Meet Nery Kim | Jazz Pianist & Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nery Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nery, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
One book that had a profound impact on me is “Cosmos” by Carl Sagan. As someone who has always been fascinated by the universe, I felt a deep connection with this book. Who knows? If I weren’t a musician, I probably would have chosen to become an astronomer. The book simply ignited my imagination and made me contemplate the wonders of the cosmos. It beautifully combines scientific knowledge with poetic reflections, allowing me to grasp complex concepts and appreciate the universe’s vastness. Reading this book also made me reflect on global warming and climate change. It reminded me of the fragility of our planet and the need to protect our environment. The profound understanding of Earth’s significance in the grand scheme of the cosmos truly left a lasting impression. So, yeah. “Cosmos” not only deepened my love for the universe but also reinforced the importance of safeguarding our precious planet. It inspired me to think more about environmental protection and our responsibility to preserve the Earth for future generations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Throughout my journey as a musician, jazz has been a part of my life since I was 14 years old. I was born and raised in Korea, but I attended Berklee College of Music for my bachelor’s and later moved to LA to pursue a master’s degree at CalArts. Along the way, I noticed that women in jazz are relatively rare, especially as foreigners. Nonetheless, I embraced this uniqueness and never considered it abnormal to be the only woman or the only foreigner in a group. I faced numerous challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, financial difficulties, and even physical obstacles. However, my passion for music propelled me forward, and I couldn’t imagine myself not being a musician. Maintaining a positive mindset has been the key to overcoming these challenges, and I strive to continue embracing positivity in my journey. My music has evolved beyond jazz to encompass gospel, funk, and R&B. I find joy in exploring different genres and incorporating them into my musical style. I am currently thrilled about my upcoming single album titled ‘AHOH,’ which is set to release on June 9th. The album features two songs: my original track called ‘On it’ filled with a funky vibe, and a remake of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Overjoyed.’ I thoroughly enjoyed working on these songs and I hope they bring joy to listeners as well. Ultimately, I want the world to know that my music is a reflection of my passion, resilience, and love for various genres. I aim to create a connection with my audience through the emotions and stories melted into my songs. Music has the power to inspire, heal, and bring people together, and that is what I strive to achieve with my art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For food enthusiasts, Lawry’s Prime Rib in Beverly Hills is an absolute delight. Indulge in their mouthwatering steaks while soaking up the renowned atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for something unique and trendy, head over to TAO in Hollywood. You’ll be greeted by a cool vibe, Asian fusion cuisine, and even a giant Buddha statue to marvel at. And don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth at Cafe Mak in K-town, a trendy Korean cafe with a relaxing ambiance and a wide array of delicious treats.To make your trip even more memorable, make sure to visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. It’s a treasure trove of cinematic history and artistry, offering fascinating exhibits and a fantastic terrace with breathtaking views.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a few incredible individuals in my life who deserve a special shoutout and recognition. I would like to give a special shoutout to Nicholas Casillas for his remarkable versatility and talent. From playing the saxophone to teaching, video shooting, recording audio, and photography, he excels in multiple areas. Not only is he skilled in his craft, but he is also an exceptional person. Nick’s dedication and willingness to film for my music videos multiple times, along with his unwavering support and friendship, are truly appreciated. Above anyone else, though, the one person who deserves immense credit and recognition is my husband, Jason Shin. He has been an unwavering pillar of support and the best partner I could ask for. His constant encouragement and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my journey. Jason provides me with the support I need, acting as my human vitamin. He’s also quite an exceptional cook! I feel incredibly lucky to have him in my life.

Website: https://www.nerykim.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extraordi_nery/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerykim/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nery.kim/

Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/nery.kim

Other: https://nerykim.bandcamp.com/?from=viewsite_dashboard

Image Credits
Nicholas Casillas Jason Shin