Singer-songwriter Hanbyeol ended 2023 with her most recent release titled “Every Time.” As she closed out her year as an independent artist, we were able to discuss her journey throughout her time on survival shows, her first release, and where she is now.
“Every Time” is a modern pop song that is sung and written entirely in English. Throughout the track, Hanbyeol highlights all of the complicated dynamics that occur in a romantic relationship. This includes lies, deception, and all the trivial moments that a couple may face. Additionally, the track also focuses on the desire for one another even with the presence of complications.
POP TOKKI: “In ‘Every Time,’ a line says, “Baby communicate and can we at least try.” The line appears to be a rejection from a partner. How do you handle rejections from a loved one?”
Hanbyeol: “When my lover rejects me, I tend to just accept it, but I am different from the main character in the lyrics of ‘Every Time’. I tend to give up after accepting that that person’s feelings have left me.”
POP TOKKI: “How do you balance drawing inspiration from various genres while maintaining your artistic identity?”
Hanbyeol: “Hmm…I guess I’m still thinking about it. In fact, I think of my artistic identity as my original intention. So I’m trying to embrace new things without losing my original passion for music!”
POP TOKKI: “As an independent singer-songwriter, what advantages and challenges have you encountered in the music industry, and how do you navigate them?”
Hanbyeol: “I think the advantage of making music alone is that I can try every genre I can. I love being able to make music freely! However, there are times when it feels burdensome to have to do everything on my own, from music activities to album jacket production and music video production.”
POP TOKKI: “Can you elaborate on the themes and emotions you aim to convey through your music, and how personal experiences influence your songwriting?”
Hanbyeol: “What I want to convey through music is positive energy and truth. When I first started playing music, my father always taught me how to make music and sing from my heart. My father was my music teacher. That’s why I don’t forget that feeling and I think I continue to make music with the hope that my sincerity will reach people!”
POP TOKKI: “With your music being available worldwide, how do you hope to connect with a diverse audience, and what do you believe is the universal appeal of your music?”
Hanbyeol: “If my music captures the hearts of the public, I think they will become fans! More than anything, I want to communicate with you through my music, so I will continue to make more of my music and post it on social media regularly to let people know about my music and me!”
POP TOKKI: “What are your goals and aspirations as an artist, and are there specific projects or collaborations you have in mind for the future?”
Hanbyeol: “My goal as an artist is to improve the quality of my music even higher than it is now. So, I want to release a full-length album that perfectly expresses the music I want to make and the music that expresses me, and I plan to appear on various broadcasts and places where I can promote myself!”
POP TOKKI: “How do you see your music evolving in the coming years, and are there any new elements or genres you are eager to explore?”
Hanbyeol: “It’s been about two years since I started composing and releasing albums. Those of you who have listened to the music I have released so far will know! As I studied composition, the quality of music improved a lot, and I think a lot of the stereotypes I had were resolved. A new genre I want to explore these days is drum & bass! It seems to continue to spark interest.”
POP TOKKI: “How would you like to be perceived as an artist?”
Hanbyeol: “I want to become a singer who makes people say, ‘Ah, this is Hanbyeol.’ I want to be the only singer who can’t be replaced!”
POP TOKKI: “During the songwriting process, is it easy for you to express your emotions or do you have to dig deep into your feelings?”
Hanbyeol: “Actually, I tend to write lyrics about difficult things, happy things, and trivial things. The same goes for composing music. If a melody suddenly comes to me while I‘m walking down the street, exercising, or doing laundry, I record it with my phone. And while recording the melody, I write down the story I imagined on a notepad. I think it’s natural to express emotions through composition.”
POP TOKKI: “Would you consider highlighting the good and bad stages of love in a bigger project? Album?”
Hanbyeol: “Yes! I think it‘s good that anyone can relate to stories about love.”
Want to learn more about love, music, and Hanbyeol? Make sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter! Let us know which song of hers is your favorite on our Instagram and Twitter!
