Today we’d like to introduce you to HEESU.
Hi HEESU, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi! Thank you so much for having me. I’m an independent artist, songwriter, and producer originally from Korea currently based in NYC. My music is heavily influenced by electronic, house, and alternative R&B. I fuse many genres but I’d best describe my style as electro-pop/house with traditional Korean sounds and instrumentation.
I’ve always enjoyed performing. I started at a very young age, traveling around the world as a traditional Korean dancer. As a kid, I would sing along with the radio or TV and I was never shy about putting on a tiny concert for my family. Growing up in Seoul, Korea, Noraebang (karaoke) is a huge part of Korean culture. “norae” – means song, “bang” means room, and it translates to “song/singing room”. I remember I would go to Noraebang after school almost every day with my friends. I had so much fun singing and completely lost track of time. It was my playground where I spent most of my time.
When I was a teenager, I wanted to leave Korea and explore what was out there. I chose to leave my home country to pursue my studies in the U.S.. I remember when I first started school in the U.S., I could barely speak English but my extroverted personality helped me get by.
My parents wanted me to pursue a non-musical career, but music has always been my passion. In middle and high school, I was a part of the school choir, jazz ensemble, and I also did musical theater. Performing on stage was everything to me. I will never forget when I signed up for the talent show and sang “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys. The whole school turned on their phone flashlights and waved them in the crowd. It was a magical feeling – I felt like I was already living my dream. I could not get over the feeling I had on the stage and decided to pursue music as a career.
I found Berklee College of Music through my musical mentors and decided to apply. Berklee was the place that shaped me into the artist I am today. I was exposed to all different types of music and introduced to many new artists and genres by my peers and professors. I met and collaborated with many people during the 4 years I was in college. I still work with many of them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an independent artist is exciting but definitely not easy. Most of the time you have to juggle many different tasks on your own. You are your own boss and producer trying to create something new and challenging yourself every day. I am fortunate to have my best friend/manager by my side helping me on a daily basis and I’m so grateful for her. I believe the beauty of being an independent artist is that you have control over every part of your work. At the moments I’m most exhausted, I’m grateful for the creative freedom I have. At the end of the day, it is so satisfying to watch my progress each day, each month, and every year. Looking back on my growth and accomplishments gives me so much joy and is a great reminder of why I am an artist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Korean artist living and working in America it’s important to me that I incorporate my traditions into my music. As a performer, I want to share good energy with my audience and create shows that are an unforgettable experience both musically and visually.
I’m currently working on a music video and project which will be released this coming fall. “Cheong San” is a song, live and 3D animation music video, and visual project. The song is a collaboration with producer Averzi, who I met when I went home to Seoul over the pandemic. The song takes words from a traditional Korean 13th-century poem which I arranged into a song. I am working with an incredible team of creatives to make the music video as cinematic and beautiful as possible.
After seeing so much hate and violence targeting Asians in the U.S. and in my community, I wanted to create something that proudly shares my traditions and my culture and uplifts my community. My hope is to radiate positive energy through this project.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The pandemic was an opportunity to spend more time with me. I had more downtime to learn more about myself as an artist and as a person. I’m the type of person who gains energy from people so, not seeing my family and friends was the most challenging for me. I’ve learned the importance of prioritizing self-care and taking care of my mental health. When you are not doing well mentally, you are not motivated to do anything. This can create negative energy.
Things as simple as having a picnic in the garden… tiny things… became special. I was reminded to appreciate the things I did daily pre-Covid that I wasn’t able to do… and cherish the small moments I was able to have with friends outside later in the pandemic.
We all saw and experienced a lot of hate and violence directed at POC which sparked social movements and organized protests for Black and Asian lives in response to the loss the communities experienced. I had many deep conversations with friends and family as a way to process and reflect.
I was on Zoom and Facetime a lot, like everyone else. I had long conversations with friends about social justice, global warming, and even just sharing recipes…anything and everything! These moments helped me move through the toughest period of the pandemic.
Contact Info:
- Email: heesuyu.music@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.heesu.biz/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heesu_yu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HEESU.music/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi8otUbV8umnvWhkVwK-1gg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/heesuyu
Image Credits
Miche
No Moon Soo
