He_eul’s Motivation and Manifestations
The artist shares wise words about how to think about dreams and how his own have made his future bright!
For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “He_eul is ___” or “He_eul’s music is ___”?
I would say, “He_eul’s music is the thoughts that come before sleep.” You know how right before we fall asleep, the day we just lived feels sentimental, the next day [seems] hope[ful], and the present feels disappointing? They’re unpredictable emotions, but they rise naturally, and I try to express those fleeting feelings through a variety of genres and stories in my music.
Please talk about your newest single, “It Will Happen”!
“It Will Happen” is meant to encourage those who hesitate to chase their dreams. To be a bit more specific, I wanted to say, “Don’t be intimidated by how big or vague your dream feels. Let’s give it a try, together.” Dreams are precious because we truly want to achieve them, right?
What are some things people would be surprised to learn about making “It Will Happen”?
I was in a band called Nerd on Skate for a year, and after disbanding, I was really unsure about what to do with “It Will Happen.” I wrote the song and was really attached to it. On a whim, I decided, “Let’s just do it!” I quickly got everything ready and released it as a solo track.
Five days before the [music video] submission deadline, I randomly messaged a director and said, “Can we shoot a music video where I just hang out in places I love? No script, no plan, just real fun.” That’s how the [video] came to be.
How did your music career get started?
This might sound funny or cliché, but I started music to impress my first love. She once said, “Guys who play guitar are cool,” so I asked my dad, “Can you buy me a guitar?,” and that’s how it began. My very first self-written song was about her. No one’s ever heard it and probably never will! I won’t say how things turned out between us, but I think there’s something romantic about starting music because of love.
What are the best and worst parts of pursuing a music career?
The best part is that no matter how many hours I spend writing my own music or producing for others, I’m happy. Even when I’m tired or burned out, music always brings me back to joy. The hardest part? I love music too much, to the point where I forget to sleep. I really need to take better care of my health, so now I do weight training and run regularly. Sleep is important, everyone!
What career would you be pursuing today if it could not be music-related?
If we’re excluding all forms of art, then I think I would choose something involving math or science. I love numbers. Whenever I feel anxious, understanding the reason behind a situation helps me calm down. For example, I once heard that when time feels like it’s flying by too fast, it helps to experience new things often, because when the brain processes familiar experiences, it speeds through them. So I try to slow time down by walking new streets regularly!
What are the biggest similarities and differences between your past mini-albums and your first full album?
I think I’m a “growth-type” character. I never aim for perfection, but I always aim to face the day head-on. Both [A beneficial mind ; Love and Hate and Happy, fury, love, enjoy] reflect my clumsy, sensitive self struggling through difficult emotions. Looking back, I actually feel a little tender towards my past self.
With Happy, fury, love, enjoy, I started experimenting with more diverse genres beyond band music. So even though I returned to band-style rock with “It Will Happen,” I’m planning to explore multiple genres again in my upcoming full-length album. Please look forward to it!
How did the process of making a full album compare to making EPs or singles?
A full-length album involves way more songs, and the pressure is much heavier. So naturally, the preparation period [is] longer [and] can get pretty lonely, actually. To me, making music means digging deep into your past experiences and emotions, almost like an excavation that takes years. [My latest] album has been in the works for nearly [three] years now, so I’m looking forward to what 2026 will bring. I’ve been working harder to live with a healthy mind, and I think I’ve grown more resilient along the way.
What else can you share about your upcoming projects?
The full album [that is] coming in 2026 [is] filled with collaborations with a wide range of artists. A lot of people will be featured or involved. Also, I’m filming a behind-the-scenes documentary by myself, so I think it’ll lead to more fun and engaging content than ever before!
What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
Short-term: Release my full album in 2026 successfully, with songs that people truly love; drop a single in December; keep posting consistently on YouTube - which is surprisingly hard!
Long-term: I want my songs to be played on the street; I want the people around me to feel proud of me; I want to fill up every venue I perform in.
I tried to answer the [question about] short-term goals more logically, but honestly, I believe that every time you say your dream out loud, it becomes more likely to come true. So to anyone reading this: don’t doubt your dreams. Speak them and make them real.
Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?
There’s something I always carry in my heart. A dream isn’t just about becoming a police officer, lawyer, or doctor. It’s about what you do with that role - catching the bad guys, helping the wronged, healing the sick. So my dream is this: to make music that helps the people who listen to it feel a little bit happier, even just for one more day. I genuinely support everyone’s dreams, because dreams are precious.
Check out He_eul’s latest single, “It Will Happen,” here!
Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Photo courtesy of He_eul.