LO HAVI’s Newest EP: “The process of making it was far from easy…”

LO HAVI describes what goes into her music-making process and how she feels about the results.

Photo courtesy of OPTIUM ENTERTAINMENT

For those who haven’t heard your music before, how would you describe it to them?  
I hope my music serve[s] as a medium - a means of comfort and empathy, a way to convey emotions, or even a source of vicarious joy and fulfillment, by expressing through songs the things I can’t do myself. 

What specific traits does a song have to have before you think, “This is a LO HAVI song”?  
I believe the defining trait of my music lies in the honesty of my lyrics. I tend to write in a candid and unembellished way, because I love the raw emotion that literal words can deliver. Even when I write comforting songs, I reveal my wounds without filtering them. I jot down every small detail that fits the theme, almost like keeping a diary, and those words naturally become my lyrics. 

You’ve described LO HAVI as a project that is “transitioning to an artist collective.” Can you explain what you mean by that?  
I started out as part of a composer team before debuting as a performer. Naturally, my partner and I continued to make music together as a production team. But at some point, I wanted to explore different kinds of beats and express myself more fully. That’s how LO HAVI transitioned from a team project into my solo journey. 

Photo courtesy of OPTIUM ENTERTAINMENT

Please talk about each of the songs on your newest EP, (in) my bed.
This EP quite literally tells stories from my own bed; [it] was inspired by all the thoughts and moments that happen around my bed. From the very beginning, it was meant to be a five-track project. Each track captures a moment I want to remember. 

“Sunrise comes” (ft. Ellap): The track is about saying goodbye to the wounds I’ve carried since childhood, hoping to give listeners a sense of courage through that farewell. 

“My heart”: The song was inspired by a text from my grandmother. Out of nowhere, she sent me a message saying, “You are my heart,” and those few words instantly melted away my heavy emotions. 

“Because” (ft. OFFVIVID): The track came from all the words I could no longer say to someone I once loved. Since I couldn’t reach out anymore, I began writing everything I wanted to tell that person in the song. 

“Sinking down”: The [song] contrasts [with] the first [song]. It captures the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts, wanting to escape but sinking even deeper. It reflects those days when I felt so isolated that I believed no one could truly understand me. 

“bow-wow” (ft. Seung A Lee): The song was inspired by my dog, who used to fall asleep next to me. He’s mischievous and stubborn, but he’s family, the kind you could never bring yourself to hate.  

How did the collaborations for the EP come together?  
Since every track was born from my personal thoughts and experiences, I worried the music might sound too narrow in perspective. That’s when the idea of collaborations came to mind. I personally reached out to artists I admire, and I’m deeply grateful that they all agreed so willingly to be a part of the project.  

All of your EP titles are in lowercase, except WHO IS VICTIM?. Is there a reason for that?  
Actually, that was just a coincidence. I wrote WHO IS VICTIM? in all caps because I wanted it to look like a bold newspaper headline.  

Do you ever listen back to your first EP, sweet spot, and notice any major changes in your sound? 
Compared to sweet spot, I think my music now has a broader palette. I’ve experimented with new genres, different sounds, and various vocal recording techniques, which helped me discover new sides of myself.  

Did you set any goals for 2025, and if so, have you accomplished them yet?  
Releasing this EP was one of my main goals for this year. The process of making it was far from easy, and at one point I even doubted whether it could come out this year. I’m truly happy that it finally came to life. I also hope to do a live performance this year. That one hasn’t happened yet, but it’s still on my list.  

What are your longer-term goals?  
My long-term goal is to hold a solo concert with the people who love me and my music.  

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?  
I hope people remember LO HAVI as an artist who isn’t bound by a single genre, [is] unafraid to explore, and [is] capable of expression in any form. 

Check out LO HAVI’s newest EP here!

View the Substack version of this piece here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.