The music industry, a vast and dynamic field, continues to evolve and expand, redefining itself in the digital age. Its landscape today is influenced by a confluence of technological advancements, creative innovations, and consumer demands, shaping it into a diverse and complex sector that touches nearly every aspect of our lives. As it stands, the industry holds considerable relevance, providing a platform for artists to share their craft, for listeners to find solace or inspiration, and for professionals like Yilun Zhang to leave a lasting imprint on the very fabric of music itself.
A new era of music makers is flourishing, among whom Yilun “Jason” Zhang, also known as H.A.O, stands tall. Hailing from Beijing and now a stalwart of the Los Angeles music scene, Yilun is a gold-selling record producer, songwriter, engineer, and guitarist whose multifaceted talents have helped shape the sonic landscapes of today’s chart-topping hits. His versatile skillset, born from relentless dedication and a deep love for music, has garnered him a robust and impressive portfolio, peppered with collaborations with high-profile artists and producers.
Yilun has left his unique sonic fingerprint on numerous projects, most notably, “Already Best Friends” by Jack Harlow featuring Chris Brown and “Plug” by The Isley Brothers featuring 2Chainz. His meticulous attention to detail and engineering expertise played a critical role in these projects’ enormous success, garnering millions of plays on Spotify and views on YouTube. Furthermore, his contributions extend beyond the realm of mainstream music, involving partnerships with local talents such as Penny Eau, Adetola, and Liya, highlighting his commitment to nurturing and promoting emerging voices in the music industry.
In addition to his engineering accolades, Yilun has also displayed an admirable command over performance, seamlessly combining stylish production with “down-to-soul” execution. This unique approach has allowed him to transcend conventional music boundaries, bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. His hard work and ambition have led to him landing a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, a milestone that further reinforces his promising trajectory in the music industry.
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Yilun Zhang, gaining deeper insight into his exceptional expertise as an engineer. Through our discussion, we learned about his innovative techniques, his approach to different music genres, and his philosophy regarding the industry’s dynamics. Yilun’s perspective, influenced by both his Asian roots and his immersion in the Los Angeles music scene, offers a fresh take on music production and performance, proving his immense value in today’s ever-evolving music industry.
Thanks for taking the team to speak with us. As an engineer, how do you prioritize and manage your workload when working on multiple projects at once?
In the dynamic world of the music industry, it’s the norm to work on multiple projects simultaneously. The turnaround times can vary significantly, and occasionally, a project from a year ago may resurface, requiring new edits. Efficient file management is crucial in such situations. Being able to quickly locate the session and start working saves a lot of time. I manage my files by artist and project, ensuring every artist and project has a distinct folder.
When several tasks come in simultaneously, I typically prioritize them based on their deadlines and the amount of work required. Projects with impending deadlines naturally get my attention first. I then tend to start with tasks that require less effort, which helps me get into a productive flow and fosters a sense of achievement. These easier tasks usually involve creating a different version or making minor edits – tasks that don’t demand too much of my attention. This approach ensures that I still have a fresh ear to make sonic tweaks when I move on to more challenging parts of the work.
How do you establish a good working relationship with the artists you collaborate with, and what role does communication play in that relationship?
A healthy relationship is the cornerstone of any successful collaboration in the music industry, just as it is in any other aspect of life. The principles are simple – always be respectful, show genuine concern for each other, and keep the conversation going beyond work-related topics. This approach will aid in building strong, lasting relationships.
Clear and effective communication is another critical aspect. During sessions, it’s vital to ensure that I have a clear understanding of the artist’s requests and ideas. When I first started out, I was hesitant to ask questions when I was unsure about something. I assumed I was expected to figure everything out on my own because that’s what I saw my mentors doing. However, I soon realized that musicians are human, too. It’s far better to seek clarification when needed than to fumble in confusion.
Over time, a deep connection forms and many things go unsaid – this happens after working with an artist for an extended period and becoming familiar with their habits and quirks. But it’s important to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Building these kinds of bonds takes time and patience, but the outcome is always rewarding.
What are some key technical skills that every engineer should have, and how have you honed these skills over time?
