Hat:Q&A
Meet Hat:q, a new R&B-inspired vocal trio!
Please introduce yourselves and share what special traits and skills each member contributes to the group!
Hello! We are the R&B vocal group Hat:q!
Our leader, Chaey, has a beautifully soft and sweet voice, which is her biggest strength. The final line in our [debut] track is a key highlight that perfectly showcases her vocal charm.
Kisa brings a unique, laid-back style and a distinct, soulful, gender-neutral, irreplaceable vocal tone.
Lastly, our youngest member, Gayeon, completely subverts expectations. Despite her cute appearance, she is a powerful vocalist with an incredible, refreshing belt. While she handles the soaring high notes in [our debut] song, her delicate and deep delivery during the verses is equally captivating!
Please describe the meaning behind your group name!
“Hat:q” is a combination of the words “Heart” and “Unique.” It captures our ultimate goal and determination to captivate the public’s hearts with our own unique color and musical identity.
What three words or phrases best describe Hat:q?
“Harmonious,” “Heart-stealers,” and “Genre-fluid R&B.” We blend three distinct vocal colors into one perfect harmony, we are always ready to capture the audience’s hearts, and we love redefining R&B with our own unique style!
What makes Hat:q stand apart from other girl groups?
While many girl groups today focus heavily on high-energy choreography and performances, we stand out as a vocal-driven R&B group. What truly sets us apart is the distinct and unexpected contrasts in our vocal tones. We have Kisa’s unique, gender-neutral layout, Gayeon’s explosive power vocal, and Chaey’s beautifully soft, sweet tone. When these three completely different colors blend into one harmony, it creates a deeply soulful sound that is hard to find anywhere else.
Who or what first inspired each of you to pursue a music career?
Chaey: I naturally grew up surrounded by music. My mother always sang lullabies to me, and feeling so comforted and happy each time made me realize that singing is a powerful way to share emotions. Also, my father is a musician, so from a very young age, I watched him play the guitar and sang along with him. Music simply became a part of my life, and dreaming of becoming a singer was just a natural progression.
Gayeon: I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I participated in children’s song competitions, youth choirs, and children’s musicals, and there was never a single moment when music wasn’t pure joy for me. It made me realize, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do,” which drove me to push forward and endlessly pursue my dream.
Kisa: When I was young, my father suggested I try taking lessons at a local vocal academy, and that’s when I completely fell in love with singing. It naturally became my favorite hobby, and my desire to improve kept growing. That passion eventually led me to major in Applied Music in college, which brings me to where I am today.
Please describe your debut song, “Life Goes On”!
This song began on one of those days when the boundary between the start and end of the day felt blurred. It stemmed from that relatable contradiction we all face: wanting to live a busy, productive life, while simultaneously craving comfort and peace. We wanted to capture the fleeting emotions of ordinary daily life, much like the warmth of the bright sun or a slowly-setting sunset. Ultimately, “Life Goes On” is a song about finding a brief moment of respite in the middle of a hectic day, looking out at the sunset, and quietly reflecting: “Another day goes by, just like this.”
Can you share a fun fact or behind-the-scenes story from making the “Life goes on” music video?
It was incredibly hot during our shoot, so our camera director and manager bought some coffee from a convenience store. But as luck would have it, our very next location was a cafe! They had to quickly chug their coffees in one go so they could order and drink new cafe drinks for the shoot. The funniest part is [that] the location right after that was another unmanned cafe! By that point, they just hid their drinks outside before going in. The look of pure bewilderment on their faces was just so hilarious that it remains one of [our] favorite behind-the-scenes memories!
Have you already considered any fandom name ideas?
We actually have a few ideas floating around! First is “HUG.” Just like the moment when hearts are the closest during an embrace, it represents Hat:q and our fans sharing our true, heartfelt feelings. Second is “BEATY,” which is inspired by the word “heartbeat.” And third is “PULSE,” meaning that we and our fans share the exact same heartbeat. We have these candidates right now, but honestly, we are still debating. We actually want you guys to decide for us!
What can you share about what music you’ll release next?
Following our promotions for [“Life Goes On”], we are preparing a special collaboration dedicated to our U.S. fans. We will be working with Luney Tunez, a Grammy Award-winning, top-class producer known for his work with Rihanna. Please look forward to it!
What are your short-term and long-term goals for the group?
Our short-term goal is to successfully showcase our unique vocal color to global listeners through our debut song, “Life Goes On,” and our upcoming collaboration with producer Luney Tunez. We want to establish ourselves as a group that people trust and look forward to listening to. In the long term, we aim to transcend boundaries and expand into a comprehensive entertainment brand. Beyond being a vocal group, our dream is to deeply connect with audiences worldwide through original content and music, becoming a distinctive icon that represents the next generation of global R&B.
Where can people follow you on social media to stay updated about your new music?
You can catch all our latest updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and new music teasers on our official social media channels! We are very active on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Come say hi and follow us!
Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourselves or your music?
All three of us have completely different vocal tones, but we believe we shine the brightest when we come together! We always strive to capture that beautiful harmony and pure sincerity in our music. We promise to stay by your side for a long time with great songs that showcase our unique color, so please continue to support us. We still have so much more to show you, so please stay tuned and watch us grow. Thank you!
Check out Hat:q’s debut single here!
Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Photos courtesy of Layback Corp.