Music

Bellevue Producer John Kim, Rising With Style

September 24, 2013

Though he’s only been in production mode for one year, do not dismiss John Kim as a mere blip on the local music radar. This Bellevue musician knows it’s all about the work ethic, and he’s determined to get there – Giving music production his full and complete attention.

What began as part of his curriculum in school, John played instruments in orchestra and concert band. Integrating music into his life sparked excitement and enjoyment, and oftentimes frustration, but John never saw music as an actual outlet for a career. Like most kids growing up before the rise of the electronic era, the possibilities of a future working in music seemed limited to playing in the local symphony or becoming a member of a collegiate marching band. Or, maybe even just starting a garage rock band and hoping for a lucky break.

https://soundcloud.com/djjohnkim/lucky-charmes-tony-verdult-vs

It seemed as a creative hobby, destined to be grown out of and lost. But when John got to high school, his passion to make music his life-goal struck a major chord when he moved on from orchestral instruments to the drums and guitar. Soon he and his buddies were jamming out every weekend, playing out their favorite rock songs, making up a few of their own, and letting their collective inspiration take hold. And from there, John developed a dream of one day playing the drums in a punk band, because somehow, he knew that he was made for the music.

https://soundcloud.com/djjohnkim/kalavela-john-kim-edit

After high school, his garage band parted ways and some left for college, but John’s dream was still alive, although seemingly bleak at best. It was in his first year of college, however, that a new friend introduced him to the craziest style of music he had ever heard in his life: Skrillex. Like everyone else at first listen, John could not help but let curiosity and intrigue take over, and John had to know more. Diving in head first into the electronic dance music genre, John finally felt that he had found his true calling. Soon after, he picked up his first set of equipment and learned to DJ, and played out at local house parties and became known for his hard-earned skill and natural talent for mixing. And at 20 years old, John took his first step into music production, and has since never looked back.

https://soundcloud.com/djjohnkim/3lau-and-paris-and-simo-ft

A year later, John is working to develop his distinct sound; Sorting out his versatile collection of influences, and trying to piece together a carefully crafted style of music production somewhere in the electro-progressive house realm. He understands that production is a heavily time-consuming, rapidly growing, and oftentimes isolated career path to take. But the odds against him don’t stand a fighting chance to his strong will and determination to make music his achievable life dream. John even gave up his 21st birthday festivities in order to hit the studio, a sacrifice most of us would be unwilling to make. He is also challenging himself further by entering every contest possible, including Dim Mak’s “Open DJ” contest for Tomorrowworld, and Beatport Remix contests. Taking from his first electronic inspiration from Skrillex, John wants people to one day listen and identify with him, and to have no doubts when they say “This is a John Kim track!”

https://soundcloud.com/djjohnkim/john-kim-aspiration-original

John’s passion to stand out, to be more than most, and to have true originality is not only what listeners want to hear, but it’s what electronic music needs. In a time when most Beatport Top 10 tracks can be easily recycled, it is those handful of rare, musical artists that treat their craft as a true art form – an expression of themselves – that separates them from the rest. And to aspire to be in that elite group of individuals is why John Kim refuses to be just a blip on the radar, but to be one of the brightest shining stars in the electronic galaxy that leaves you with a feeling of grand astonishment.

Be on the lookout for John Kim, for now uploading new original music for us all to enjoy, and soon hoping to be playing live in the Seattle area, and beyond. And for all you Breaking Bad fanatics out there, listen to his Walter White-inspired original below, and do not forget to show this local rising talent some major support.