Interview | Chris Lee

Music producer Chris Lee has elevated his musical career through industry experiences in both London and Seoul in South Korea. 

Initially joining ICMP to study our BMus in Popular Music Performance, he then returned to Seoul to continue his education and source studio-based opportunities. 

In our interview, we quiz Chris on his ICMP experiences, recent projects and his work in Seoul's music industry…

How did you start your musical journey? Was there a person or record that began everything off for you?

I started my musical journey at the age of 12 when I picked up the electric guitar. My initial inspiration came from watching the film 'School of Rock', which ignited my passion for rock music and made me want to play guitar. From there, I discovered legendary rock and metal guitarists like Angus Young, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Steve Vai. Their passion and technical mastery further fueled my interest and motivated me to dive into music seriously.

What led you to study at ICMP?

After completing a diploma in music performance in London, I wanted to take my skills to the next level. ICMP was the ideal choice because of its reputation for excellence in music education, offering a balance of technical training and creative development. 

ICMP provided the perfect environment to improve my guitar playing, explore various musical styles, and connect with like-minded, talented musicians."

How was your time at ICMP? Were there any key points of advice you picked up?

My time at ICMP was incredibly enriching and transformative. I studied Popular Music Performance, where I learned techniques across a wide range of styles, including blues, funk, reggae, R&B, disco, country, metal, and jazz. Alongside this, I explored music theory, history, and business, gaining a well-rounded education that prepared me for a career in the music industry.

Learning from some of the UK's top guitar virtuosos, such as Hugh Burns, Lee Hodgson, Charlie Griffiths, and Tolis Zavaliaris, helped me refine my technical skills and develop a deeper appreciation for versatility and musicianship.

In my later years at ICMP, I became increasingly passionate about composing and music production. I had the privilege of learning from exceptional mentors like Audrey Riley, a renowned cellist and arranger who has worked with iconic artists such as Coldplay and Muse, and Fergus Gerrand, a renowned percussionist who has collaborated with artists like Madonna and Sting. Additionally, I've learned from Xantone Blacq, a multi-instrumentalist known for his work with Amy Winehouse, and Misha Nikolic, an accomplished music producer and guitarist with extensive experience in mixing and mastering.

These world-class mentors have not only enhanced my understanding of music production techniques but also inspired me to explore new creative approaches in composition. By working closely with them, I've gained invaluable insights into the art of arranging, and producing music, which further fueled my growth as a musician and sound engineer.

A key takeaway from ICMP was the importance of adaptability and collaboration in the music industry. These lessons, combined with my experience in composition and production, have continued to guide me in my journey as a professional musician and producer.

How did you orientate yourself in the music industry after you completed your studies?

After graduating from ICMP in 2018, I returned to Seoul and continued my education with a master's course in music technology, with a focus on audio engineering.

This allowed me to further develop my skills in music production, mixing, mastering, and live sound. I also started working as a sound engineer, and music producer, taking on projects that required collaboration and communication with various musicians.

In 2021, I began working at Motherbird Studio as a sound engineer, where I've been involved in a variety of projects, collaborating with artists across different genres. My work includes recording sessions, mixing and mastering tracks, and contributing to the overall production process. I also manage the studio's daily operations, overseeing the maintenance of equipment, scheduling sessions, and ensuring a well-organised and efficient environment for both artists and staff, all while continuing to pursue other music production projects on the side.

What is the music industry like in Seoul? Are there plenty of opportunities and labels?

The music scene in Seoul is booming, largely thanks to the global rise of K-pop. The city has become a major hub for music production, with artists and producers driving innovation. At the same time, the indie music scene is also growing, with musicians from genres like jazz, rock, and hip-hop gaining recognition both locally and abroad. This combination makes Seoul a vibrant city for musical talent and creativity.

There's been a surge in local music festivals, live venues, and spaces that promote up-and- coming artists, giving them a platform to thrive. Plus, the city's focus on technology and digital platforms has made it easier for artists to share their work globally, further expanding Seoul's influence and making its music scene more accessible to international audiences.

That said, the industry can be highly competitive, especially in K-pop. Major labels and studios have very specific needs, which makes breaking into the mainstream scene extremely tough for newcomers.

Many musicians and producers begin with freelance projects or smaller collaborations as a stepping stone into the industry. While opportunities do exist, standing out takes persistence, adaptability, and strong industry connections."

So, while Seoul offers incredible opportunities, it's also a competitive and challenging environment, but that's what makes it such a unique place for musicians.

I'd like to know more about the different projects you've worked on. Could you talk about The Joyfools? What was your role with this?

I've had the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting and diverse projects, which have played a key role in shaping my skills in music production and sound engineering. Some of my most notable credits include recording and mixing tracks for AOMG, one of Korea's leading labels in the electronic and hip-hop scene. I also had the opportunity to master the soundtracks for 'Stellar Blade', a game developed by SHIFT UP, which was a particularly exciting collaboration within the growing global game music industry.

I've worked on the mixing and mastering of music for LG H&H, contributing to the sound for a major international brand. I also recorded Super Junior's Yesung for the K-Heritage Channel, which gave me the chance to work with one of the biggest names in K-pop. My experience extends to sound design for global companies such as SK hynix and DESCENTE, which involved shaping the audio for advertising campaigns in the tech and fashion industries.

I also worked on post-production mixing for 'KBS DOCU INSIGHT', a documentary series, which helped broaden my skills in sound design across various formats. These projects gave me the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of artists and industries, pushing both my creative and technical abilities to new levels and allowing me to continuously expand my expertise in audio production.

In addition, I'm particularly proud of my work as the producer for The Joyfools, an emerging rock band. I produced, recorded, and mixed their debut album, 'I JUST WANNA DANCE!', which is their first major release. Although they’re a new band, we were able to create a sound that truly represents their vision and artistic direction. It was a fulfilling experience, allowing me to blend my technical expertise with a collaborative creative process that helped shape their music and establish their identity as a band.

What else has been keeping you busy?

I've been collaborating with a variety of artists, which has allowed me to explore different musical styles and work with diverse personalities. It's been a fulfilling experience that continues to challenge and inspire me as a producer and sound engineer. I've also been dedicating time to sharpen my skills and discover new, more efficient ways of working. Staying curious and constantly learning is central to my growth as a professional.

What have you learned from these different projects?

Each project has taught me something unique, but one of the most important lessons has been the art of communication.

Working with people from diverse backgrounds and artistic visions has taught me the importance of listening, adapting, and fostering strong, collaborative relationships."

I've developed techniques to consistently deliver great-sounding final products, even when the source material may present challenges. This has strengthened my problem-solving skill and my ability to creatively approach each project, ensuring that the final product achieves its full potential.

What is next for you?

I'm eager to push my boundaries by pursuing international collaborations with artists. Working with musicians and producers from different parts of the world would not only inspire fresh creative ideas but also allow me to grow professionally by adapting to diverse approaches and perspectives. In particular, I want to focus more on producing for rock/metal bands, as these genres have always been at the core of my musical passion.

To support this, I plan to strengthen my connections within the industry by actively seeking more networking opportunities with the contacts I have in the UK and Europe. Building on these existing relationships will open up more opportunities for collaboration and growth, ultimately paving the way for future projects with world-class musicians. Expanding my network in these regions will also help me stay closely connected to vibrant music scenes that align with my creative vision.

With this in mind, I'm excited to explore opportunities to work in the UK and Europe. These regions are home to dynamic music scenes that resonate with my musical passion, and working there would present an exciting challenge. It would also be a key step in elevating my career on a global scale, providing the chance to collaborate with some of the top-tier artists in the industry.

Visit chrisleesound.com for more information.