Ha Yan Yoon is an electronic artist and hip-hop producer based in Seoul, South Korea, who has been prolifically releasing music under the name Shirosky for the past four years.

Her fourth EP, "Domino," released back in August, is a substantial creative leap for Shirosky, revealing an more finely tuned version of the jazz and hip-hop blend of organic instrumentation and modern electronic blips and bleeps that has become her trademark.

KpopStarz contributor Colin Langenus recently caught up with the groundbreaking artist-producer, who offered a candid glimpse into her creative process in the recording studio, in an exclusive interview.

KpopStarz: How long have you been producing music?

Shirosky: I released my first EP "The Orbit" in November of 2010. Since then, I released EP "Adaptation" with MYK, aka SALTNPAPER, in 2012. [Then I released] "From Earth" in 2013 and the EP "Domino' in August of 2014.

KpopStarz: I love the picture on your Facebook of you sitting in front of the computer the glamorous life of a music producer! {laughs} What programs do you use? Where do you get your sounds? From samples? From synthesizers? Would you share with us any production tricks you employ?

Shirosky: Thank you very much. When I make music, I have been using Cubase. But sometimes I used to use Logic, because Logic's sound presets are very helpful when I have no Idea. I do sampling for almost all of the sounds--breathing sounds, a knock sound, TV noise, etc. These days, after playing my synthesizer, I layer some sound samples, like seasoning, over that.

KpopStarz: Do you play all of the instruments on your tracks?

Shirosky: As much as I can. I can play the piano, synthesizer, and I can scratch on turntable. If using guitar [on a track] I used to receive help from a session guitar player.

KpopStarz: Do you write all the music and the lyrics?

Shirosky: I compose all of my music, but due to the nature of hip-hop, the lyrics are for the most part, written by the featured MC.

KpopStarz: Do you have musical training? Where does the jazz influence come from?

Shirosky: I had no chance to learn about music. So I started to teach myself how to write music, play the piano, etc. In fact, by age 12, I started to teach myself a composing program called Cakewalk. I still remember that I couldn't save my projects because I used a demo version of the program, so I did recording and remaking and rerecording with a cassette recorder. After I recorded an instrument, I used to redo that.  It was funny. But looking back on it now, it was a good experience for a so-called jazz hip-hop producer.

KpopStarz: Who are your influences? Which other producers do you respect?

Shirosky: When I was a sophomore in college, I visited the producer Pe2ny who is known for his work with artists like Epik High and The Quiett, because I wanted to make emotional hip-hop beats like Pe2ny. He became my music teacher. I released my first album "The Orbit" with his help. Even now, Pe2ny has great influence on Shirosky. As far as other artists, I really, really respect [Japanese hip-hop producer] Nujabes, [Japanese electronic artist] Mondogrosso and [Clazziquai frontman] DJ Clazzi. Whenever I listen to their music, I feel really inspired and happy.

KpopStarz: How did you hook up with the singers on your recordings? How did you end up working with Mayson the Soul and MINI?

Shirosky: I first met Mayson The Soul at a concert put on by [the record labels] Sniper Sound and Finest Records. When He sang his first song "Holiday featuring Beenzino," on stage, I felt like 'there it is!' So I asked him to contribute to my project. MINI has been my best music friend since I released my debut album. From the start of the "Domino'" project, I wanted her on the last track "Pink Sand." Because the vocals have the great personality of a full, rich voice. I was so excited while working on this album with them. They were enthusiastic, cool and lively. So I had no difficulties while recording.

KpopStarz: Can you explain the track "Poem?" I love that song. Is that you reciting the poem?

Shirosky: I am embarrassed by your praise. I used an SM58 dynamic mic, which is relatively inexpensive and allowed some naturally occurring noise in the process of recording to give the listener a feeling of something old. I tried to translate it into terms of tone, the feeling of the domino process--being built and being collapsed, in my "Domino" album. In the case of "Poem," I wanted to express time that seems to stop just before collapsing after knocking over the first domino.

KpopStarz: What is next for Shirosky? Do you DJ? Do you have any live music concerts coming up?

Shirosky: I am DJ who plays downtempo-electronic, nu-disco, lounge music and other styles. I'd like to have more activities as a producer this year.

KpopStarz: Are there other South Korean musicians or producers you think people need to hear?

Shirosky: Jolly V. She is becoming a representative of Korean woman MCs after appearing on the Mnet program 'Show Me The Money' [on South Korean television]. Recently, she released a new album "Have Faith." It was really cool and great. I had worked with her in the past on a song called "Until The Sunrise" from my second album "From Earth." She was a fantastic interpreter of songs.

KpopStarz: Are there any dream projects you'd like to do?

Shirosky: I'd like to collaborate more with a lot of new musicians, all over the world. In the long run, I want to make more fantastic songs and performances as a gorgeous producer-DJ that can represent Korea. {smiles}

KpopStarz: What are you currently working on?

Shirosky: I am preparing new project, a chillwave album with MINI who is a talented vocalist and focusing on playing out as a DJ.

KpopStarz: Where do you spend most of your time?

Shirosky: I spend most of my time in Itawon where I live. Come to visit!

KpopStarz: Do you have any other professions or skills other than being a DJ, artist and producer?

Shirosky: I majored in political science and Japanology at my university, but I am not on a professional level at all.

KpopStarz:  What are your thoughts on the international K-pop explosion? Do you feel it has helped or hurt Korean underground artists like yourself.

Interest in K-indie is rising along with the expansion of the international K-pop trend. I think it is something for Korean underground artists to be thankful for. Recently, one thing that's funny is that the boundaries between mainstream K-pop and underground music have become blurred, especially in the case of hip-hop. Because, as the Korean people's acceptance of hip-hop increases, the hip-hop culture is getting more and more popular. Also, just because a certain song isn't popular in Korea, foreign fans can love it first. I think it is the same for K-indie, in my experience. So I think we musicians need to make every effort to interest more people and create good music that will be loved by many people all over the world, regardless of the scene where they are located.

KpopStarz:  What do you feel is the best track you've ever done? What accomplishment are you the most proud of?

Shirosky: My favorite albums that I've done are "Domino" and my album with MYK, "Adaptation," which was released from Cult Classic Records in 2012. Listening to them in the autumn, you will feel the warmth. My favorite tracks are "Every Single Moment" from "Domino" and "Picasso (featuring Minifest)" from "Adaptation." Though in the future, I hope to visit you again with better work to discuss with KpopStarz.

Colin Langenus is a guitarist and songwriter in several groups including Colin L. Orchestra, CSC Funk Band and Usaisamonster. He produces and engineers music at his recording studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.