It's high time to introduce you to a talented emerging artist. Hojean is a Korean-American singer and songwriter whose music is absolutely worth seeing. His songs with R&B and Soul styles inspired by his favorite movies are a real pleasure for the ears and will not fail to conquer the most skeptical. In 2021, his spotify has listed 3,000,000 annual listens and 9 million listens for his single Over 85, just that!
The exclusive interview with Hojean
On the occasion of the release of his single We Got Time on January 31, 2021, Hojean gave us an interview in which he tells us about his first concert, his inspirations but also his obvious love for music.
The concert in New York, a first for the artist and his fans
"So how was that concert on December 16?
– I was just watching recordings yesterday and hearing the crowd know your words is a whole new experience. It was my very first concert, I didn't expect it to happen like this. There was this incredible moment during the concert where the crowd sings for me. It's just amazing. A lot of my songs were written and produced in my room and it's just magical that people have heard them and found them good enough to want to memorize them.
-No! You must be so happy after such an event!
-Oh, yes! After the event I didn't even know how to feel, I didn't even party after the event, I didn't go to an after party. I didn't eat for two days after! I only drank a Redbull and watched a movie with my friend. I was in shock and I still am. It was just amazing.
-I guess! What was it like to prepare for this concert?
– We did a bunch of rehearsals, more than 20 in a month. We arrived a little too late on site so we had to insert a lot of 5 hour rehearsals here and there. But as often as we did, we all agreed that in the end, it was worth it.
– It must have been tiring, right?
– It's not tiring in itself, we never left a rehearsal feeling exhausted or whatever. I think it was really important that these 5 hours took place because I feel that thanks to these rehearsals, the bond between the band and me has tightened. It was really cool to see that finally we were able to have such a deep friendship with all the members of the band, but especially to know that they also thought they could fit in. That's one thing that made me super happy. And I feel like that's why the concert was so magical and why it sounded so good. »
In Hojean's head and his creative process
A film enthusiast, especially romantic films
"Where does the inspiration come from when you write and compose your songs?
– Usually, it comes largely from me playing the guitar and something just comes out of it. But most of the time, the lyrics come from the movies I watch. If I watch a romance movie, I'm going to get my idea from it. For example, Pick up your phone was composed after watching Men in Black. So I would say that a lot of inspiration comes from random thoughts or movies I watch.
– Have you seen a movie recently that makes you want to write a song?
– Hm probably Spider Man. I don't want to spoil the film but the end scene develops the evolution of a relationship that goes from lovers to strangers and I thought it could make good music. Maybe I'll write about it!
– And you never thought about becoming an actor or working in the film industry?
When I was very young, I remember wanting to be a director or actor, I even remember rehearsing Leonardo DiCaprio's scenes. But I was really called by music and felt a different creative love for it. All my life, I've been a creative person whether through drawing or my desire to be an actor, but for some reason, when I made music, there was something more authentic that awoke in me. Before, everything I did was motivated by fun and the desire to have fun but for music it's different. The first time I sang in a talent contest, when I heard the crowd, it triggered something in me and I knew right away that I wanted to do this forever."
His love affair with music
"Did you always know you loved making music, even if it wasn't a career yet?
– I always knew I could sing a little tune, I knew I wasn't a bad singer, at least. I know this because my mother used to sing in the choir when we went to church. I thought it was cool that my mom could sing so I tried it myself but that was it.
– So you were surrounded by music?
– I wouldn't say that, I'm the only one in my family trying to do something creative. My older sister is a doctor, my cousins go to these fantastic schools. It's just me trying to try my luck elsewhere.
– Do you feel supported by your family in this career choice and passion?
– At first, I was a little afraid to tell them about it. But I told myself everyone in my family knows that I'm very creative, that this is what I want to do, that this is who I am. My mom supported me from the beginning, which is great because I know a lot of Asian parents can be very strict about what they want their kids to do. Of course, she didn't agree 100%, but over time she saw that I could have my chance. I think my mom always wanted to support me, but she also wanted to see the results. She understands that it's something I want to do, she never forces me to do anything else, she just believes in me.
– Have you ever thought about making a song with her, since she can sing?
– Aha, it could be fun but I'd laugh all the time and I don't think I'd be able to finish the song! »
A music to recommend for a first listening?
"What's your favorite song among those you've written?
-Memory! There is such a beautiful story behind it! There's a very long story behind it, so every time I think about it, I'm like, 'Wow, this song was meant to come out.'"
You got it: go listen to Memory right away! And if you are conquered by his melodious voice, he has just announced the release of an EP soon, enough to satisfy your curiosity and especially your ears!
You can find him on his youtube channel and his instagram account but also on spotify, deezer and soundcloud ! That's something to bring comfort to your playlists!
