Meet Viktor Bruno Cich | Music Producer, Sound Designer, Audio Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Viktor Bruno Cich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Viktor Bruno, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Honestly, my relationship with work and balance has evolved a lot over time. I wasn’t always the most disciplined — as a kid and even through school, I didn’t naturally gravitate toward structure. Homework and routines felt more like obligations than opportunities. But that shifted dramatically once I entered the world of freelancing.

When you work for yourself, especially as a creative, there’s no one coming to push you. I had a real moment of clarity when I realized: if I don’t do the work, nothing moves forward. My success — or failure — is directly tied to what I put in. That realization forced me to mature fast and build systems to stay accountable.

Now, I think about work-life balance less as a 50/50 split and more as intentional rhythm. There are intense seasons where I lean heavily into work — sessions, production deadlines, creative output — and then I make sure to carve out space to rest, reset, and stay inspired. Balance isn’t always about equal time, but about sustainability. I don’t want to burn out or lose love for what I do, so I treat rest as part of the workflow, not a reward after it.

Over time, I’ve become way more disciplined and self-aware, and that’s helped me turn what was once a lazy streak into a strength: now I work with purpose because I know who I’m doing it for — myself.

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.
At the core of everything I do, I’m a storyteller — just not always with words. I’m a music producer, sound designer, and creative partner to artists. What sets me apart is that I don’t just “make beats” — I help build worlds. I approach each project from scratch, with intention and care, making sure the artist’s vision is fully realized. Whether that means shaping the sonics, bringing in a string quartet, or helping refine toplines — I treat the process like it’s sacred.

I’m proud of the range I’ve been able to cultivate. I started in Warsaw producing for local rappers, then moved to London where I explored indie and alternative genres, and now I’m in Los Angeles working across the pop spectrum. I’ve worked with big names and underground voices, and I think that ability to adapt while staying creatively grounded is something that truly defines my approach.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. I came from a background where music wasn’t necessarily seen as a “safe” career. And being a freelancer means constantly having to prove yourself. There were financial struggles, burnout, rejections — and moments where I questioned everything. But what got me through was my obsession with growth and this unshakable belief that I was made for this. I stopped treating setbacks as failures and started treating them as feedback.

One lesson I’ve learned: consistency beats intensity. It’s not always about having the biggest moment — it’s about showing up again and again, especially when no one’s watching. That’s how I’ve built my skill set, my network, and my resilience.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s this: I’m here to elevate. Whether I’m producing for an artist, designing sounds for a brand, or helping someone turn a voice memo into a finished record — I bring both the technical finesse and emotional intuition to make the final product feel undeniably right. I’m not just in the business of making music. I’m in the business of making people feel something.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d definitely want them to experience the version of LA that I love — the mix of creative energy, nature, low-key spots with personality, and food that hits every time. Here’s how I’d map out the week:

Day 1 – Arrival & Chill Vibes:
We’d start off slow — probably a casual brunch at Highly Likely in West Adams. The vibe there is super laid-back and the food always delivers. Then maybe walk it off at Kenneth Hahn Park or Baldwin Hills for some views without the crowd. Dinner would be at Bacari, one of my all-time favorite spots — cozy, atmospheric, and perfect for catching up over shared plates and wine.

Day 2 – Malibu Escape:
We’d drive out to Solstice Canyon Loop for a morning hike — not too intense, but the views and ruins feel magical. Post-hike, we’d hit Malibu Farm or Broad Street Oyster Co. for some beachy lunch, then lounge or dip in the ocean at El Matador or Zuma. Sunset drive back with some good music playing.

Day 3 – Arts & City:
Head downtown to the Broad Museum, maybe a bit of MOCA, and then take a walk through Grand Central Market for a quick bite. If we’re in the mood, maybe a late dinner in Koreatown and drinks somewhere with a rooftop view. Bonus: hit up a secret show or music event if something cool is happening.

Day 4 – Laguna Beach Day Trip:
We’d spend the whole day in Laguna Beach — walk around the coves, chill on the sand, maybe hit the tide pools or the Top of the World hike. It feels like a little vacation within the trip. Dinner at a coastal spot, then drive back sleepy and sun-kissed.

Day 5 – Magic & Markets:
This one’s more eclectic — start the day at a farmer’s market, maybe the one in Hollywood or Mar Vista. Then in the afternoon, I’d take them to Jurassic Magic — it’s such a weird, whimsical, one-of-a-kind place that’s perfect for people who love the unexpected. Evening plans? Maybe something spontaneous — a gallery opening, vinyl bar, or backyard jam.

Day 6 – Creative Day:
We’d stay in LA proper, maybe visit a studio, work on something creative together, or just bounce ideas at a café. It’s fun to mix in some passion-project energy during a trip. Evening would be a small house gathering or hang with friends — the kind of thing that feels like the real LA.

Day 7 – Wind Down:
Final breakfast back at Highly Likely or somewhere new, a mellow walk at the beach or park, and just time to talk and reflect. Maybe write something in the notes app together or record a voice memo to remember the week.

To me, LA is all about the contrast — nature and city, calm and chaos, creativity and stillness. So that’s what I’d try to share with them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no doubt that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the influence and support of a few key people and experiences along the way.

First, I have to shout out my family — especially my parents. Even if they didn’t always fully understand what I was chasing in music, they gave me the freedom to figure it out. That kind of space is rare, especially when you’re navigating a creative career that doesn’t follow a traditional path.

Second, I’m deeply grateful for the mentors and collaborators I’ve met throughout my journey — from Warsaw to London to Los Angeles. Whether it was early producers in Poland who gave me my first shot, or people I met through Berklee and Output Inc, each connection helped shape my perspective and sharpen my skills.

Also, I have to mention a bit of a mindset shift I got from reading books like The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. That one really clicked for me — the idea of treating creativity as a job, showing up even when inspiration isn’t there. It gave me language for something I was already starting to feel: that discipline is what unlocks freedom in your art.

So my shoutout goes to a mix of people, places, and ideas that helped me stop waiting for permission — and start owning my path. Shoutout: Mom, Dad, Sami, Emkaix, Pick, Wes and Vreden.

Website: https://vikiffes.pl

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktor-cich-932970303/

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ilv9iKonR9oUdfONfAmXj

Image Credits
Julián Cedillo, Jamiko Manguba, Jon Vredenburg