Engineers are, by nature, very technical individuals. Having a basic understanding of music theory and familiarizing yourself with common musical terminology can be enormously helpful in this line of work. For example, if you’re in a session with musicians and they say something like, “Let’s start from the second half of the song where the sixth major chord is,” knowing what that means can save you a lot of time and trouble.
Furthermore, being able to quickly understand the conversation when musicians are figuring out a part means you can anticipate what’s happening and what’s going to happen next. This ability significantly speeds up the workflow.
You’d be surprised how many artists are genuinely impressed when an engineer is tuned in and knows what’s happening the moment they’ve figured out what they want to record. I acquired this understanding by being a musician in addition to being an engineer. When I’m producing, I’m thinking about the same things in the same terms.
It might sound daunting, but it’s really not. A couple of hours spent watching instructional videos on YouTube and some dedicated practice time are all you need to get to grips with the basics.
How do you tailor your engineering approach to different genres of music, and what unique challenges do each genre present?
Adapting to different genres can be challenging, especially because it often involves altering your personal taste and familiarizing yourself with different gear setups. Each genre has its unique sonic characteristics, and choosing the right equipment to recreate these sounds is essential.
If, for example, you’re recording a song with an 80s vibe, you might choose to use a tube microphone rather than a condenser microphone. That’s because a tube mic can provide the warm mid-range and high-end frequencies often associated with music from that era.
The real challenge lies in understanding the specific sound of a genre and knowing the techniques needed to recreate it, which usually requires a lot of experience. If I were to engineer a session for a genre I’m not familiar with, I’d start by doing some research. I would listen to music from that genre, understand the commonly used recording equipment, and plan potential gear options to try during soundchecks.
For instance, when I was recording for The Isley Brothers, I listened to a lot of their old records to familiarize myself with their sound. For the song “There Will Never Be,” I decided to follow a traditional R&B approach for the vocals. I used equipment popular during their peak years, such as the vintage U47 tube mic for the choir. This method allowed me to recreate the sound authentically while ensuring that the band’s signature style remained prominent.
What do you consider to be the most important qualities for success in the music industry as an engineer?
While the technical skills of an audio engineer are crucial, I believe the most important quality for an engineer is the ability to “read the room.” Interacting effectively with musicians and artists, being an integral part of the team, and taking the right actions at the right time – these are all essential. No matter how technically skilled you might be, if you can’t align with the team’s workflow and gauge the atmosphere accurately, your growth potential will be limited.
Another significant aspect of being an engineer is knowing when to delve into the minutiae and when to let go. Perfectionism can indeed improve the quality of your work, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hours adjusting the smallest details. Although there may be times when such meticulousness is necessary, it isn’t usually the case. Staying clear-headed and understanding where to invest your time most productively are crucial skills. Learn to let go of minor details – they often contribute to the beautiful imperfections that make music so uniquely engaging.
Can you speak to any particular moments or experiences in your career that have had a significant impact on your approach to engineering and performance?
One of my most memorable experiences was my first session with 1500 or Nothin’ as a recording engineer. At that time, I was an assistant, and being in the same room with Grammy-winning producers and songwriters for a song-writing session was truly an eye-opener for me. Suddenly, Rance, also known as Larrance Dopson, asked if I could engineer for a songwriter, Tayler Green, because they were short of one engineer.
Of course, I said yes. However, as soon as I agreed, my mind began racing – I was both thrilled at the opportunity to record a songwriter and nervous about taking the lead for the first time in a real professional setting. I quickly gathered my thoughts, opened my template, and prepared for the session. I was fortunate that Tayler Green was patient and understanding.
During that session, I made several mistakes – I failed to prioritize the artist effectively, and my workflow wasn’t as efficient as it could have been. I also realized that I needed to upgrade my template to work faster. But this experience was my introduction to the concept of working directly with an artist. As a recent graduate, I had been heavily focused on the craft of engineering, and this experience opened my eyes to the more practical aspects of the job. It was an educational session that I will never forget.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in engineering and performance in the music industry?
Consistency, patience, and hard work are key in the music industry. The nature of this business is such that it can be wildly unpredictable – you never really know what your schedule will look like, or when an opportunity might arise. But if you have a true passion for what you do, give your best effort each and every day. Eventually, your hard work will pay off, and you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t let the uncertainty deter you; instead, let it fuel your determination to succeed.