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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Semih Yanyali of University Hills

We recently had the chance to connect with Semih Yanyali and have shared our conversation below.

Semih, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would. I have consistently received feedback from artists and clients that I not only bring their sound to the finish line but elevate it to the next level. I’m also often told that I’m easy to work with and create a comfortable environment in the studio. These qualities are just as important to me as my musical and technical skills, because they demonstrate my ability to build trust and deliver a final product that exceeds expectations.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a music producer, composer with a unique global perspective. I grew up in Istanbul, Turkey, and have since spent significant parts of my life in Germany and the United States. My journey has taken me from the vibrant music scenes of the California Bay Area and Los Angeles to my current home in the live music capital of the world, Austin, Texas.

I write and produce for major labels, including Warner Chappell, Sony, and APM, and have released music worldwide. Beyond my label work, I’m passionate about collaborating with artists, helping to bring their songs and vision to life. My diverse background has not only shaped my sound but also built a global network of world-class musicians. While I’m a multi-instrumentalist myself, I can seamlessly bring in the perfect session players from around the globe to ensure every track reaches its full potential

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My colleagues, the musicians, and the artists I work with. Each gig, project, and album is a unique experience, and while I bring over two decades of experience to the table, I’m always learning. I believe this continuous learning is an essential part of my journey in music, and I’m happy to embrace it.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It taught me to accept that there are things in life I cannot change, and to focus my energy on what I can influence in the present moment.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
They often confuse success with mere visibility, defining it by follower and like counts and attention, regardless of the content’s truthfulness or honesty.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I was born to do. I chose my own path and carved my own way, and if I had to start all over again, I would choose music every time.

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