Hello and welcome to HallyuTones – always dedicated to the music, production and performance at the heart of K-Pop!
Today, I am pleased to bring you an interview with the wonderful Hanbyeol (Kim Hanbyul/김한별), who has shared with us some of her experiences on survival shows, her song production and composition process, and teased a little about her upcoming EP.
Before we jump into the interview, let’s learn a little bit more about Hanbyeol’s background, experiences as an artist and her previous releases!
Artist Introduction:
Hanbyeol (Kim Hanbyul/김한별) is a singer-songwriter and producer under STAR. She composes and produces her own songs and music videos, as well as high-quality covers of both Korean and English language songs.
Her music career started through survival shows. Firstly, she appeared on the survival show ‘CAP-TEEN’. She was first introduced as a contestant on 21st September, 2020. She did well on the show, performing her original song ‘White Butterfly’ for the first time during the live broadcast. She ultimately finished in second place in the finale of the show.
This performance really showcases the power of her vocals. The lyrics of this song are all about flying towards your dreams and bringing light to others on difficult days.
Following the conclusion of the show, Hanbyeol released her first digital single ‘Spotlight‘ on all music platforms. This song has a retro vibe, carried forward through bouncy synths.
This 80’s style track really showcases Hanbyeol’s vocal range, utilising vocal layering and strong head voice to great effect. The highlight of this release is a beautiful whistle note in the final section which is mesmerising.
Her second digital single was released on 23rd March, 2022. ‘Whispering‘ was accompanied by a black and white music video that really accentuates her soulful vocals.
This is her first fully English release, with lyrics about her voice growing from a whisper to becoming a siren song. In this way her confidence is growing as she questions a past relationship and begins to wake up.
Her third digital single, ‘Double Like‘ is a particular standout. Featuring a self-produced music video, this song was produced, directed, recorded, mixed and mastered by Hanbyeol herself.
This is another fully-English language release, with lyrics focused on a messy break up and moving on from an unhealthy relationship. With powerful vocals performed with passion, this song is a fantastic listen.
Her next release was ‘i don’t like u (anymore)’. Accompanied by another self-produced music video, this song feels raw and filled with emotion. This song focuses on letting go of the pain of a break up. With a dreamy beach music video, this stripped-back style makes for a perfect break up song.
‘Love‘, Hanbyeol’s fifth digital release, is a romantic song about falling in love. Clear R&B and Soul inspirations are on full show here, with a strong percussion line making this one of Hanbyeol’s funkiest releases.
‘Every Time‘ was a special collaboration between Hanbyeol and LA producer Aaron Nervs. This pop genre release features smooth electronic instrumentation and is the perfect song to add to a chilled music playlist.
Hanbyeol had a busy 2024. On 24th January, 2024, she released her next single ‘Sweet Dreamz‘. Leaning into her now established sound, this song is relaxing and refreshing. Hanbyeol’s vocal control is on full display here as she portrays her full range with confidence and style.
Hanbyeol then appeared on her second survival show, ‘Girls on Fire‘. This show was focused around creating a new female vocal group, highlighting top tier vocalists in the Korean entertainment industry.
She performed ‘Lost Child’ by Lena Park, as well as ‘Track 9′ by Lee Sora. She made it to the top 32 contestants in the show.
Her most recent release was her best yet. ‘Wish‘ released on 24 May, 2024 and shows just her far her vocals have developed over the past few years. Fully embracing the R&B and Soul genre, her vocals here echo Mariah Carey. Blending Korean and English seamlessly, this features some of the best vocals I have ever heard from a soloist.
When I first heard Hanbyeol’s songs, I just knew I had to sit down and ask her a few questions about her music. I truly hope that more people can come to appreciate her style and talent and continue to support self-produced artists in the Korean music sphere.
Interview:
Q1. Please introduce yourself and your music!
Hello, my name is Hanbyeol and I am a singer-songwriter!
Q2. You first appeared on the survival shows ‘CAP-TEEN’ and ‘Girls on Fire’. What was that experience like for you and do yoy have a favourite memory from these shows?’
I think I gained a lot of fear and coping skills about revealing myself to the public because it was a survival program. Since I had no stage experience before, I think it was helpful to experience various stages through auditions.
Q3. Your voice is very powerful and soulful, have you had any classical vocal training?
No, I have never had any proper vocal training.
Q4. Who are your musical inspirations and why?
Mariah Carey is my inspiration! I fell in love with her first album when my father played it for me in middle school, and that’s when I decided to start music, and I think she was my starting point.
Q5. As a singer-songwriter and producer, what is your song writing and composing process like?
I think it’s always difficult to make a song. Every time I make a song, I feel like I’m climbing a big mountain. It’s hard when I’m making it, but when I finish it, I feel proud and think, “I did it again!”.
Q6. Your most recent release was ‘Wish’, can you tell us more about this song?
This song is about the emotions I felt when I failed an audition for ‘Girls on Fire’. It’s about how seriously I think about my dream and what kind of mindset I had when I started making music!
Q7. What does music mean to you?
I think making music is a love-hate relationship. Sometimes it’s so hard that I don’t even want to look at it again. However, the next day, I see myself doing music again as if nothing happened!
Q8. You have a new album coming soon, can you tease any of the new songs or styles for this new release?
This time, it’s music that has roots in my childhood. It’s the music I listened to when I was young! I think it contains my essence. I hope you feel, “Ah, this is what Hanbyeol really wanted”. I think you can imagine the style.
Q9. What are your goals as an artist?
I always remind myself to be happy and healthy while making music. After all, I make must to be happy, right? I think the public will feel the same way if I am happy.
Q10. Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?
I always try to put my heart into my music. Please always watch over me and look forward to my songs. Thank you and I love you <3.
Thank you again to Hanbyeol for taking the time to answer our questions – we are very excited to listen to your new releases! Much like her name suggests, Hanbyeol is a star that I know will continue to shine brightly for a long time.
Do you have an artist that you’d love to learn more about? Do you have any new releases that you’d love us to review? Let us know in the comments!
Links for Hanbyeol’s socials are below, please follow her and show her some support:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialhanbyeol?si=K7tliW7cXhH1TzDh
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1l3P5IKfwJVK0yKwZoEPs4
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hanbyeol/1597385913
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im.ur.starrr/
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