Rorang’s based in Seoul and started making music in 2020, but you wouldn’t guess she’s only a few years in! She’s already built a solid home studio setup, got a thoughtful approach to songwriting, and finds creative sparks everywhere, from YouTube tutorials to movie soundtracks. We caught up with her as she talks through her workflow, the gear she actually uses, and what she wishes she’d learned sooner (spoiler: music theory and Ableton Live).
I started making music in 2020. I began seriously learning music when I entered the practical music department in college.
I use Logic Pro. It’s the most convenient program for composing and arranging, and if there’s something I don’t know, I can easily learn from related YouTube videos. Since I compose, arrange, play guitar, and record vocals at home, it’s the perfect program for home recording.
I use a MacBook M1, and its stable system is great for music production. I also use the Solid State Logic SSL2+ MKII audio interface, which is excellent for home recording at an affordable price. Additionally, I use Sennheiser HD660S headphones, which deliver detailed sound even without expensive monitor speakers.
I love Serum. Once purchased, it allows me to transform various sounds to fit my music. It has so many features that I haven’t even used them all yet.
Since I mainly create vocal-driven songs, I start by recording simple chord progressions inspired by ideas using a keyboard or guitar, then record the vocal melody. I also enjoy electric-based downtempo and ambient sounds, so I layer various ambient sounds, add fitting drums, work on the bass, and then group tracks by instrument to balance the sound.
I mostly learn programs through YouTube. The intuitive aspects of music often come to me while watching movies or dramas. I also gather updates on instruments or programs through social media or other musicians. I study by listening to other artists’ music as well.
I practice DJing with Pioneer DJ equipment and am also practicing with a Novation Launchpad and Ableton Push. These are useful for live performances, which has made me very interested in Ableton Live. I wish I had studied Ableton Live earlier. Also, many composers create music without studying basic chords or scales, but I believe fundamental music theory is essential for creating deep music. For example, not knowing the key or range of string or wind instruments can make arranging difficult.
It’s expensive, haha. As I work, I get the urge to create better sounds, which leads to wanting better instruments or equipment. Since it’s hard to earn money solely from music at first, I work other jobs while making music. This means I can’t work on music every day, and I sometimes forget what I’ve learned. I have to keep studying, re-learning what I forget, and continuously learning to keep going.
I live in Korea but connect with musicians from various countries via Instagram. This sometimes leads to collaborations where we release singles together or feature other musicians (e.g., instrumentalists) in my music. Collaborating with musicians from different countries helps us understand each other and promotes our music and artists in those countries, which is great for marketing. We also learn from each other. Sharing playlists on YouTube, Spotify, or SoundCloud helps spread our music to different countries.
I outsource mixing and mastering, so I seek advice on things like instrument volume or balance during that process. Sometimes, I make revisions based on feedback, like adding a vocal chorus and comparing the results.
21st Century Little Prince (feat. Ruben) was inspired by the story of The Little Prince in the 21st century for its lyrics. Two French artists participated in the production. French piccolo jazz bassist Bruno Chaza played the bass (all done remotely via email file exchanges), and Ruben Garcia, a French performance artist and writer based in Korea, contributed French narration (voice). It’s my most pop-oriented song, and when it was released, it was played on Spotify Radio for a month, gaining a lot of attention. This process was meaningful for me and the artists involved.
Through RepostExchange, I’ve listened to music from independent artists across various countries and genres, and I’ve seen them grow over one or two years. I’m gradually learning about music trends that resonate with people, and seeing others enjoy and repost my music brings me joy. It motivates me to experiment with more diverse genres.
Top left to right: Ableton Push, Ableton Live
Middle: Sennheiser HD660S
Bottom left to right: SSL2+ MKII, Serum
Connect with Rorang on SoundCloud, Instagram, and Facebook.
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This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity
