Hien is a Brooklyn based singer/songwriter/producer. Ethereal vocals meshing with lush textures and minimal beats – her eclectic sonic identity has been influenced by a wide variation of sounds, from electronica to soul and traditional Eastern styles. The Vietnamese-Hungarian artist started her singer career at the age of 15. She has released two pop albums, played the leading role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon and has performed in various cities across Europe, Asia and the United States. Hien’s career has included accolades such as Glamour’s “Woman of the Year” and the Viva Comet award.
BLOOM captures the creative journey of rebuilding her identity as an artist and navigating life as a millennial Southeast Asian immigrant, who moved from Europe to the US for a new beginning.
On the first track, “Family” an electropop homage to Hien’s vietnamese ancestors, dance-ready beats provide the foundation for Hien’s lyricism. On the track, she says, “My family and most of the Vietnamese accept as a fact that our family members who passed on before us continue to live in another realm. Just like almost every house in Vietnam, we also have an altar to commune with them. Since I moved from home, I don’t have access to our altars as often as I used to, so I started my own small rituals to make more time to pray to my grandparents and my ancestors. I can feel their protection, their presence and the power they passed on to me.”
What’s your story as an artist?
I started to sing as I was learning how to speak. Music has always been an essential part of my life. I started my career at the age of 14 as a teen pop artist in Hungary. I released two albums, played lead in Miss Saigon, and won several accolades. Even though I was writing my own music, and performed at exciting events, I still felt that I couldn’t fully express myself. In 2015, I moved to Boston to hone my craft at Berklee College of Music, and 2 years ago I graduated with a degree in Electronic Production & Sound Design. Then I moved to New York City seeking new adventures and finished my EP ‘BLOOM’, in which I took on roles as songwriter, producer, engineer, alongside with amazing collaborators.
What inspired this EP?
BLOOM captures the start of my creative journey of rebuilding my identity as an artist, and navigating through life as a Vietnamese-Hungarian immigrant girl, who moved to the US for a new beginning. A small time capsule of my experiences in self-discovery, finding faith in solitude and independence, and balancing passion with devotion.
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
I’m inspired by my family’s story, my roots, my cultural background as a third culture kid. Challenges of modern life, youth culture, immigrant stories, traditional values, women, nature.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing the record?
There were times during the recording sessions when I did way too much overthinking, to the point where suddenly I forgot how to pronounce certain English words. Normally I never had problems with these words, but something just didn’t want to click, so I had to use Google Translator to double-check how they are pronounced properly.
Tell us about the music video and the idea behind it?
While writing the title track of this EP, I envisioned young girls being in their element somewhere in nature. This song is about finding your inner child, which we often discouraged to see in ourselves growing up, especially young girls. After I found out that some of the last surviving matriarchal tribes are native to my home country Vietnam, I decided to visit their villages. I thought it would be very special if this story would be told by girls who grew up in a matrilineal social structure. I got to know the Mnong community of Yang Tao, and I was really inspired by the women and girls there. The girls in the music video are from this community, and they are very precious to me. This music video celebrates young girls, sisterhood, and the cultural diversity of indigenious Vietnam.
What’s a record that shaped your creativity?
El Mal Querer – Rosalia.
Who is an artist or band you look up to today?
There are so many! Erykah Badu, The Internet, Jamie XX, Yaeji, Four Tet.
Any future projects after this EP?
We are working on a music video at the moment, and I’m trying to finish my next EP by next year.
Top 3 dream collaborations?
I’d like to start with the collaborators of this EP: bad entity, Lstnght, Marissa Davis, Ore Asonibare, Oreine Robinson.
Top 3 wildest dream collaborations that haven’t happened: Radiohead, Max Cooper, Kaytranada.
What does music mean to you?
A powerful spiritual vessel that helps me to connect or disconnect. It keeps me real, and lets me find my inner voice.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
I’m pretty bad at describing my music with words, but I’d say: ethereal vocals, soulful music, eclectic influences from Western worlds, and Eastern roots. Organic sounding electronic textures.
