Grammy-winning songwriter Derrick Milano collaborated with South Korean boy band BTS on their fifth studio album, 'Arirang' [1, 2].
This partnership marks a strategic intersection between K-pop's global reach and the songwriting expertise of a writer known for hits for Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion. The collaboration highlights the continuing trend of BTS integrating Western production styles to expand their sonic palette.
The album 'Arirang' was released on June 2, 2024 [3, 4]. Milano co-wrote and produced several tracks during recording sessions held at a studio in Los Angeles, California [2, 5]. Among these contributions is the song "SWIM" [2, 4].
Reports vary on the exact number of songs Milano contributed to the project. One source said he wrote "SWIM" and five, potentially six, other tracks [2]. Another source said he contributed to four tracks on the album [6].
Milano said he approached the collaboration with a specific mental framework to ensure the group's vision remained central. "I walked into the studio feeling like a student, not a hit-maker," Milano said [2, 5].
This humble approach was a conscious choice to avoid the pitfalls of high-profile songwriting. Milano said he did not want to arrive with the attitude of a hit-maker who already knew everything [2, 5]. By adopting this mindset, he felt he could contribute more authentically to the artistic goals of BTS.
Critics have noted that the resulting work reflects the group's evolving identity. A reviewer for Mashable said 'Arirang' asks what comes next for BTS and their fans [4].
“"I walked into the studio feeling like a student, not a hit-maker."”
The collaboration between Derrick Milano and BTS illustrates the shift in K-pop production toward a 'hybrid' model, where Western songwriters act as facilitators rather than architects. By prioritizing a 'student' mindset over a prescriptive hit-making formula, the production process emphasizes the preservation of the group's specific cultural and artistic identity while leveraging global pop standards for commercial viability.
