Meet Haeun You | Keyboardist & Music Producer

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

Hi Haeun, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I view risk as an opportunity to progress further along your journey. It can be daunting when you lack knowledge about the potential outcomes and sacrifices involved. Fear often holds people back from taking risks, but as the saying goes, “high risk, high return.” However, taking a risk is not the same as gambling. To take a risk wisely, you must understand what you’re getting into, the possible consequences, and what you may need to sacrifice. For me, taking risks has been pivotal in both my life and career. Moving from Korea to a foreign country was a challenging decision, as I was stepping into a completely different culture without any familiar support. Despite the potential challenges like language barriers and cultural differences, I saw the opportunity to learn, grow, and expand my network in the music industry. While there were risks of failure and loneliness, I embraced the unknown and took the leap. Understanding the risks allowed me to plan ahead and stay motivated towards my goals. Ultimately, taking risks has been instrumental in shaping my career path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a musician, mainly touring keyboardist. I also do arranging and music production. Recently, I finished on Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour with Sabrina Carpenter as the opening act, which is an incredibly amazing experience. I have been fortunate to have a smooth and lucky journey in the music industry. Growing up outside the U.S., I did not have a close-knit group of friends to support my musical career from a young age. Therefore, my goal has been to make my presence known in LA. I have reached out to numerous people, even those I only knew by name, and have played in countless gigs, whether paid or unpaid, big or small, near or far, in order to connect with more musicians and expand my network.

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.
ok, let me write a little itinerary, morning hollywood sign hiking – brunch at met her at a bar – santa monica/venice beach – snack at in n out – griffith observatory sunset & night view – dinner at bacari

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?
The Bible, particularly Psalms, has been a source of guidance and inspiration for me. Whenever I feel lost or confused, I turn to Psalms for wisdom to navigate through challenges and to stay resilient. I even have a verse from Psalms 37:3-7 engraved on my in-ear monitor case, reminding me to trust in God and do good before stepping onto the stage.

I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support and love that my family and boyfriend has provided me throughout my life. Their encouragement, understanding, and belief in me have been the foundation of my strength and resilience. In times of joy and challenges, they have stood by my side, offering guidance, comfort, and a sense of belonging that is truly irreplaceable. Their unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation, reminding me that I am never alone in my journey. I cherish and appreciate their presence in my life more than words can express.

Also, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with Sabrina Carpenter, whose unwavering dedication, professionalism, and positive demeanor continuously inspire and motivate me. Working alongside her has not only been incredibly motivating but has also offered me invaluable learning experiences. Sabrina’s exemplary qualities have taught me the importance of treating others with kindness in diverse situations, upholding professionalism consistently, and staying humble amidst success.

Website: hyou29.wix.com/haeunyoumusic

Instagram: @hani_haeun