Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rebel Riah (Sarah Kim). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rebel Riah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

As a music producer, audio engineer, and songwriter, I’ve developed my skills through a deep commitment to both critical listening and hands-on practice. Each role requires a unique set of skills, but they all converge in one essential practice: listening.

As a producer, I focus on the intricacies of production, sound design, and arrangement. As a songwriter, I tune into melodies, lyrics, song structure, and chords. As an audio engineer, I’m attentive to the technical aspects like mixing, recording quality, and audio processing. By consistently practicing and actively listening from these different perspectives, I’ve been able to refine my craft, with each attempt—successful or not—bringing me closer to the desired outcome.

In hindsight, I could have accelerated my learning by focusing more on the emotional core of music, rather than getting too absorbed in the technical details. It’s easy to become consumed by technique, but ultimately, music is about emotion and enjoyment. This realization is something I’ve only recently come to appreciate. I used to struggle with self-doubt and the fear of how my work would be received, which sometimes distracted me from the most important aspect of music: the joy of creation.

Now, I place a higher value on listening not just with a critical ear, but with an open heart. This shift has been transformative for me, helping me to reconnect with the true purpose of making music.

Rebel Riah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not know me, I’m Sarah Kim, also known as Rebel Riah. I’m a music producer, audio engineer, and songwriter with a deep passion for turning creative visions into reality.

I offer a wide range of services tailored to artists and creators, including music production, audio engineering, and songwriting. My expertise covers the entire process of crafting a song—from making beats and compositions for commercial projects, games, TV and film, to recording and mixing tracks ready for commercial release. Whether you’re an artist seeking to refine your sound or a brand in need of the perfect composition for your next campaign, I’m here to bring your vision to life.

My journey in the music industry began at Berklee College of Music in Boston. During my time there, I started as a studio intern and live sound engineer at a local bar. This experience laid the foundation for my career, leading me to Los Angeles, where I had the privilege of working at some of the industry’s top recording studios, including Nightbird Recording Studio and Melrose Sound Studios. These experiences provided me with invaluable insight into both the frontline and behind-the-scenes workings of the music world.

What sets me apart in this field is my ability to adapt to various roles as needed. I pride myself on being highly versatile and having a keen ability to read the room—skills that are crucial in an industry where the creative process can be unpredictable. Whether it’s understanding the subtle nuances an artist wants to express in a song or navigating the technical challenges of a live performance, I thrive on ensuring every detail aligns perfectly with the intended vision. Additionally, I’m known for my expertise in vocal production. As a vocalist myself, I understand how essential it is to have strong, compelling vocals in a modern commercial record. I work closely with artists to guide them and bring out the best in their vocal performances, ensuring that their unique sound is captured and enhanced.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my resilience. The music industry, as many in the field would agree, is more challenging than ever. Yet, what drives me every day is my genuine love for music—both creating it and experiencing it. This isn’t just a career for me; it’s my purpose and passion.

I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that when you work with me, you’re not just receiving a service—you’re partnering with someone who is fully committed to the craft. My goal is to create music that not only sounds great but resonates deeply with people. Whether it’s a commercial track, a film score, or an artist’s next hit, I’m here to bring that creative vision to life with precision, passion, and dedication.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Absolutely. One of the key things that non-creatives might struggle to grasp is that being creative isn’t just about coming up with ideas—it’s about being deeply aligned with yourself. Creativity requires a certain level of self-awareness and inner harmony, which can be easily disrupted by self-doubt and imposter syndrome. These feelings can act as powerful obstacles, even shackles, that prevent your creative energy from flowing freely.

It’s important to remember that not every idea will be a masterpiece, and that’s okay. The creative process is about exploration—trying different things, experimenting, and discovering what resonates best. My advice would be to be more generous and kind to yourself. Embrace the process, allow yourself to make mistakes, and understand that every step, whether it leads to success or failure, is a vital part of your creative journey.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A significant lesson I had to unlearn, and then learn to balance, was the role of ego in my career. Turning 25 this year, I found myself at a stage where many of my peers, including myself, are either starting or early in their careers. One crucial takeaway from this experience is the importance of managing ego. Working with someone who has an inflated ego can be frustrating and can hinder teamwork. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your ego in check to maintain a productive and positive work environment.

However, I’ve also realized that ego isn’t inherently negative—it can serve as a sense of identity and self-respect. In the early stages of a career, it’s easy to sacrifice too much in the pursuit of advancement. But it’s equally important to maintain a level of ego, or self-respect, to avoid constantly bending over backward just to climb the ladder. Striking a balance between managing ego for teamwork and preserving it as self-respect has been a crucial lesson for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: yuhgirl_riah

Image Credits

Calinnah (IG @calinnah)
Ronnie (IG @chicha_ronnn)
Sabi (IG @sabi.sensei)