Meet Eric Hsieh

 

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

Eric, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

As a music producer and artist, creativity is the heart of everything I do. To keep it alive, I focus on three main areas: inspiration, routine, and balance.

First, I actively seek inspiration from diverse sources—whether it’s listening to new genres of music, attending live performances, or simply immersing myself in the energy of NYC. Sometimes, creativity strikes when I least expect it, like during a walk through the city or a quiet moment at home.

Second, I rely on structured routines to harness my creativity. Inspiration is fleeting, so having a disciplined workflow ensures I can translate those ideas into tangible projects. For example, I set aside time every day for sound design, experimenting with new production techniques, or even revisiting unfinished tracks. This structure creates momentum.

Finally, balance is key. I believe creativity flourishes when I’m mentally and physically well. I take breaks, exercise, and spend time with friends or exploring interests outside music. It helps me avoid burnout and return to my craft with fresh perspectives.

Ultimately, creativity is like a muscle—it grows when nurtured with curiosity, practice, and patience.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Eric Hsieh, also known as Rayrick, a Taiwanese music producer, songwriter, and DJ based in NYC. My journey in music started with a deep passion for storytelling through sound, and over the years, it has evolved into a career focused on creating immersive experiences in EDM, pop, and various other genres. I recently graduated from BerkleeNYC’s master’s program in Songwriting and Production, and now, I’m exploring the intersection of creativity and technology in my work.

What excites me most about my craft is the ability to connect with people emotionally through music. Whether it’s producing a high-energy track that gets people dancing or a heartfelt song that resonates deeply, I strive to create moments that stay with listeners. Every beat, melody, and lyric is a chance to build a connection, and that’s the most special part of what I do.

Currently, I’m focused on building my career as a DJ and producer while also contributing to the music community in NYC. I collaborate with artists across genres, helping them realize their creative visions through songwriting, mixing, and mastering. Additionally, I’ve started to delve into live event coordination, combining my technical skills with my love for creating unforgettable experiences.

This month, I’m thrilled to be releasing my own music as an artist. It’s been an exciting journey of exploration and growth, and I can’t wait to share these tracks with the world. My upcoming releases blend the high-energy pulse of EDM with cinematic, emotional storytelling, and they reflect my personal experiences.

On the DJ front, I’m preparing for live performances where I can connect with audiences directly. I’m also coordinating some local events that highlight emerging talent in NYC, offering a platform for unique voices to shine.

To everyone reading this, I’d love for you to follow along on my journey. Whether you’re a fan of music, a fellow artist, or someone looking for a collaborator, I’m always excited to connect and create something meaningful together.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that had the most impact on my journey are resilience, adaptability, and technical mastery.

1. Resilience
The music industry is challenging, and resilience has been crucial in helping me navigate the ups and downs. There were times when I doubted myself or faced rejection, but learning to push through those moments was vital. My advice? Focus on your long-term vision and trust the process. It’s important to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Surround yourself with people who support you and keep reminding yourself why you started in the first place.

2. Adaptability
Music and technology evolve constantly. Being open to change and learning new tools or trends has allowed me to grow as an artist and producer. Early in my journey, I made it a point to explore different genres, experiment with unconventional sounds, and keep refining my craft. My advice is to stay curious and never stop learning. Whether it’s diving into new production software or collaborating with artists outside your comfort zone, adaptability will keep your work fresh and relevant.

3. Technical Mastery
No matter how creative or inspired you are, having a solid technical foundation is essential for bringing your ideas to life. For me, that meant dedicating time to mastering DAWs, sound design, and mixing techniques. My advice for beginners is to focus on building strong fundamentals. Start small, but consistently work on your technical skills, whether it’s producing a track from start to finish or studying the intricacies of music theory. Once you have a solid base, you’ll have the freedom to push creative boundaries.

Final Thoughts
No journey is linear, and everyone’s path is different. My advice for those starting out is to be patient with yourself. Invest in your craft, but also in your well-being. Stay inspired by connecting with other creatives and consuming art that moves you. Above all, keep showing up—creativity is a muscle that grows stronger with practice.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in self-expression and artistic identity. As a music producer and artist, I’ve always been focused on creating for others—helping artists realize their vision or producing tracks tailored to specific needs. But this year, I decided to develop my own artistry and establish a distinct identity as an artist.

This shift required me to dig deeper into who I am as an artist, what I want to say, and how I want my music to resonate with listeners. It’s been a journey of self-discovery—learning to trust my instincts, embrace vulnerability, and create music that feels authentic to me. I’ve grown more confident in my sound and storytelling, blending high-energy EDM with cinematic, emotional elements that reflect my personal experiences.

Additionally, I’ve improved in balancing the creative and technical sides of music production. I’ve refined my workflow, learned new tools, and pushed myself to experiment with unique sounds. These skills have not only elevated the quality of my work but also made the process more fulfilling.

This focus on self-expression has culminated in the music I’m releasing this month, which feels like a true reflection of who I am as an artist. It’s been an exciting, challenging, and deeply rewarding year, and I’m proud of the growth I’ve achieved.

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