[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] HEYA’s Creative Sanctuary: Unveiling the Magic Behind Her Music and the Dreams that Fuel It

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Get to know the woman behind the music as HEYA opens up about her musical journey in this exclusive interview.

HEYA, an indie singer-songwriter with an ethereal voice that will captivate your soul, is fearlessly chasing her dream as a solo artist. Her music, a delightful blend of upbeat melodies and relatable lyrics, is the perfect antidote to a gloomy day. After mesmerizing audiences on the survival show ‘MIXNINE’ and shining as a member of the girl group ARIAZ, HEYA embarked on her solo journey in 2022 with the enchanting ‘Looking At Love.’ A natural-born musician, HEYA effortlessly weaves her talent on both the piano and guitar into her songwriting, creating an authentic and captivating sound.

HEYA’s music is a testament to her resilience and dedication, a journey beautifully documented in her pre-debut releases. Her ability to connect with fans across the globe is undeniable, transcending language barriers with heartfelt lyrics sung in fluent English. With each new song, HEYA fearlessly explores diverse genres and sounds, showcasing her artistic versatility and growth. Her upcoming album is poised to be a defining moment in her career, a vibrant tapestry woven from her experiences and dreams.

In an exclusive interview with Hellokpop, HEYA joins us for a candid chat. She shares the inspiration behind her new album and offers insights into her creative process. Get to know the artist behind the music and discover the dreams and aspirations that drive her forward.

Hellokpop: Welcome, HEYA! Thank you for speaking to Hellokpop. For those who might be new to your music, could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your musical journey?

HEYA: Hello, this is HEYA. I’m glad to have this interview with Hellokpop! I was a member of the girl group ARIAZ as Hyogyeong, and now I’m a singer-songwriter who makes solo music as HEYA.

HKP: Congratulations on your new single, ‘GUN SHOT’ released on August 26th! How does it feel to be releasing new music?

HEYA: It’s my second single after “Looking at Love,” and it’s my first hip-hop genre, so I’m looking forward to it. I hope my fans like it!

HKP: Can you describe the overall concept or theme of the song “GUN SHOT”?

HEYA: “GUN SHOT” is a pop rap with a trap sound that matches the main Latin rhythm, and my unique rap voice stands out. The lyrics are about moving toward your goal without thinking about anything else. I used the word “gunshot” to express the topic strongly.

HKP: Did you face any unexpected challenges or surprises during the creation process?

HEYA: Yes, I re-recorded it several times. Now that I’m producing it, I’m checking my voice in a trickier way. However, the process of filming the video and working on the melody was as fun as ever.

HKP: You recently released the song “Chameleon,” which was recorded when you were eighteen. What made you decide to release it now, and how do you feel it represents you as an artist?

HEYA: When I made the song and video for “Chameleon,” I kept it to myself because I was about to debut as a girl group under Star Empire Entertainment. I wanted to share it with my fans because It’s a waste to listen to this alone. I’m glad “Chameleon” is out in the world now.

HKP: You’ve been releasing digital singles under different names since 2014. Can you tell us about your journey from Meogayeong to Jang HyoGyeong and now to HEYA?

HEYA: Meogayeong is a stage name that I have used since I was 14 years old when I released my own songs (“Power,” “White Butterfly,” “The Tree Is There, “만약,” and “순수”). I did group activities as Jang Hyogyeong while in ARIAZ, but now I’m finally doing my solo activities as HEYA! I am happy and grateful to have people who support me and listen to me. HEYA will continue to make and sing music that brings joy to people.

HKP: What inspired the change to your current stage name, HEYA?

HEYA: I wanted to make it easy for international fans to call me. ‘해야(HEYA)’ means sun in Korean, and I love the color yellow! HEYA is meant to be like a bright sunshine to the world.

HKP: As someone who plays both piano and guitar, how do these instruments influence your creative process or artistry?

HEYA: When I write songs on the piano, ballads, and pop come out often, and guitar makes me write more rhythmic songs.

HKP: Looking back at your earlier works, such as “White Butterfly” and “The Tree Is There,” how do you feel your artistry has grown or changed?

HEYA: When I started music, I majored in classical vocal music, so my voice differed from today’s. I went into idol entertainment and trained hard to change my voice, but I can still sing classical vocal music. It’s great because I can do both!

HKP: What song has played the most on your personal playlist right now?

HEYA: I want to say it’s a song from HEYA. (laughs) I’ve been listening to “Andy Grammer – These Tears” a lot lately.

HKP: Do you have any personal goals you’re working towards, either in your career or personal life?

HEYA: I can’t wait to have a fan meeting and a mini concert with fans all over the world!

HKP: What’s your idea of a perfect day off when you’re not working on music?

HEYA: I play badminton and drink coffee, but my perfect rest is also in music, as I teach music to children.

HKP: How do you stay inspired and motivated to create new music?

HEYA: I try to write songs while listening to the sounds of nature, such as wind and waves, including animals.

HKP: Lastly, what message would you like to share with your fans, who have supported you throughout your musical journey?

HEYA: Thank you for supporting me! I’ll always be by your side with good music. Stay tuned!