Haneri – Milliona

By starrymag | December 9, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would say it’s a mix of pop disco and funk.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I have so many! For MILLIONA (the EP these recent singles are from – Nov 27) Prince was high on the list, along with Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and for all time I’d say Sara Bareilles, John Mayer, Sasha Sloan and so many more but these are names off the top of my head. [smiles]

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Y Didn’t You Say So.”

 

A) The song was really about this pseudo relationship I was in. You know the one: you act like you’re together and do everything that couples do but no one wants to label it. And then when I found out he didn’t, I moved on but then said party got seemingly hurt. And I felt like this wasn’t a standalone situation. I’ve heard plenty of girlfriends who have gone through the same thing, but all it really takes is a conversation and communication so no one gets hurt. So, “Y Didn’t You Say So?”

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) Like I said in the last question, I think this situation happens fairly often. And when I was writing about it, I could tell my two co-writers (who were guys) had heard one of their friends who had gone through a similar situation. It’s a frustrating place to be for sure. So, why not dance about it.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I’m so glad you asked this! There’s actually a lot of subtext to the video. First off, it was filmed in Los Angeles – where I was living from 2016 till April this year – as well as Singapore – where I grew up and just moved back to in April (two places I call home). The scenes that appear inside the TV I call the “mind sequences” and, basically, it’s a visual representation of what goes on in my head, everything is a little over the top, I’m surrounded by lots of color and I speak my mind. The warehouse/powerstation sequence is me in reality. A little more subdued, but still trying to navigate through an empty space while figuring myself and this situation out. A lot of the times I’m dealing with life scenarios in my head so much and overthink a lot of my situations and I thought this was a fun way to depict it.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It’s always different. I used to only write on my guitar, but now I come up with melodies and lyric ideas anywhere and everywhere. I just need to make sure I have my phone and the voice notes app handy to record it down. I don’t need music before I can write lyrics, but sometimes that is the way it works. There’s no set way to start writing. But it always starts with a spark.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I like to make sure I’m always in the room when a song is being worked on by a producer. I feel like it’s my baby and I should understand how it’s being made and I’ve learned a lot from doing that. I’m also sometimes very aware of a sound that I’d rather have or can hear a sweep or type of clap that I envision in the track and it’s always nice to be able to contribute to the songs in that way as well. I’m trying to learn how to get better at production, but for now I’ll leave it mostly to the experts!

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your upcoming album Milliona?

 

A) Self-love, confidence, strength, empowerment, embracing life for the mess that it is and learning how to have fun through it. It’s basically all the lessons I’ve been learning and am learning in my life right now.

 

Q) What songs on the album hold a special place in your heart and why?

 

A) I think all the songs hold a special place in my heart mainly because they were written out of life experiences. My songs are like little invisible tattoos – they mark points in my life that remind me of the hurt and joy I’ve been through. The wonder and adventure, the fear and disgust, in a truly emotional way and they’re my anthem for the season I’m in (and I hope for others, too!) So, yea, I wouldn’t be able to pick one. [laughs]

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from checking out this new album?

 

A) More than anything I hope people have fun with this album, have home discos, first kisses, good times and make memories that will keep these songs bookmarking a time where they find solace and a rhythm through this difficult period. I hope it can speak to anyone who has been too afraid to be sassy about person X who can’t make up their mind about them – you deserve better. And hopefully be a reminder that life can suck but we can celebrate it anyway.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Oh, wow, hands down The Esplanade Outdoor Theatre in Singapore is one of my favorite places to play in the world. Maybe I’m biased, but it’s so beautiful especially to play at sunset. Close second is Rockwood Music Hall in New York and tied with that is The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles. These are all places I’ve called home at one point and stages I only dreamed of playing on. So, whenever I do play them, it’s like a dream come true and, honestly, it’s a magical feeling.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Oh MAN, if it was a girl Sara Bareilles or guy John Mayer.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I actually usually listen to my liked song on Spotify and Apple Music. I have a range of songs from pop to indie to folk to funk.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Because they’re who I’m making music for! I want so much for my music to be part of their life journey and when I get messages from listeners who share with me how my music has touched their lives, giving them encouragement or comfort or strength – that’s really why I do this.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) THANK YOU SO MUCH. Seriously, I wouldn’t be here without you. There are few things that keep me going. It’s really, really hard to be an independent artist but I’m still doing it because you guys are still listening. Love you all so, so, so much.