this talk: is about creating a healthier and safer music industry - with David Kim
Hi, could you tell our readers a little about yourself and what you do?
Hi there, thanks for having me on! My name is David. I'm a Korean-American entrepreneur in the music space and the founder of a boutique PR agency called DK Projects based in Brooklyn. I also work as the Director of PR at a new creative platform called Matter Streaming.
What was your journey into your industry?
Despite not knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life, I knew from a very young age that music was the one thing that made sense to me. I sold tickets, worked as a promoter, DJ'ed, tried to be a producer, worked as an intern at places like Warner Music, sat on the reception desk at CAA, worked unpaid at a streaming startup for years, and eventually opened my own PR agency.. twice! Because the first one crashed and burned. But without all of that, I wouldn't be where I am today so I am very thankful. I wanted to work in music more than anything in the world.
Were there any standout struggles that you faced along the way?
Quite honestly… the struggles were endless and the memories (and effects) of many of them still feel pretty fresh in my mind. Things like constantly trying to stay positive when your bank account is in the negative, not being able to afford paying rent or getting gas, your physical health deteriorating because your mind isn't right, believing in something or someone when nobody else does, and generally nobody in the industry giving a crap about you or your problems because you aren't anyone important will understandably put you in a dark place. The constant rejection contributes to growing self-doubt, often triggering a deep, aching loneliness that makes you question what kind of value you bring to the world.
What tools did you develop to cope, or overcome these struggles?
This is a bit tough to answer as I don't think there really is any one correct answer. There is a song for every mood/situation and luckily, music was always at the core of my motivation and solace. Therapy and meditation certainly helped me to practice mindfulness and fortunately, my persistence over time paid off. I learned that it's important to keep things in perspective and to try your best to enjoy the journey. Eventually the small wins start to add up and manifesting your goals and keeping a positive approach to things will make a significantly tangible difference to your life.
Do you find it difficult to maintain a healthy work / life balance?
Now? Not so much. Few years back, definitely. In the present, my life is all about balance. A balanced routine leads to productivity and prevents burn-out. I was all about the "work until you die" mentality until it dawned on me that we all die anyway whether we like it or not. There is nothing glorious about it. By splitting my time evenly between all my responsibilities, priorities, and interests, I'm able to stay passionate and motivated on the task at hand.
Do you find that social media has a tangible effect on your mental health?
100%. But it's not always good or bad really, it depends on how and what you're consuming. The existence of influencers and celebrities exist because of how easily people are manipulated into thinking they need MORE and aren't enough. It's almost impossible to not think "I wish I had that person's life" or "I wish this happened to me" when that's all you see all the time. But people forget that social media is just the surface of what's going on and they're in control. Don't let all of that make you feel like you aren't enough, because you are. A suggestion: try unfollowing all that regurgitated crap (unless you love it or it makes you happy) and follow artists and creatives that inspire you. Support small businesses and/or network with people you probably couldn't without social media. Like most things in life, it's what you make of it.
Do you feel like there is a problem surrounding mental well-being in your industry?
I would say so. It seems like most artists struggle with some form of depression or anxiety. Factors like exhaustion from over-touring, inadequate nutrition, substance abuse, etc etc are all big issues. While it's not necessarily always our business to pry into other's lives, I think it's important to acknowledge and address how taxing all of this might be for someone who just wants to make music or flex their creativity. Artists are all people at the end of the day, not machines, and they could use some empathy. Cancel culture also needs to go. It's so toxic and immature.
If so, how do you feel it could be addressed?
In my opinion, there are a couple of ways. The powers at be simply need to prioritise the artists’ mental health more. For example, major labels absolutely need to tie in mental health support and services for their signed artists. Touring agencies should periodically offer psych evaluations or physicals or something of the sort to make sure their artists are physically and mentally fit to be touring. Streaming services should increase their payout rates to make their careers more sustainable. I genuinely believe some sort of implementation of the above ideas would make our industry a healthier, safer, and more positive place.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Things change - get comfortable with it. Be proactive, not reactive. And finally, be fearless in challenging the status quo. The ‘rules’ of life were established by people who were no smarter than you.
What’s your positive corner of social media / the internet?
I love anything that has to do with traveling or nature. But Humans of NY and Nature is Metal are two of the best accounts on Instagram that I check daily.
You can find David on: