Today we’d like to introduce you to Nery Kim.
Nery, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a jazz pianist born and raised in South Korea. I started playing piano at the age of 6. I naturally got more fond of music as I grew up and decided to attend Berklee College of Music. I’m very fortunate that I made a lot of great musician friends and met inspiring colleagues who influenced my professional journey. I’ve had the privilege to perform both as a leader and a sideman in many gigs in a wide range of styles of jazz. I’ve also collaborated alongside all kinds of musicians and their albums as a composer, arranger and a pianist or a keyboardist. Earning the title of a professional, quite frankly, took endless effort. However, I’d be a fool to dismiss the fact that I wouldn’t be where I am had I not received unconditional support from my loving family and friends.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There’s definitely been quite a handful of obstacles. First and foremost, as a foreigner, I had to overcome the language and cultural barrier when I first came to the U.S. to study music. I tried to have an open mind and treat people without prejudice when faced with the cultural differences. If I had to pick one biggest hurdle, however, it would be when I began to lose hearing in one of my ears and got tinnitus. My entire career seemed to be in jeopardy. I remember the day pus started dripping out from my ear, and I could hear less and less. Eventually, it was impossible to have a normal life as a musician, no less a normal person, and I couldn’t do much than lay on my bed for months. I had five different surgeries to replace my eardrums and bones with artificial ones. I am finally better after continuous treatment and medication, but I must be accompanied by a hearing aid whenever I play music for the rest of my life. Tragic, but I am still very grateful that I have the ability to pursue my dreams.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been playing piano for about 30 years. I love R&B, hip-hop, gospel and classical music but my favorite and specialization is in jazz. I’ve taught ensemble and music theory classes and gave private lessons in universities, and I loved the experience. I’ve performed for music festivals, jazz clubs, churches, and more in many different parts of the world such as Indonesia, South Korea, China, Turkey, Central America and the United States. Also, I’ve always wanted to make my own music and share it with the world ever since I started playing jazz. I was extremely excited when my debut album ‘PURPLE REFLECTION’, all compositions written and arranged by me, finally came out in 2021. My compositions distinguish me from others in that their colors and are truly unique to me. Most recently, I’ve been truly hyped for my new single, ‘JOY TO THE WORLD’, which was released on 11/10. It has some exciting Latin rhythms mixed into the end-of-the-year vibe.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Being a Jazz musician is not an easy feat, in my opinion. What helped me was the fact that I accepted the situations that were out of my control and always stayed positive. This kind of positive attitude carried me step by step toward my dreams. No matter the bad circumstances, have faith in yourselves, make a persistent effort and maintain good relationships!
Pricing:
- The physical CD of my debut album, “PURPLE REFLECTION” is available for purchase on Amazon and Band Camp for $15.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nerykim.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extraordi_nery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nery.kim/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwdLvCOJ7Ct3Hv3pkXzVtHA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/nerykim
- Other: https://nerykim.bandcamp.com/album/purple-reflection
Image Credits
Sunyoung Hwang
