“They’ve seen it all from me,” Hwiseo admitted with a grin when asked about any hidden talents during a chat with the press recently. The other three girls at the table laughed at her candid response, and their close bond was obvious. Since their fresh debut just two years ago, H1-KEY have been elegantly making their case with strong vocals and emotive melodies: persevering in a breathless industry. And while fans might already be much acquainted with the members’ quirks and hidden talents, they’re nowhere near done showing all they’ve got to prove musically, with many more pieces of their H1-KEYnote project yet to come. “I believe we’ll know we’ve reached our goal when people begin to take notice of our song releases and give our music a listen,” Riina offered, laying down their intentions to gain recognition through pure merit: “This marks our success as trusted singers, known for the quality of our songs.” 

Their latest single release, Deeper is a good piece for that puzzle. The song is heartfelt and sweet, and as explained by the girls, serves as a reassuring pat on the back to keep moving through trials. Yel summarised: “We aim to be singers who bring comfort and solace to our listeners…Not only our fans but all who listen to our music.” The lyrics “I’m happy, I’m gon’ get up” are just one of many gorgeously sung bite-sized affirmations that feel like the answer to the single’s fully English predecessor Thinkin’ About You – a song that exhibits a desperation to heal even when one’s heart feels anchored to the ground. We asked the girls to dish on what has helped them move forward, and Hwiseo made it simple: “The love and support from our fans is what keeps us moving. We work hard to pay back for their love and keep them engaged.”

The songs from the H1-KEYnote project so far have taken a mellower, more intimate approach than their bright and upbeat releases in the past. The group’s leader, Seoi, noted their aim to “showcase vocal skills” with the project, allowing room to dip into unfamiliar music styles while pushing their own limits. The girls didn’t budge when we prompted for a tip about the next stories they plan to tell, but Riina made sure to snuff out any doubts; they’ll be back with an item just as charming as the last. 

For a group called H1-KEY, the girls are certainly relaxed in demeanour – not quite feet-on-the-table, but it’s an aura you can only earn from being confident and balanced in your craft. In their short run, Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo, and Yel have all stunned with their buttery vocals, which they revealed are kept in good condition by taking rests when needed and not overdoing it. Perhaps if others in the industry took a leaf out of H1-KEY’s book in preserving balance, rather than stumbling through like a computer using all its memory, they’d give longevity to their careers and benefit more overall. 

Their routine isn’t the only thing that’s refreshingly healthy about the group. Sitting lightly like a veil over everything the girls do is a pure dedication to their fans, hinted at in some of their responses as a heartwarming afterthought. “Every interaction with our fans is special in our hearts,” Seoi shared then added, “But one unforgettable moment stands out (…) As we made our debut during the pandemic, we hadn’t been able to see our audience or fans directly. [After] seeing our fans in person for the first time I realised that they do exist, and I felt immense gratitude. I really [couldn’t] forget this moment.” 

With fans at the forefront, talent in their pockets and the majority of their careers ahead, it’s only looking good for H1-KEY. The early days spirit of hopeful artists still glows in their performances. Just as their popular song Rose Blossom advertises, the girls are like well-tended flowers, and now with their H1-KEYnote project, they’ve found the room to flourish, and will continue standing strong. 

Written and interviewed by Maddie Armstrong

Featured image © GLG

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