Heize, the South Korean singer-songwriter, paints love with the poignant imagery of falling leaves. In her latest album, ‘Fallin’, she weaves a narrative of memories fading like autumn foliage, each one a fragment of the past that gently erodes away. ‘This song is about those memories that we believe will stay forever but eventually drift away and disappear,’ Heize shares, her voice soft and contemplative. ‘It’s a natural part of life and helps us grow.’ This ninth mini-album marks Heize’s return to the K-Pop scene under P Nation. She’s a familiar name in South Korea, having collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, from BTS’s Suga and (G)I-DLE’s Minnie to R&B and hip-hop artists like Jay Park, Colde, and Dean. She’s also lent her voice to numerous K-drama OSTs, including those for ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’ (also known as ‘Goblin’) and the recent ‘Queen of Tears’. Throughout her decade-long career, Heize has consistently showcased her versatility, seamlessly transitioning between genres, from the soulful punch of ‘Star’ to the sultry R&B groove of ‘And July’ and the heartfelt ballad ‘Fallin’. Heize has always carved her own path, composing and writing music that resonates with listeners worldwide. With each album, she brings a fresh perspective and a heartfelt message. For ‘Fallin’, she sat down with Vogue Singapore to discuss the album’s core theme, her sources of inspiration, and her approach to OSTs.
A Journey Through Memory and Growth
Vogue Singapore:
Congratulations on the upcoming release of your ninth mini-album, ‘Fallin’. How are you feeling about it?
Heize:
I’m incredibly grateful that people can finally hear it. When I’m preparing for an album, I’m usually spending all my time in the studio, so it’s rewarding to finally share it with the world. It’s especially meaningful to release it during this season because it aligns perfectly with the message I want to convey.
Vogue Singapore:
‘Fallin’ is your title track. What made you choose this song and what message does it carry?
Heize:
I wanted a title track that would resonate with everyone and feel universally appealing. ‘Fallin’ is about those memories we think will last forever, but slowly fade away. It’s a natural part of life and helps us move forward.
Vogue Singapore:
The album includes six other songs. Is there a particular track that holds special significance for you?
Heize:
All the songs explore the theme of longing, similar to the title track. My personal favorite is ‘Behind the Heart’. It’s about the contrast between outward appearances and inner struggles. Everyone seems to be living their best lives, but there’s always something hidden beneath the surface. I wanted to convey that no one is alone, that we’re all going through similar experiences.
Vogue Singapore:
Was there a reason behind the specific order of the songs in the album?
Heize:
I wanted the listening experience to flow naturally from one track to the next. While the album shares a common theme, I wanted to introduce some twists in the melodies, creating a seamless progression.
Vogue Singapore:
Your music always conveys such depth of emotion. What inspires your songwriting?
Heize:
I draw inspiration from many sources, like movies or conversations. But ever since I started writing my own songs, I’ve been writing about my daily feelings and experiences in my diary. My lyrics come from these personal notes, which have become like extended diary entries.
Vogue Singapore:
When you’re in the studio recording, do you focus on a specific vocal style, or do you go with your instincts?
Heize:
When writing a song, I usually have a particular emotion in mind. But in the studio, I go back and forth between emotion and pronunciation. If I had to choose, I prioritize emotion because it best conveys my message.
Vogue Singapore:
You’re known for your beautiful OSTs, like ‘Hold Me Back’ from ‘Queen of Tears’. Do you approach OSTs differently from your own songs?
Heize:
The process is entirely different. OSTs need to blend seamlessly with the scene and moment on screen. My voice needs to enhance the characters and mood. Whenever possible, I try to understand the drama’s synopsis and immerse myself in its mood. For ‘Queen of Tears’, I discussed the characters’ past, the scenes the song would appear in, and its initial introduction with the director. I watched the scenes carefully to understand what was happening in the drama.
Vogue Singapore:
You’ve collaborated with numerous artists. Is there one that stands out as particularly memorable?
Heize:
Every collaboration has been meaningful, but my collaboration with Dean was particularly impactful. I learned a lot from him. You often think a song is perfect before recording, but working with him taught me that small adjustments in the studio can transform it into something extraordinary.
Vogue Singapore:
What message would you like to convey to your fans?
Heize:
I’m eternally grateful to all the fans who have listened to my music over the past 10 years. You’ve allowed me to create different moments and explore various musical styles. With this new album, I hope to touch everyone’s hearts, just as I always have. I truly hope to meet all my fans in Singapore soon.
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