Casey Dunmore Interview

aapimusicians
May 24
4 min read

1. What is your name and your profession(s)?

Casey Dunmore. Composer & Producer.

2. What is your ethnic background and what is your citizenship?

I’m half Black and half Chinese. A US Native.

3. Are either/both of your parents musicians or somehow involved in the music industry?

My father is a musician and music teacher, so he’s always supported music as both a form of expression and an art form.

4. Please tell us a little bit about your experience, either growing up as an AAPI in America, or as a person of Asian descent who immigrated to America, whichever applies.

This is a tricky question for me. I didn’t grow up in an Asian American household or really know that side. I was raised around Black American culture and it wasn’t until much later that I even knew what AAPI was or how it applied to me.

5. How connected do you feel to your heritage/culture(s)?

I’m multicultural so I often feel like I represent “other.” I didn’t grow up with a strong connection to my Asian American side. I’m still figuring out what it all means for me.

6. 6a.) How did you get into music? Did you major in music in college? Where did you attend college/university (and grad school(s), if applicable) and in what subjects did you get your degree(s)?

I got into music at a very early age and attended the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music as a child, where I learned music theory and how to play the piano. I was also lucky to get into synthesis early on. I went to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts, where I picked up the viola, played in the orchestra and took a contemporary media class.

Growing up in the melting pot of New York City, I was fortunate to gravitate towards many different styles of music, ranging from classical to hip hop and rock, while also experimenting with synthesizers and computers. After moving to Los Angeles as a young adult, I got heavily into the electronic dance music and the UK electronic scenes.

6b.) When and how did you decide you were going to pursue music professionally? What were your parents’ reactions to you deciding to pursue music? Do they support your music career now?

I didn’t plan to pursue music professionally. I kind of fell into it. I started with an internship at an indie record label, then worked with major labels where I learned the fundamentals of the business side. After a few years, I took the risk to focus full-time on writing and producing my own music, while learning about licensing and publishing.

I never imagined this would become my career, but years of self-teaching and dedication have made it possible. I’m sure my father is proud that I’ve built this path on my own.

7. What are a few of your (music) projects of which you are the proudest? What were your roles on those projects? Beyond those projects, please feel free to name some of your other credits as well as any brands/companies you officially endorse.

I’m proud of all the work I’ve done, big or small. If I had to single out one project, it would be the theme song for the Toronto Raptors NBA basketball team on TSN which I composed and produced.

Some of my other credits include music and sound design featured in trailers and tv spots for Kubo & The Two Strings (Laika), American Horror Story (FX Networks), Agatha All Along (Marvel), The Batman (Warner Bros.) and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (Activision). I also composed the theme song for the reality tv show Tia & Tamera (E!/Style Network). I’m very grateful to my publishers and the music supervisors who believe in my work and help get it out there.

8. What are some obstacles you have encountered (if any) being an AAPI in the music world? What are some obstacles you have encountered (if any) as an AAPI in general (non-music)? Conversely, has being an AAPI ever helped you in the music industry or in general?

This is a complex question. Things are progressing with much more cross pollination and popular cultural acceptance, especially in music. One thing I’ve observed over the years is how AAPI musicians can sometimes be boxed into certain expectations. People might assume we only work in classical music or Asian pop styles. We’re people with a love for all kinds of music and we do so much more than that.

Outside of music and sometimes within it, I haven’t always felt fully seen or understood as someone who’s mixed. There can be a sense of not fitting into a category. I just flow with it and be myself.

9. 9a.) Who are some AAPI musicians/composers/producers who have previously inspired and currently inspire you (if any)? Why?

Chad Hugo, Pharrell Williams, TOKiMONSTA, my friends Terence Yoshiaki, The Beat Ventriloquists and Mark De Clive Lowe. These are all people who are out there putting in the work and making moves while staying true to who they are.

9b.) What are your hopes for the AAPI music community and your hopes for AAPIs in general?

I hope we keeping raising awareness that our culture is a melting pot.

10. Name one or two non-music-related things/subjects about which you are also passionate.

Travel, eating and enjoying this life the best I can.

11. Any final thoughts? Alternatively, do you have any questions for me and/or the greater AAPI music community?

I’m grateful to be a part of this community and excited to see more AAPI voices stepping up. We out here! Peace.

Support Casey online :)

Instagram - @caseydunmore

YouTube - @casey.dunmore

Spotify - Casey Dunmore

Bandcamp - plus4dBu

Apple Music - Casey Dunmore