HANZ: “If I can bring peace or make someone feel understood, that's enough.”
HANZ talks about finding meaningful connections through music and more.
For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “HANZ is ___” or “HANZ's music is ___”?
“HANZ is someone who expresses emotions through songs,” [and] “HANZ's music gently brings out feelings that have been buried deep in the heart.” If you've ever loved, lost, or longed for someone, I believe you'll naturally connect with the scenes in my songs.
Who or what first inspired you to pursue a music career?
As a child, I was deeply moved by the survival show I Am a Singer on MBC. I kept imagining what kind of song I would sing if I stood on that stage.
How have your personal music tastes changed over the years and influenced how you think about the kind of music you want to make?
I used to enjoy powerful and rich ballads, but now I'm drawn to more minimal and delicate emotional expressions. That change made me focus on conveying emotions through even a single note or breath in my music.
What career would you be pursuing today if it could not be music-related?
I might have become a dog trainer or run a pet cafe. I've loved dogs since I was little and once dreamed of being a veterinarian, but I realized I couldn't handle surgeries. Thinking back, being a dog trainer who connects with pets emotionally seems more like me.
Please describe your newest songs, “Be My Rose” and “B.F.”!
Both songs are about emotions we experience in youth. “Be My Rose” expresses the excitement and shyness of first love, while “B.F.” conveys the emptiness and longing after losing someone precious. They contrast like light and dark, beginning and end, but ultimately, they are connected as one memory.
How are Petals of Youth and “Falling” similar and different?
“Falling” was a song where I poured out my deepest emotions without [a] filter. Petals of Youth is more restrained and delicate. Both are sincere, but the emotional direction and delivery are quite different.
What lessons or skills did you take from your time in OUTRO?
Creating music in sync with others was a wonderful experience. Things I couldn't do alone were complemented by others, and our strengths blended into richer music. It also allowed [me to explore] genre diversity. Overall, it was a joyful and valuable experience.
What is the best advice a fellow musician has ever given you?
It's not from one person, but something I've heard multiple times: “Choosing not to do something you can do is completely different from not doing it because you can't.” That line stayed with me. Knowing that difference and being honest with yourself is important.
Do you have a fandom name yet? If not, are there any names you're currently considering?
I don't have an official fandom name yet, but I'm thinking about something warm and meaningful that symbolizes [my] connection with fans. I'd love to choose and announce it together when our relationship grows more naturally.
What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
[In the] short term, I want to hold a solo concert filled with only my own songs. [In the] long term, even if I don't achieve big success, I hope to live a life full of passion for music.
Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?
I want to create songs that stay in someone's heart. If I can bring peace or make someone feel understood, that's enough. I'll keep making sincere music. Thank you!
Learn more about HANZ here!
Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Photos courtesy of HANZ.