If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers.

DAVID AMBER

Years active: 2016-present

Associated Acts: Twice, DreamNote, SF9, NCT Dream, fromis_9

His sound: Densely packed, synth-driven instrumentals with a retro flair. Song structures that balance clipped, quirky delivery with more robust choruses. Upbeat and explosive.

Why you should love him: In short, because he’s becoming an ever-increasing influence in this new generation of K-pop. His work on Twice’s Heart Shaker was his real Korean breakthrough, and ever since then he’s carved out a distinct (usually girl group focused) sound that is becoming more and more in demand. Though he often works with collaborators and has a pretty diverse style, Amber’s name is synonymous with a brashly 80’s sound that smartly mixes current trends with pop nostalgia.

Examples of his best work: