K-Interview: K-pop Songwriter and Producer AZODi (Chris Nairn)

Interviewer: Nikhat Parveen, Delhi

Edited by: Jayati Bhardwaj, Delhi

AZODi (Chris Nairn) is a songwriter and producer who has established himself as a prominent figure in the international K-pop scene. He has written for major artists like Kim Woojin and created content about the songwriting process. His YouTube channel, which analyses current K-pop hits, has over 25,000 subscribers. Chris has worked with brands like SkillShare to promote music education and has organised his own K-Pop songwriting camp in the UK.

In February, he was awarded a plaque by SM Entertainment/Pink Blood for ‘Creator of the Month’ for NCT127’s ‘Hey Yo.’ Not only that, but he is also the writer for the title theme for ‘NINJAMASX,’ an anime show supported by Avex. Created by hit director Ryoichi Wada and the Hellboy screenwriter Andrew Cosby. Let’s dive into this interview to know more about him.

How did you first become interested in the K-pop music production?

I only learned what K-Pop was once I heard PSY‘s ‘Gangnam Style‘, which exploded here in the West in 2012. Due to the song’s success, there was an influx of requests for Western writers to pitch songs to Korean groups. I had a Pop producer friend out in Norway who asked me if I wanted to try this ‘K-Pop style’ out, as he was too busy working on his own boy group. That’s how it all started. I gave it a try, and here I am.

Could you tell us about your experience writing “On My Way” for Kim Woojin?

The song’s style was very similar to the way I wrote songs in my old Pop Punk band, MiMi Soya. As I was very familiar with this style, the experience itself was very smooth.

In early 2020, I started writing a few chords on my acoustic guitar. I moved those chords into my audio software, Cubase. Once the guitars, drums, and arrangement of the song were finished, I sent the project to my co-producer and friend Phil Schwan in the USA, who added the basses and the bridge and mixed the song.

Once we were happy, it was sent to the topliners (songwriters focused on vocals), Sean Alexander and Drew Ryan Scott. They wrote the vocal melody you hear in the song today. We sent it out to the entertainment companies’ publishers and A&Rs, and that was it. If you want more details on this process, you can watch the video I made.

What inspired you to start your YouTube channel analysing K-pop hits?

I have always enjoyed making content and had an urge to document my life and growth. I want to use my knowledge to help others voluntarily and share my journey as I navigate the K-Pop industry.

How do you break down complex musical concepts for beginners on your channel?

I always make sure to explain what’s happening in the simplest form. As soon as I start using complex terminologies that only other music producers will understand, I lose everyone who isn’t a music producer, as it won’t make sense. I remember this while making videos and explaining things and those terms.

What was the most challenging aspect of organising the AZODi UK K-Pop songwriting camp?

All of it! Haha.

I had never done anything like this before and I was scared and worried. The hardest part was knowing that there were things that were out of my own hands and in the hands of others. So, I had to learn to trust the process and believe everyone followed through. I felt nervous as it was now officially happening, it wasn’t just an idea or concept.

How do you navigate the cultural and language differences when writing for Korean artists?

I always aim to be respectful and self-aware. I took the time to study Korean culture and immerse myself in it. While learning about the culture, I picked up on what Koreans value and what is essential. I also stumbled upon many cultural differences- there are so many things one isn’t aware of and practises that exist in their culture that other cultures do not follow or find eccentric. It is interesting to me. For example, being English, we tend to avoid being direct when talking to others; we dance around the point, whereas in Korea, it’s straightforward and to the point.

Any prominent advice would you like to give aspiring K-pop songwriters?

Fully immerse yourself in K-Pop songwriting, study, and learn as much as you can– It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about building a long-lasting career with an extensive catalogue of songs, not a couple of tracks, and then moving on to something else.

As a K-pop songwriter, you must have had one or two memorable moments from your journey. We would love to hear some.

Yes. I have three that come to my mind. The first one is having a 14-page spread dedicated to you in K-Pop Superstars Magazine; I was so excited to see it! The second one is when SM Entertainment contacted me via Instagram DM to tell me I had won their ‘Creator of the Month’ award. That was really special. Lastly, Landing the song with Kim Woojin was exhilarating. It was like all those years of hard work were starting to pay off!

You started in the industry quite early; how has your approach to songwriting evolved?

In all honesty, I wouldn’t be able to list everything I have learned and developed over the past twenty years, haha.

I guess this is one of the reasons why I started sharing my knowledge via YouTube and other platforms to help others learn and simultaneously evolve myself. It has been a journey.

What’s your process for staying current with K-pop trends and sounds?

There is no other way than to immerse yourself in it fully! What songs are people talking about in communities? Pay attention to what the entertainment companies’ reference in their song leads; that’s a good indicator of what is relevant amongst the entertainment companies.

How do you balance creativity with the commercial aspects of K-pop production?

Once you have the rules of K-Pop thoroughly ingrained in your head, the creativity just flows out. I don’t think about it; I do what feels right at that moment and hope that I finish the song.

What role do you think international songwriters play in the K-pop industry?

Most people I write with are International. From what I have observed while working with them, how they work, and what roles they play in the K-pop industry, I think the role of an international songwriter is a big one.

As someone involved in K-pop production, how do you see the Indian market influencing future K-pop content or styles?

It’s only a matter of time before it has influence, in my opinion! I don’t know when, of course, but I can see it happening.

What’s the most crucial and effective lesson you’ve learned about songwriting for K-pop, as the popularity and audience have increased compared to the last five years?

Don’t do what everyone else is doing. I see this lesson come up time and time again. Write what is true to you and your musical background. Even if you are told it’s not popular or won’t work. You need a balance of a great song mixed with your own personality. I have music sent to me for feedback, and I hear a lot of technically great songs. They tick all the boxes of a professional, well-constructed track, but they lack soul and vibe. It is almost as if they are writing what they think it SHOULD sound like as opposed to creating something true to them.

It’s really competitive; the A&Rs are hearing 1000s of songs submitted a month for their groups. To be unique and true to your own musical identity is one of the most important things you can do.

What are your goals for your future in the K-pop music production industry, and is there any particular artist or group you wish to work with?

In all honesty, the only motto I have right now is to keep doing what I am doing. I want to keep writing songs and making content, generating higher-quality work. As for K-pop groups, I would love to write a song with/for Stray Kids or NCT Dream. Since I listen to a good amount of rock and metal, Dreamcatcher would be really cool, too.

Thank you so much for such an insightful interview, AZODi. I am sure our readers who are interested in making music will learn a lot from you. On behalf of the Hallyuism team, I’d like to wish you all the best for your future endeavors. We look forward to what you upload next on your YouTube channel and to the next K-pop artist you collaborate with.

I hope you all enjoyed the interview. Comment below with your favorite songs from Stray Kids, NCT Dream, and Dreamcatcher.