2 Minutes With ... Deb Oh, Senior Director of Creative Licensing at BMG Production Music

For over a decade in the music and advertising industries, Deb Oh has built experience across music supervision, original music production, audio post-production, and sync licensing at agencies as well as boutique music and audio shops. Since joining BMG Production Music in 2021, she oversees creative licensing for advertising and branding clients, working on campaigns for Google, Ford, Spotify, Apple, Wendy’s, Nintendo and many more.

We spent two minutes with Deb to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired.

Deb, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I was born in Alaska and spent my childhood there, then moved to the east coast and went to high school and college in NYC. I’ve moved all over Manhattan and Brooklyn since, and now live in South Orange, New Jersey.

Your earliest musical memory.

I memorized and performed the whole Sound of Music soundtrack for my parents when I was three. Maybe this isn’t so much my own memory as one that’s been implanted at this point, but it’s what kickstarted piano lessons and singing in a children’s choir not long after!

Your favorite bands/musicians.

I’ve been evangelizing Balming Tiger for a little while. They’re an alternative K-pop collective with a really imaginative sound and visual aesthetic, and their energy at live shows is unmatched. They’re also a really refreshing counter-balance to the more industrialized K-pop look and sound (no shade, love NewJeans, too).

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

I’ve started Susan Rogers’ “This Is What It Sounds Like,” which fuses her experience as both a recording engineer and neuroscientist to explore why we fall in love with certain songs and music. Super interesting read so far!

A recent project you’re proud of.

My colleague Charlie Davis and I have been producing remixes of vintage gems in the BMG catalog, and that’s always a really fun collaboration. I love this one that we did with our good bud @shy_niko on the track “Clap Your Hands” by The Beau Marks.

One thing about how the music world is evolving that you’re excited about.

More AAPI representation across the industry. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m optimistic in the progress that I’ve seen in my time on both the artist and business side of things.

Someone else’s work, in music or beyond, that you admired lately.

Beyonce’s Renaissance tour. Period!!

An artist you admire outside the world of music.

Joe Pera. He’s really just doing his own thing, and it’s amazing. Joe Pera Talks with You is one of the most bafflingly hilarious and wholesome shows I’ve ever seen.

Your favorite fictional character.

Tom Wambsgans

Someone worth following on social media.

Sinead Bovell (@sineadbovell)—she’s a futurist who breaks down tech/AI/science in a way that my non-tech/science brain can understand.

Your main strength as a marketer/creative.

My “nunchi,” which is a Korean concept for being able to read the room, listen/observe and understand others’ thoughts and feelings. Given how many voices and opinions are part of the creative process, this has always helped me navigate different projects and environments.

Your biggest weakness.

Second guessing myself.

Something people would find surprising about you.

Usually it’s the fact that I’m from Alaska—that always elicits a great reaction and a series of follow-up questions.

One thing that always makes you happy.

A great meal with people I love.

One thing that always makes you sad.

Climate change

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the music business.

Maybe something in interior or production design.