools, a Yamaha P-95 keyboard, and a few different guitars.
9) You’ve had many number 1 hit songs, how does it feel every time you see that #1 next to the song you’ve worked on?
I’m so thankful for all the #1’s I’ve been blessed with and it still feels great!
10) How did you start writing and producing for artists around Asia?
My good friend Steven Lee asked me one day if I’d like to show my songs to some of the companies in Asia. Of course I said ‘YES!’ Since he is a big time songwriter/producer in Asia, he had relationships built with the companies already. Also, a couple of co-writers gave a bunch of the songs we did to Xperimental who also has a lot of success pitching songs in Asia. They both got me a lot of songs placed with different artists there in Asia. I am very thankful for all of their help getting my music out in Asia.
11) Is there a difference when producing music for artists in Asia compared to artists elsewhere?
Yeah, there are. Sometimes there are songs that work for both territories but usually they are very different.
12) How does social networking benefit you?
It has helped me a lot, by getting my name out there as a songwriter/producer. As well as meeting producers and other writers to collaborate with around the world. Also, I love being able to talk to fans all over the world.
13) How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it?
I do a bunch of different styles but hopefully the same thing that runs through all the styles is the word ‘catchy!’
14) What do you like to do for fun outside of working on music?
I love going to concerts! Also, I like to watch English subtitled Korean shows, but shhh, don’t tell anybody.
15) If you weren’t a music producer, what would you be doing instead?
I would still be making music. I’m in a band named Avenue 52, so most of my time would be dedicated to that. Right now, I just try to manage both.
16) Which artist would you like to work with that you haven’t already?
There are sooo many artists that I’d love to work with. In Asia, it would probably be 2NE1, they are awesome!
17) If you could give advice to an aspiring producer and songwriter, what would it be?
Work hard, always keep learning, and keep God first. 🙂
Check out his Facebook, and official website below and don’t forget to follow him on Twitter for updates on whats to come.
Official Website: seanalexandermusic.com
Twitter: @seanalexander23
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/sean-alexander
Instagram: seanalexander23
Avenue 52 YouTube: www.youtube.com/avenue52music
Avenue 52 Facebook: facebook.com/Avenue52
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