We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Youngchae Jeong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Youngchae , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I’m grateful to earn a full-time living from my creative work, which involves various stages. I started playing the bass at eighteen in a church in South Korea. Since then, I have primarily served as a supporting bassist, aiming to enhance the music on stage or in rehearsals. As a supporting musician, I have honed my skills and strived to understand the music sincerely to support the composer’s vision entirely.

It took me years to reach this point, as I consider myself a slow learner, and I’m still progressing. Graduating from Berklee College of Music six years ago was a significant step in this journey. The people around me have played a crucial role in my growth. My network expanded as fellow musicians recommended me to others, and it continues to grow as I meet more people.

While at Berklee, mentors often advised me to think of the learning process as a baby learning to talk and walk. They emphasized the importance of taking time to develop my skills, which I have also learned from my children.

I also believe that preparation and consistency are essential for personal growth. Every individual’s path to achieving their goals is unique, which can make life challenging but ultimately more rewarding. I constantly remind myself of this.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born and raised in South Korea, and I started playing bass at the suggestion of a Sunday school teacher. When I was sixteen, I wanted a more dynamic and fun job while working. My formal lessons started one year after I began playing the bass, and the more I practiced and explored music, the more I enjoyed the creative process.

When I work with another musician, I bring my preparation to the gig. Preparation includes doing homework, which means learning the repertoire for the gig and studying the proper genre. The concerts or gigs I do include classical music, jazz, Motown, etc. Sometimes, I get a song list for a concert I have never played before. I make sure to learn the fundamentals that the song list requires, and I also incorporate my influence and play my character on the bass from the past to the concert to include my sounds as a bassist.

Recently, I completed my master’s in Global Jazz at Berklee Global Jazz Institute, and I discovered that I want to deliver more of my music as a composer and band leader. I composed a “Magic Land Suite” music suite based on my first daughter’s imagination about a magical land. It was a meaningful project for me, and I hope to present that music soon to the audience, reminding people of their childlike imagination when they were young and bringing the power of limitless imagination.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the constant pursuit of development, whether improving my skills on my instrument, refining my thoughts through composition, or taking risks in my creative process. I recently watched an interview with chef Edward Lee, and he mentioned that “Learning happens when you decide to take a risk, do something different, and it doesn’t work.”

I’ve also realized that this creative process is therapeutic for me. Overcoming musical obstacles, exploring new genres and songs, and even trying new recipes for my family, neighbors, and friends all contribute to this therapeutic journey. The creative process is present in every aspect of life, and these challenges add a unique spice to life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in some amazing projects over the years. From contributing to Ralph Peterson’s Gen-next Big Band’s albums “I Remember Bu” (2018) and “Listen Up” (2019) during my college years to more recent projects with Darren Barrett’s dB-ish “Step Step Steppin” (2024) and “The Path to Our Truth” (2024). These projects received great reviews from Downbeat Magazine. The late great Ralph Peterson and Darren Barrett taught me how to bring their artistic vision to life. They also encouraged me to communicate and share my artistic vision with the audience.

My next goal is to transition from a sideman to a band leader and complete my album. The album will include “Magic Land Suite,” a music suite I completed during my master’s program at Berklee College of Music. I’m excited to reach out to diverse audiences and share my music.
I look forward to assembling my band to perform my music and travel the world together.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngchae_jeong/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001134760930

Image Credits

Elizabeth Friar, Hwang Jing, Hyejin Kwon