13 songs by Ken (music producer)

13 songs by Ken

in conversation with

hiraware

Ken is an old friend and an independent music producer based in KL.

He now collaborates with artists across the UK, US, Korea, producing what he describes as “cracked sounds”

He has produced sounds, hosted listening sessions, and modelled for the brand.

Here, he shares 13 handpicked tracks offering a glimpse into how a music producer’s taste evolves over time.

listen on spotify

Set #1 – Core influences.

1. Mura Masa - Shibuya

2. Brockhampton - Heat

3. Death Grips - Hustle Bones

4. Tyler, the Creator - Jamba

5. Yung Lean - Gatorade

"These tracks capture the essence of my early inspirations. Growing up between 16 and 21, they formed the foundation for my taste. At the time, anger was a consistent emotion I struggled to express, and the heavy beats, high tempo, and almost aggressive energy deeply resonated with me. They offered reassurance in a way of being that didn’t conform to the expectations placed on met – a quiet rebellion."

Set #2 – Current rotation.

1. Jean Dawson - Black Sugar

2. Haru Nemuri & Frost Children - Supernatural

3. Mechatok & Tohki - 200

4. Cameron Winter - Love Takes Miles

"This rotation shows how my taste in music has changed over the years. Am particularly drawn to tracks like 'Supernatural' for their ability to blend multiple genres. What might sound all over the place to the unaccustomed ear, I interpret as a sense of controlled chaos. Each of these songs explores that element of chaos, and I have a deep appreciation for production that manages to find coherence amidst the noise."

Ken in the nehru shirt.

Set #3 – Music produced.

1. Gemini - Way Up

2. JD Cliffe - In Arms

3. JD Cliffe - FIGURE 8

4. Su San - Cigarettes & Cider

"The final selection is a culmination of my own journey. 'Way Up' by Gemini, in particular, is a testament to the patience required in this pursuit. I first discovered these Korean producers back in 2014 at university, and to have my name alongside theirs on a track is still surreal. For two years straight, I sent them files every week with little assurance, receiving only polite replies every few months. Looking back at endless DM scrolls, it might have looked like a meaningless chase, until one day—two years and hundreds of demos later—they messaged me to say they were using my sound.”