Meet Dale Keano: Director, Studio Owner & Music Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dale Keano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dale, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since I was a child, every waking moment all I could think of was music. Whether it be playing with toy guitars, listening to my mom singing or watching my dad in the studio – I knew this is where I wanted to be. Like many Asian Americans though, I wanted to make my parents proud by becoming a doctor. During college I quickly realized that this wasn’t my dream. My grades reflected it and I got placed on academic probation twice. On my 2nd academic probation, my counselor asked me what I was doing besides studying and doing my homework. I told her I was making beats in my room. She responded “well that’s it then, figure out a way to make a living doing that”. That really resonated with me. I kept waking up thinking to my self that there’s got to be more to my life. Years later, after graduating college, after finding a good job and saving money, I finally found the courage to go all in and chase my dream. The choice wasn’t easy. The journey was defiantly not easy as well but its all worth it. Every blood, sweat and tear allowed me to live the life I’ve always wanted.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I chase my dreams via Burgundy Suite – a studio and media production company. Somewhere along the way from a $50 paycheck to over 55 million views on YouTube, I found the sweet spot between making music and empowering artists. This journey was not at all easy. Never ending late nights and early mornings. Spending all the money I’ve had and learning everything. I went from music production to learning all angles of music – directing videos, putting together albums, learning design and marketing – all self taught. What sets me apart from others is my ability to materialize a vision. My goal has always been to look after my community – by empowering and uplifting fellow Asian-American talents through cinematic visuals and music production. Keeping my dreams in mind is how I always find the motivation to continue.

I’ve directed and produced music videos for prominent figures like Heartbreaka, Stupid Young, Ruby Ibarra, Chow Mane, Dub P, and more. Being able to amass millions of views and develop a reputation for executing big ideas into high-scale productions is something I am extremely proud of. None of this would have been possible without Yung Jae, the first to give me a shot, value my time and introduce me to his network of artists.

Lessons along the way:
1. always find a way (no one is going to give it to you, you have to figure it out)
2. never give up (its easy to get caught up in life, don’t forget the reason you started in the first place)
3. treat others with love and respect (you’ll meet a lot of folks along the way, don’t let others change you)
4. do what you love (its not easy but its the most fulfilling)
5. keep learning (become more valuable to knowing how to do more)
6. invest in yourself (you are responsible for yourself)
7. not everyone is meant to go with you on this journey
8. its okay to make mistakes, learn from them
9. find a good mentor (they dont have to be in your industry, but the life lessons can be translated to yours)

I want to be known as the hardest worker in the room, always earning his keep and never giving up on his dreams.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Jose, CA – home and where I chose to chase my dreams.

My favorite places to eat – Pho Papa, Famous Lao Papaya, Banh Canh 3 Mien, Sweet Corner, Eat Eat Crawfish, Greenfish Cafe, Santo Market and Kaizen Sushi.

My favorite places to hang out – San Pedro Square, 55 South

My favorite things to do – bike on coyote creek or scooter through downtown and guadalupe trail. Go to view points around the city. Rock climbing at studio climbing in downtown. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My amazing Wife – this journey is extremely difficult and she is my rock. You learn to live with the stress of not knowing when your next check would be. It really helps to be supported and reminded that this is what you were meant to do.

My Mama – for never pressuring me to be what I’m not.

My Pa – for planting the seed when I was younger.

Me mentor Joe – for I would not be where I would had you not been present in my life. I’ve learnt so much from you and apply it to my life everyday.

My brother Kusta – for teaching me all I know with recording and vocals. For always being there with me as I learn to navigate this journey.

My brother P. Keys – for leading by example. As long as we do what we love, we’ll be okay.

My close friends Johnny and Tram – for inspiring me to also open a business and not follow the norm.

My homie Viet – my first every music paycheck was from you. You have always inspired me to chase my dreams as well.

My close friends Daniel and Liza – some of the longest relationships I’ve been blessed to have. For being there at every release party, every step of the way. You know where I started.

Lastly, my daughter Lilo – thoughts of giving up are no more. I need to now lead by example for how can I tell you to chase your dreams if I never tried. Follow your heart baby girl and do what you love.

Website: www.burgundysuite.com

Instagram: @dalekeano

Youtube: @BurgundySuiteTV

Image Credits
Kevin Ha & Gordon Lim