Subscribe
E-Paper
" src='https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/newsV2/images/16-03(323).jpg/dims/resize/120/optimize' /> |
| American music producer Nate "Danja" Hills speaks during a press conference at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap |
Since Psy's "Gangnam Style" became a global hit, attention on K-pop music has increased more than ever.
But prominent U.S. producer Nate "Danja" Hills says K-pop should be more universal by embracing a variety of musical genres.
"I cannot say one particular K-pop artist stands out, even as I become more exposed to it," Hills told reporters during a press conference at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, Tuesday. "That's how I consume music. I don't know how to get it exposed more around the world, but maybe combining a couple more elements in the music might be an answer.
"I have used R&B, hip hop, some Bollywood sounds and Asian sounds. I can use anything that can trigger someone of another culture to like the music... You have to make it international, worldly and that's how international audiences will get into the K-pop sound."
Hills, who has worked with A-list pop stars including Britney Spears, Usher and Justin Timberlake, took part in the annual Seoul International Music Fair, also known as "MU:CON," as a keynoter. Organized by the state-run Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), the music fair showcases 51 artists from around the world and holds business-matching programs and conferences through Thursday.
When asked about the role of a pop music producer, Hills said producers are the gateways that translate what the artists do.
"We know what people like and we are the gateway. I like to translate what artists can bring to me so that people can understand it. My job is to make sure that it gets translated internationally," he said, adding that producers these days are not required to play as many roles as they did when he started out, thanks to advanced technology.
The American producer also emphasized the importance of expressiveness and creativity when making music.
"Music is expression," he said. "We make music differently in America and they make it differently in London. I can't say one is better than the other. I've heard good music in Asia and stupid music in America. It's the talent and work of the individual artists that counts, regardless of what country they come from."
