Hans, the Korean-Kiwi artist from the small town of Kerikeri, has been on a unique musical journey since he first started creating music at the age of 14. Growing up in New Zealand, he found early inspiration in the rise of Mac Miller and the underground music scene of the 2010s. Hans was drawn to the icons of 90s hip-hop, like Tupac and Biggie, but as he moved to Auckland at 15, his musical taste broadened. Immersed in the UK’s alternative and indie scenes, artists like King Krule became influences that would shape the sound he now crafts.
At first, Hans kept his music close to himself, quietly releasing tracks on SoundCloud. Everything shifted in 2017 when he released his debut EP, gaining local attention. That success led to a pivotal collaboration with Clairo on “Froyo,” which marked a turning point in his career. As Clairo’s fame rose, so did Hans’s, allowing him to step into bigger opportunities, including opening for Billie Eilish on tour. Despite these high-profile milestones, Hans remains grounded in the connections he builds through his music. For him, it’s not just about recognition but about the community that grows around his work.
Hans is an artist who thrives on collaboration, often working with friends and family, both in music and in his videos. His close-knit relationships and collaborative spirit define much of his work. When COVID-19 brought challenges, he embraced them, using the time to experiment with slower, more mellow tracks that added a new layer to his evolving sound. Post-pandemic, Hans has continued to explore new horizons, collaborating with acts like Easy Life and PH1, and diving into the Korean indie music scene. His music is a reflection of his personal growth, blending hip-hop, indie, and alternative elements into something uniquely his own.
Hans’s latest single, “Wedding,” featuring the Korean producer and singer Sumin, is a reflection of this phase of his life. Released on September 10, the song is inspired by a friend’s wedding, but it isn’t about the event itself. For Hans, the wedding was more about the way it brought his group of friends back together after a period of separation. The after-party became a way to make up for lost time. As more of his friends begin to marry and move into different life stages, Hans felt a need to capture this transitory moment within their group. His priorities often feel out of sync with those around him, and the track is a reflection of that—an acknowledgment of change, yet a celebration of the bond that remains despite shifting circumstances.
“Wedding” is a song that encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of watching life move forward, even as friendships stay intact. Hans’s ability to translate these personal experiences into music is what continues to resonate with his audience. As he prepares for future projects, including a special vinyl release of “Froyo” to mark its 7-year anniversary and a new collaborative album, Hans remains committed to pushing the boundaries of his sound while staying true to his roots.
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