Hojean is all about comfort. From his signature hoodies to his soothing indie R&B melodies and groovy beats, the Korean-American singer-songwriter has the power to emulate the warmth, safety, and familiarity of home in whatever he does.
Even as he takes on stages across the world, miles away from his bedroom in his hometown of Georgia where it all started, Hojean wants every show to feel like reuniting and dancing with old friends.
As he embarks on his first-ever Asia tour, Bandwagon caught up with the 'Hold Me' act to talk about hoodies, releasing his first EP, and his musical inspirations.
You’re heading on your first tour around Asia, what are you most looking forward to for the tour?
The food! I'm so excited to try new food, I love eating!
What songs are you most excited to perform for everyone?
'Hold Me' from my EP, SWING.
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You wear a lot of hoodies on stage and even call yourself a ‘hoodie enthusiast’, what makes a good, Hojean-approved hoodie?
Any hoodie is a good Hojean-approved hoodie, as long as it brings you comfort!
Do you have a game plan on how to survive the Asia heat in your hoodies?
Oh, yeah! A lot of deep breaths, hydration, and in the Asian heat, no jacket haha!
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You ended 2022 with the release of your EP, SWING, what are some of the stories that inspired the record?
The stories came from ideas and demos I had in my music vault. The ideas came to life when I came to New York, just seeing the environment is very inspiring!
SWING is your first-ever EP, what was it like finally releasing a record of your own into the world?
Nerve-wracking! It's like hoping your child makes a lot of good friends at school! I'm very happy SWING has been making its way into a lot of people's ears.
What was it like piecing together an EP for the first time?
Such a great experience! Not only was making the EP itself fun but through the process, i met a lot of great producers turned friends!
You started making music in your bedroom in Georgia and now, you’re set to perform in cities on the other side of the world. What has it been like processing your rise in music? Was there a moment where you were like ‘Oh my god, it’s all happening’?
I would say it really started feeling real after my family saw me get noticed by some fans outside of a restaurant. It was a great moment for them to see that I'm really becoming something in the music I dance.
When you first started making music, who were some artists you looked up to? How do you feel they’ve inspired the music you make today?
Frank Ocean, Prince, Elton John, New Edition, Michael Jackson, and a lot of 90s R&B. I can definitely feel their writing, melodies and vocal styles all appearing in my music somehow!
What’s your favourite thing about being an artist?
Seeing the crowd's reaction to my music, live performances, and more!
What’s next for you and your music?
I think we just have to see!
Listen to Hojean's SWING here.
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