Heize brings autumn breeze to Korean music chart
Official photo for Heize's fifth mini album “Late Autumn”/ Courtesy of Studio Blu
By Jung Hae-myoung
Singer-songwriter and rapper Jang Da-hye, who performs under stage name Heize, released her fifth mini-album, “Late Autumn,” Sunday. Her three songs have dominated local music charts since.
During a news conference on Friday at a small flower cafe in Seoul, she spoke about her new album.
Making herself known to the public through “Unpretty Rapstar,” a competition TV show featuring female rappers, Heize continuously released several popular albums. She appealed to her fans with her iconic vocals and songwriting. Mentioning she likes both rapping and singing, Heize said she doesn't want to be identified entirely with either.
It was no surprise when Heize conquered music charts once again with her relatable retro and city pop music.
Heize said all of her songs are based on her own personal experiences. She said she found herself unconsciously referring to herself when explaining the tracks of the album.
“It is from my own experience. I usually write about my story unless it is for a soundtrack or requested from others,” Heize said.
She said she takes notes of her feelings, writing in a journal at the end of the day.
For the song “Falling Leaves,” she tried to deliver the message that belief could lead to something new.
“One day, I saw the leaves falling and felt it was similar to the steps we take in life. Falling in love and breaking up are necessary for us to prepare for a new relationship. Any adversity or sadness could turn out to be an opportunity for us to have a new life,” she said. She said she made the song as if it was the last day of her life.
For the main track, “Late Autumn,” she wanted to talk about the moment when the weather made her feel relieved after a breakup.
“There was a time when someone that I was seeing was trying to break up with me but didn't say that because he wanted me to say goodbye. I knew he had a good heart, and I intentionally had to leave him cold-heartedly,” she said. “Although sad, I felt so relieved at that moment because it was the beginning of October and not in the middle of winter. It would have been hard for me if it was too cold.”
She said she became emotional when she made her new album. As she puts all of her feelings and experience into the album, she said she has cried a lot since then.
Although it may be a risky choice to share her experiences to the public, she said she still makes music based on her private struggles. She said the most private experiences are the most general and universal.
“I think people all go through the same things. There may be some differences but not too much once they get to know each other. So I believe that listeners will be able to empathize with my story and I am also speaking for them, so I try not to exaggerate in lyrics,” she said.
Although she managed to sweep the Korean music charts after the release, she humbly said during the interview she has no expectations. She only feels pressure when she tops the chart. Yet she emphasized that she has huge affection for her new mini-album.