Meet Soorin Kim | Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Singer-Songwriter

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

Hi Soorin, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’ve reached a point in my life where I take work a lot more seriously. Venturing into my 20s now, my career has become an aspect of life to pay most of my attention to, and inevitably so. Then, I realized the importance of the infamous ‘work-life balance’, and I think it’s just universally, a notoriously difficult, adult thing. I’m still figuring it out myself. However, I noticed some significant changes in my life and my perspective that has been helping with that.

I’ve been re-evaluating the values in my life, as well as my priorities, and most importantly, relationships. I’m still pretty young, with a lot more life ahead of me. But I’ve been lucky to come to terms with the fact this early on, that people really come and go, and opportunities, too. Knowing my priorities was my first step; what do I truly want in life? what do I want to achieve? Where do I even want to be in a few years time? The next step was to figure out how to get there, and who I wanted to surround myself with, as I progress throughout this little journey of self-discovery. I decided that I wanted to surround myself with people that I love, as well as people who share the drive and passion for their work and to better themselves.

To get more ‘up close and personal’, I’ve struggled with relationships, whether platonic or even romantic. I can be very naive by nature, and very ‘hearts and flowers’. I think it’s the hopeless romantic in me, that’s been affecting my view of myself, especially at this age; the need for romantic love, company, validation, companionship, the FOMO (it’s so common amongst our generation). But, over these past few months, I’ve learned to finally, be content with my own company, and it’s probably the biggest part of it that’s been helping me reach the balance that I so desperately needed. I’m intuitively choosing myself, prioritizing my physical and mental health, and choosing ways that make me a productive, better version of myself. Of course, I let myself let loose occasionally, too. There really is no instruction manual for this type of thing, but I’m shifting my focus on how much I’ve grown as a person as a result of the balance I’ve worked on myself to create, rather than the constant fixation on success and stability. Yeah, it’s important, but life isn’t all about that. I’m trying to have fun with this as much as I can.

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’ve become such an ambitious creator, and there are so many things I’ve just been so eager to try, in my own little world of music. As a songwriter, I’ve reached a few milestones recently, one being releasing my EP ‘my heart and seoul’ over this summer of 2023. Bringing my orchestral and contemporary pop background together, I created my own version of orchestral pop, something I want to see being done, a lot more of in this industry; some notable musicians that have inspired me to pursue this particular path that I’d like to ‘shoutout’ are Laufey, Sara Bareilles, and Cody Fry.

In terms of what sets me apart, I’ve delved into so many different styles of writing, especially over the past few months – from writing orchestral string and woodwind arrangements and integrating pop styles, to more contemporary, ‘digestible’ pop music with the integration of electronic ideas. But at my core, I’ve held value towards the more unique sounds, trying not to align with the mainstream so much, creating my own edge to things.

Nothing was without its challenges. It’s detrimentally easy to fall into the trap of comparing my path and progress with others. I certainly did, and coming to terms with the fact that we’re all on different paths was the hardest part. Especially because I’m in an environment where I am literally surrounded by people who share similar career goals. It’s hard, but I reminded myself that it becomes pointless when the comparing stops being motivational and instead, just toxic, where I started putting too much on my plate. To overcome this, I slowly picked things off my plate, understood what I could and couldn’t handle, and practiced this ‘intuitive’ mindset. As a result, I think I’ve reached a very satisfying place with my music-life balance.

Otherwise, currently, I am working hard on a lot more music to release, recently bringing in the acoustic guitar into my soundscape, and planning a few shows to perform and host. Besides this, I am also working on my stubbornness; I truly stand by the fact that people can have really great ideas, and I should listen to them often. I often take on things on my own and I was pretty hesitant about trusting my vision with others until I met some wonderful creative souls that have consistently blown me away and motivated me with their own ideas. To summarise, I just love what I do, and seeing myself and my peers grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently live in Boston, MA, and I would have to bring my best friend to Downtown Boston, the Commons, or even take them on a little train ride to other areas within the vicinity. I would love for them to come in the Fall time because I think it’s when Boston really shines. Something about watching the leaves change amidst all the bustling city life is just so beautiful to me. I’m such a city girl inside and out, and I don’t think I could ever change; Boston has my heart.

In Downtown Boston, Chinatown is a great place for food; the local community really knows their stuff, and the Asian eateries are a must! Growing up in Hong Kong, I tend to miss the food most, and this is where I come here for it.

The place where I would take them next would be Newbury Street. It’s an adorable, long street, with the classic Boston architecture, lots of eateries, and little shops. I love walking down Newbury to have a relaxing time, and then segue my way into the Boston Common Gardens. Spring and Fall are the best times I would go – It’s gorgeous, and it’s a great place to stroll around and tune in with yourself.

Lastly, there’s a really special place in Topsfield, MA, a few train stops away from Boston. They have this amazing fair that they hold every year in the Fall for a long weekend. It was my first ever fair experience, and I fell in love with everything about it – from the animals, rides, and food – I honestly felt like a kid again; I’ve made some wonderful memories here, and hopefully more to come.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would be delighted to dedicate my first shoutout to my family, for filling my life with so much love and music, and for their dedication in helping me get this far. It wasn’t an easy decision to pursue music, but they’ve always encouraged me to put my happiness and passions first, which I am so grateful for. Without their support, I would have never realized the wonders of all-things-music, and what I’m capable of.

My next shoutout goes to my loving friends from back home in Hong Kong – my little ‘pack’ of 8. They’ve seen me through almost every stage of my growth in life and music; They’ve shaped me into who I’ve become, and I’ve been really lucky to have them in my life.

Another shoutout goes to the connections and immensely-talented friends that I’ve met at Berklee, for all my recent successes and endeavors. They truly continue to inspire and motivate me to push myself toward my career goals.

My last, discreet little shoutout, is dedicated to my 50 square ft. bedroom in the apartment I lived in back in Hong Kong – where I kick-started my journey in producing my own music.

Website: https://linktr.ee/soorinsmusic

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soorin-kim-8594a7210/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@soorin?si=MDehOsZWzVwUQgrD

Image Credits
Madeline Cornell