HAEPAARY is a duo that has broken out of the box by blending various sounds, genres, and traditional Korean instruments. The duo Minhee and Hyewon describe their music as alt-electronic which is evident in not only their sound but the image they’ve created for themselves. Both are walking art pieces, nothing is left to chance, it’s a carefully curated piece brimming with ideas and influences. These experimental sounds are also a hit winning Best Electronic Songs at the Korean Music Awards with “Go to dgp” and “Then.”
When not winning awards, or appearing on magazine covers (Marie Claire) they’re playing to huge crowds at various festivals around the world. This October they hit the shores of London during the K-Music Festival's 10th anniversary. I got to talk to the dynamic duo that is HAEPAARY.
Hi, HAEPAARY, and thank you for appearing on KpopWise. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
HAEPAARY: We are HAEPAARY. Hyewon and Minhee make music and perform together. Formed in 2020 and have released 4 singles and 1 EP album so far. Prior to the formation of HAEPAARY, Hywon worked as a music director for stage works and Minhee as a multidisciplinary artist.
Your music is so vast and encapsulating, how would you describe your musical style in three words?
HAEPAARY: Twist, Attitude, and Contemporary.
What artists got you into music, and continue to influence you when creating the musical wonders that you do to this day?
Minhee: I was influenced by too many artists, regardless of field, beyond enumeration. When I was a kid, I was influenced a lot by the unknown bands I saw in my local club. In particular, it was the most exciting moment when my friends who played with me at the club formed a band one day and played a messed up ensemble on stage, and whenever that happened, I developed my dream of becoming a musician someday. Now, even though I became a musician, I still feel like I want to do music when I think about my childhood. But to pick just one person, I'd say David Bowie. I love his totality of integrating his meaning into various materials.
Hyewon: I was greatly influenced by the people around me. Since I was young, there were always people around me who introduced me to new music at certain times. Even now, I am influenced by Minhee and the artists around me.
HAEPAARY: When we were working on 'Nothing to Envy,' the two of us talked a lot about what kind of music we would reach. In the process, it was natural to express naturally mixed thoughts visually, and we thought Ohamking would implement that visual well. We’re usually interested in contemporary work, especially for artists who have similar attitudes or methods to our music. Then, when we meet with our music and feel like chemistry is going to happen, we suggest collaboration.