Meet Bijan Amir | Multi-Platinum Music Producer

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

Hi Bijan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think in my industry, taking risks is one of the cornerstones of being successful. I think with all great art, or great artists, the best results came from trying to do something that wasn’t the norm, or doing something that would shake up the industry, regardless of what they thought the general’s perception would be. Some big risks I’ve taken were sending artists or other producers ideas of mine that I didn’t quite think fit what I had heard from them, but what I thought they would be amazing on. That’s definitely paid off in a big way thankfully. It creates fulfilling work. Moving to Los Angeles from Toronto in the midst of Covid, January of 2021, was a big risk for me personally. I had never lived outside of the town I grew up in, and while I had visited Los Angeles a handful of times, moving to a new city, a new country, was really daunting. I’m glad I made the move and stuck with it, as being accessible and available as a producer is super important, in my opinion,

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a music producer mainly, but lately I help to write and vocal produce if I’m doing a session with an artist. I’m thankful for every artist I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I don’t really know what sets me apart from others.. there are so many producers I haven’t worked with and I think we all bring our own unique flavor to the table. I just try to create a friendly and welcoming environment for artists that come by my studio and hope to make something great out of it. I’m most proud when I push my boundaries to experiment and try new things. My records with Sean, Kah-Lo, Killy, Tommy Genesis, and more are very fulfilling because I can just go crazy sonically and they’re all for it. I got to where I am today after a lot of years of just figuring shit out. I graduated from university with an accounting degree while simultaneously doing music production, and thankfully in my last year Metro and I co produced Ric Flair Drip, that really launched my ability to do this full time. Nothing is easy if you work for yourself and represent your own brand, but I really love this shit so I didn’t mind the long hours, sacrificing of personal time, and frequent steps out of my comfort zone. It’s all part of the game. This is in large part, a game of perseverance and I’m thankful to myself for not giving up in the times where I was seriously considering it. I’m not trying to be someone I’m not, I just love making great songs.

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.
Well I am not from Los Angeles but I have lived here for 3.5 years so I think some restaurants would have to be Raffi’s Place for Iranian food.. it’s absolutely the best I’ve ever had. For sushi, Shibuya in Calabasas is a must. So Sushi in Tarzana is also amazing. Pitfire Pizza for a casual pizza night out, I love that place, and there’s one that I can walk to from my house, so that helps. Malibu Fish and Seafood Co. on the PCH is lovely, amazing ocean views and excellent seafood. Bavel in the Art’s District is one of my favorite restaurants of all time. Angel’s Tijuana Tacos, any of the stands will give you tacos that will make you shit your pants in the best possible way. There’s honestly way too much. I don’t drink so unfortunately I’m a bit boring in that regard. I would love to show people around on some hikes, in Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Glendale, Angeles National Forest, I love hiking. Catching a show at the Comedy Store is always nice, the views from the Observatory are great. Maybe rip down to Laguna Beach, or make the trip up to Santa Barbara. There’s a tri-tip steak restaurant in the Santa Barbara mountains called Cold Spring Tavern that’s really cool. Maybe do a trip to Catalina Island, or Big Bear in the winter! There is so much to do here, no wonder everyone wants to live here.

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?
I pride myself on recognizing the work others have put in to get me where I am. I wouldn’t be here without my family’s support, both my parents and my brother, who have always wanted me to be successful in this field. That helps a lot. I am also really lucky to have a large group of amazing friends who genuinely want me to succeed, and since moving to Los Angeles, that network has grown. I was lucky enough to meet another producer by the name of Wondagurl in Grade 9, she was and continues to be a cheerleader for me and my work. I will always appreciate that. Sean Leon was one of the first artists I ever worked with in a major way, the work I did with him still is some of my most proud. Jack Rochon, he and I moved to Los Angeles together from Toronto. He inspires me with his talent and work ethic. So grateful for him. Mick Schultz was someone I met when I move here 3.5 years ago and he’s taught me so much, I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. I’m afraid I’m terrible at singling out people because I genuinely have so many wonderful people in my life, who have all inspired or encouraged me in various ways. It truly takes a village. Lastly, my long-time partner Molly, who I’ve been with for 11.5 years, has always always always had my back, taught me so much, and encourage my every move, even if that meant it would put strain on our relationship (long distance for 3 years pursuing this career in LA while she stayed living in Toronto).

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bijanamir

Other: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/bijan-amir-the-producers/pl.11072071197243c9b8c929f36cd08d66