HANBEE’S ENDLESS SUMMER
NZ-Korean indie-pop artist hanbee is entering a new season with ‘always summer’ / ‘koi’, a double single that feels both nostalgic and quietly transformative. Where her earlier work leaned into breezy lo-fi pop, these tracks arrive with a live-band warmth — gliding guitar lines, analogue textures, and vocals that move like memory itself. “Summer is here to make you stay,” she sings, in lyrics as soft as they are enduring, set against melodies that trace the contours of past loves and solitary afternoons. Both songs linger like fragments of a recurring dream, cinematic and delicate in equal measure.
Following the success of her debut album small love — hanbee continues to expand her sound with an intimacy that feels universal. From festival stages at Laneway and SXSW Australia to opening for Men I Trust and Fazerdaze, she’s steadily carving her own path, crafting music that’s as much about atmosphere as emotion. We caught up with hanbee to talk about inspiration, small joys, and the quiet rituals that shape her world.
Outside of your art form, where do you draw inspiration from?
I like to draw inspiration from nature. Feeling the wind blowing in my face, watching the waves crash again and again, sunlight peeping through the leaves… There are so many interesting scenes in nature, and it naturally makes me want to write, sing, and create. I also love to draw inspiration from the people around me - everyone leads such different lives, bringing me stories unique to their own world.
Where do you think your personal power comes from?
I think that my power comes from endless curiosity. I have a lot of diverse interests that keep me wanting to know more, try more, and learn more. Knowing who I am as a person also keeps me steady, as well as the people around me who love me for who I am.
What’s your favourite “third space”?
My favourite third space is probably the library. I love everything about it, from the smell of old books to the excitement I feel when I stumble upon a new book.
What’s something you return to again and again — a book, a place, a habit, a memory?
The beach. Growing up in New Zealand, I was lucky to be close to the beach all the time; all sorts of memories seem to wash up when I’m at the beach. I love to sit and watch the waves crash while zoning out, wrapped inside different memories.
When do you feel most yourself?
I feel most myself being in my room, surrounded by the things I love, free to do whatever I like!
What’s the best advice you’ve ignored?
Probably when someone told me to be someone else that wasn’t myself to succeed in the music industry. I have always believed people are their best when they are themselves, and still think that everyone is amazing the very way they are.
How has your understanding of success changed over time?
To be honest, I think my understanding of success hasn’t changed much - I always think that the small things matter most. I feel like success really depends on how you feel - if you’re happy and proud of something, that counts as success!
What’s a recent moment that surprised you?
My very first CD was displayed at Tower Records in Japan. I had always visited Tower Records from years ago, and daydreamed about my own music being there too. When I received the news, I was genuinely surprised and happy!
How much of a role do other artists play in inspiring your work ? (& who are they / how ?)
Discovering new artists always inspires me - I love listening to different genres of music because it always reminds me how different everyone is. While adding new songs to my playlists, I get inspired to keep creating what I love.
Is there a specific vibe, genre or instrument that moves you ?
Growing up, I used to play the violin, so I always love hearing a string section no matter what genre it may be. Listening to strings always makes me feel nostalgic - I still find the sound so beautiful.
What is the one thing you hope people take away from your music ?
I hope my music can make them feel a certain way, and be relatable - whether it be happiness, sadness, or even emptiness. Whatever emotion it may be, I’m happy if my music can help them feel understood in some way.
What is your most prized possession ?
My most prized possession is probably my diaries - I keep a yearly diary and although they’ve accumulated in numbers over the years, they’ve become so dear to me.
HEAVENLY 7
What are 7 things you find heavenly
1. Summer rain
2. The smell of morning coffee
3. Reading under lamplight
4. Tomatoes
5. Waking up to finding a new leaf on my houseplants
6. Listening to music on my headphones at full volume
7. Playing games on my Nintendo switch in bed after a long day
See more from hanbee here.
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