Chaz Jackson:

You've heard his music. Now meet the guy behind it 👀

<Overdose> by EXO, <Hard to Love (❤️LOVE)> by SAY MY NAME, <HOT> by ALLDAY PROJECT, <Seventeen (with WONPIL)> by JINYOUNG…

TAEYANG's new song <Open Up (feat. The Kid LAROI) >

If any of these are in your playlist, you’ve already been listening to Chaz Jackson.

The American producer has worked behind the scenes on some of K-Pop’s biggest tracks for over a decade. Beyond K-Pop, his credits include Chris Brown, Kehlani, Ne-Yo, Pitbull, Robin Thicke, and more.

We sat down with Chaz Jackson — the producer behind Taeyang's <Open Up (feat. The Kid LAROI) > — to talk about the story behind the track and what music means to him. An interview you can only find on Kooky!

[ About K-pop 🇰🇷 ]

Q. When did you first get involved in K-pop production, and what drew you to it?

A. It started before I even fully understood what was happening. I was with my former group, The Aristocrats, and we got a placement, my very first one actually. That was my introduction to K-pop, and I remember thinking, this is different. The standard was so high, and the attention to detail was unlike anything I’d experienced in Western production. I didn’t go looking for K-pop, it found me. And once it did, I never wanted to leave.

Q. What do you think makes K-pop unique as a genre compared to Western pop?

A. Everything is intentional. Every layer of sound, every vocal arrangement, every transition, nothing is accidental. The artists, the labels, the fans, they all hold the music to an incredibly high standard. That pressure actually brings out the best in me as a producer and writer. I love it.

Q. How has your approach to producing K-pop evolved over the years?

A. The approach hasn’t changed much. I’ve always been focused on creating a strong sound and making sure melody is king. Music is the world's universal language that will never change. I'm thankful that God allows me to do this every day. It's amazing.

Q. What keeps you coming back to K-pop? what’s the driving force?

A. Purpose. Working with such incredible artists, and playing a role in the vision keeps me excited.

[ This Track with Taeyang ☀️ ]

Q. How did the collaboration with Taeyang come about?

A. It was one of those things that felt aligned from the start. Taeyang is a legend, there’s no other word for it. When the opportunity came together, I didn’t overthink it. I just wanted to serve the moment and give him something that matched his artistry. I played the beat and he immediately said, ‘Let’s start to this one.’ I also got to work on this one with Tone Stith who is now a good friend and is exceptionally talented and we all created it together. The conversation was easy, the creative process felt natural. Some collaborations you have to force, this wasn’t one of them. Good times.

Q. How would you describe the sound and mood of this track?

A. It’s emotional, but the track gives it that edge. There’s a vulnerability in it that I think people will feel immediately, but underneath that there’s this undeniable energy, almost like a release. We wanted it to feel like something that sits between worlds, between genres, between cultures. That felt right for who Taeyang is and what this moment represents for him.

Q. Is there a detail in the track a sound, a moment that you hope listeners catch?

A. Ahh so many! The intro, the melodies, the story. Everything. It’s Taeyang and The Kid LAROI!

Q. What was the vibe like working on Open Up? Since Taeyang and The Kid LAROI have such different styles, was it difficult to match their energy together?

A. It was actually exciting — more fun than difficult. Although they have different styles that’s the beauty of music. It brings us all together.

[ Global Collabs & the Industry 🌎 ]

Q. What advice would you give to producers outside Korea who want to break into the K-pop industry?

A. Be patient and be humble. You’re entering a culture that has its own language literally. Study it, respect it, don’t try to shortcut the process. Find your way in through genuine connection, whether that’s through an artist, a label, or a collaboration.

[ Fan-Perspective Questions 💭 ]

Q. Do you have a favorite K-pop song that you didn’t produce?

A. “Golden” for sure. Such a great song.

Q. Fans of Taeyang have been waiting for this comeback for a long time what would you want them to know about this song before they hear it?

A. This song was made with intention. Tae didn’t just show up, he poured himself into this. I can’t wait for all the fans to experience it!

🎧 TAEYANG - <Open Up (feat. The Kid LAROI) >

🔎 Want to know more about him?

Check out his socials!