Insights from a Grammy Voting Member, Award-winning Music Producer, and Film Composer

 

In this episode of Star Spot, join host Merry as she interviews award-winning music producer, Vahagn Stepanyan. Learn from a GRAMMY voting member and InterContinental Music Awards judge as he shares exclusive insights and tips on making it big in the music industry. With collaborations spanning over 30 countries and extensive experience in various genres, Vahagn is a powerhouse in the music world. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best!

Welcome to this episode of Star Spot! I’m Merry, and in this series, I interview InterContinental Music Awards winners and insiders, bringing you exclusive insights into the music industry. Today, I’m thrilled to have with me Vahagn Stepanyan, Keyboardist, Arranger, Songwriter, Sound Designer, Film Composer, GRAMMY Voting member.

If you’re looking for insights on how to make it big in the music competition world, look no further than Vahagn Stepanyan. As an InterContinental Music Awards judge and award-winning music producer, arranger, songwriter, film/TV composer, and keyboardist, Vahagn has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. His giftedness has been recognized by Grammy Award-winning artists and musicians across the globe, and his collaborations have spanned over 30 countries.

In this interview, Vahagn shares his challenges and inspirations, as well as tips on how to get on Billboard and win prestigious awards like the Grammys. With his extensive experience in Pop, Jazz Fusion, Funk, R&B, Gospel, and Film Score, Vahagn is a powerhouse in the music world who shows no signs of slowing down. Get ready to learn from one of the best in the business.

Let’s dive right into the interview summary and tap into Vahagn Stepanyan ‘s vast knowledge and experience. The full interview is available on Instagram – click here to check it out.

 

For those who are just joining us, could you give us a brief introduction to who you are and your background?

 Of course! I’m Vahagn Stepanyan, a music producer, songwriter, composer, and arranger based in Los Angeles. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s top musicians, and my experience spans across a variety of genres, including pop, jazz fusion, funk, R&B, gospel, and film score.

Prior to moving to Los Angeles about eight months ago, I owned a recording studio in Armenia. Currently, I’m working on my second album with some incredible musicians, including Eric Moore, Leslie Johnson, and Anthony Crawford. I’m excited about this project and can’t wait to share more details soon.

 

In your opinion, how has the music industry changed over the past few years?

The music industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay up to date on the latest trends and changes. In recent years, there have been both positive and negative developments, and it’s important to navigate these changes carefully.

One significant shift has been the rise of the NFT world, which has brought new opportunities and challenges to the music industry. As a music producer, I understand the importance of staying informed and keeping up with these changes to remain successful in this ever-changing industry.

Overall, the music industry is in a state of flux, and it’s essential to stay informed and adapt to these changes to succeed as a musician, whether you’re an independent artist or working with a record label.

 

Could you tell us about your experience working with several huge artists and how you began this journey?

 It has always been a dream of mine to collaborate with big-name artists, and I have worked hard to get to that stage. It requires a lot of dedication and hard work, but when you have a goal in mind and work towards it, it becomes possible. As a kid, I dreamed of working with these artists, and although some people laughed at me and told me I couldn’t do it, I never gave up. Now, those same people come to me asking to work together. It’s an amazing feeling to achieve something that once seemed impossible.

 

How did you feel when you achieved your dream of working with these artists?

It was an incredible feeling to accomplish something that I once thought was impossible. I used to listen to these artists’ CDs and say to myself, “When I grow up, I need to work with them.” I never could have imagined how it would happen, but I made it happen through hard work and perseverance. It’s a reminder that anything is possible if you work hard enough for it.

 

 What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in music?

 My advice would be to never give up on your dreams and to work hard towards your goals. The music industry is constantly changing, and it’s important to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things, but always stay true to your own unique style and voice. Finally, surround yourself with people who support and believe in you, and don’t let anyone discourage you from pursuing your passion.

 

What advice would you give to independent musicians who are just starting out?

 My number one advice would be to never give up. If you are serious about getting into the music industry and have real talent, you need to understand that it’s not an easy journey. There will be moments when you feel like giving up, but you need to push through and keep going. It’s important to have a plan and to always be growing as a musician. Remember, it’s a long and hard journey, but it’s also an experience that you should live in the moment.

 

What are some challenges you faced throughout your career as a music producer and how did you overcome them?

 Like any other industry, the music industry has its fair share of challenges, including financial ups and downs. However, one challenge that I faced was investing my earnings back into my career instead of spending them on leisure activities. I realized that if I wanted to grow and become better, I needed to invest in equipment or anything that would help me reach my goals more efficiently. I couldn’t wait for someone else to invest in me, so I took the initiative.

Another challenge is the perception of success. People often assume that if you’re working with big-name artists or having the best sessions of your life, you must have a lot of money to make those things happen. But what they don’t see is the hard work and investments you made to get there. I recommend that artists and people in general understand that a lot happens behind the scenes that they may not be aware of.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment as a musician?

 While I recently got featured in Billboard magazine, my proudest accomplishment is working with amazing artists and giving them the opportunity to shine on their own terms. I want them to be themselves and represent themselves to my audience in their unique way. Rather than limiting them to my own ideas, I encourage them to be creative and bring their own ideas to the table. I believe in not putting limitations on artists and allowing them to showcase their talent in the best possible way.

 

How has your experience been with InterContinental Music?

My experience with InterContinental Music has been great so far. I am happy to be a part of the judging panel for their contest this year and I believe that the participants will gain a lot and learn a lot from my experience. During my time with them, I had the opportunity to listen to two musicians who blew me away with their unique sound. It’s exciting to see people from different countries and genres come together and be recognized for their talent. Overall, I think InterContinental Music is doing a great job of helping musicians achieve their goals and I’m glad to be a part of it.

 

What last words would you like to share with everyone?

 My message to everyone is to stay positive and keep believing that everything is going to be great. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be one of the judges for InterContinental Music. It was truly a pleasure to be a part of this amazing initiative, and I appreciate the time and effort put in by the organizers to make it happen. Thank you for having me on board.

 

Vahagn Stepanyan Contact Info:

• Website: https://vahagnstepanyan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vahagnstepanyan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vahagnstepanyan

 

Click here to watch Vahagn Stepanyan ‘s  full interview on Instagram 

InterContinental Music Awards Team

Read more interviews