Singer-songwriter Ha Hyun Sang has embarked on a new musical voyage.
Ha Hyun Sang released his second full-length album New Boat on various music platforms on the 6th, proving a more solidified musical horizon.
New Boat is an album that serves as a milestone for Ha Hyun Sang as he moves beyond familiar routes into a broader musical sea. Ha Hyun Sang directly participated in the production of all nine tracks on the album, further realizing his own musical grammar in a more multifaceted and fresh way.
In particular, the nine tracks included on the album flexibly combine various genres such as rock, gospel and pop balladry based on a band sound, and they are organically connected within an inevitable flow, boasting a high level of completion that has earned strong responses from listeners.
The title track "Odyssey" symbolizes Ha Hyun Sang's identity as he embarks on a new musical journey. It unfolds a bright, refreshing melodic narrative with Ha Hyun Sang's distinctive vocals and bold, three-dimensional sound, delivering a sense of liberation and leading listeners into a new sensory world.
Below is a Q&A with Ha Hyun Sang, who returned with his second full-length album after about three years.
Q. It's been a while since you returned with a full-length album. Please tell us your thoughts on releasing your second full-length album New Boat.
A. I began full-scale work on the second full-length album in October last year, and I really lost track of time while making the album; it feels like I'm only just starting this year. I'm excited to finally be able to show the album I worked hard on to everyone, and at the same time I feel relieved.
Q. You probably always had the idea of a full-length album. Was there a trigger or moment that made you decide, "I should make a second full-length album"?
A. I thought that my mindset while making music has been moving in a better direction year by year. After going through various processes, I felt that now, with my own calibration in place, was the right time to make the second full-length album.
Q. You are using the title New Boat for both the album and the performances. It feels like a title that suits Ha Hyun Sang, who likes the sea. As the word "New" suggests, can this title be seen as representing a new beginning?
A. Yes, that's right. While preparing this album I tried many interesting new approaches. It feels like I finally materialized ideas that were only in my head and showed them.
Q. Last year, while releasing single albums, you used the phrase "a process of adjusting the zero point." Do you feel that direction has become clearer through this album?
A. That's right. I will continue to think about things in the future, but this album is one in which I tried to focus on capturing the current me. This time, the process was enjoyable.
Q. While preparing this album, which song was the easiest to complete and which was the most difficult? How did you feel when you finished all the work on the second full-length album?
A. When I finished the work, I felt a mix of relief and sadness the most. After finishing something I had held onto for more than six months, I felt empty. Among the songs, "+++" was the most difficult, and I don't think there was any song that was easy this time. (laughs)
Q. You once said you felt "a lot of pressure" when your first full-length album was released. Was the second full-length album a little different? Looking back at your first full-length album now, what do you think?
A. Looking back at the first full-length album, I feel I tried very hard to document myself. At the time, because it was my first, I wanted to do better, and that desire created pressure on me. The second album wasn't completely without pressure either, but the joy of working felt much greater than that.
Q. You performed before the album release. The name "Archive Live" feels new; what did you consider when planning it? Were there any differences from past performances?
A. I gave the title because I wanted to present my discography as a single flow. Performing before the music release added a new kind of pressure. I think that made me prepare even harder.
Q. Did you anticipate fans' reactions to hearing new songs for the first time at the Archive Live New Boat?
A. At first, they might find it unfamiliar and may need some time to accept it. On the other hand, they might accept it more quickly than expected. (laughs)
Q. After the release of your second full-length album, is there anything you'd like to hear from fans? What emotions do you hope fans feel through this album?
A. I hope they feel everyday joy and a great sense of liberation. Those feelings seem the most important to me, and I hope they are well conveyed through this album.
Q. You celebrated your eighth debut anniversary in February. You said your childhood dream was to be a film director. If you were to make the past eight years into a movie, could you pick three scenes you would definitely want to include?
A. I would like to include moments of working, performances on stage and my ordinary daily life playing ball. I hope scenes that are true to me are included.
Q. Finally, please say a word to the fans who will willingly board Ha Hyun Sang's New Boat.
A. I'm always grateful and I love you. Follow me closely. (laughs)<
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