HWA, A Nocturnal Narrative Woven by Delicate Low Tones

In the summer of 2024, a song quietly began taking over social media. It was called 'Namsan,' and 330,000 people stopped in their tracks to listen. At the center stood a band called HWA. The voice of Im Sunyoung, a former TOP5 contestant on Superstar K5, was no longer just a memory from an audition show. His delicate low tones flowing without vibrato before shifting into falsetto at the chorus signaled the arrival of an entirely different artist.

Story

Defining HWA's music in a single word is no easy task. The sophistication of R&B layers itself atop indie freedom, and at times the warmth of folk peeks through. The band is a trio of accomplished musicians: vocalist Im Sunyoung, Yang Hyunmo on drums from the legendary band Bulnamang Star Sausage Club, and guitarist Tori from Naegwie Docheong Jangchi. Their meeting was no coincidence.

'The catalyst for forming the band was that very song. Through Bam, we were able to confirm the musical direction we wanted to pursue.'

Since forming in 2019, HWA has steadily carved out their own identity. Lyrics that delicately express loneliness and everyday emotions, paired with minimalist yet spatially rich arrangements, have become their signature. Im Sunyoung's vocals in particular evoke both the depth of Lee Seunghwan and the delicacy of Jung Jaehyung.

To discover HWA's true colors, start with their original songs.

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"Bam (Night)"

This song was born in a studio during the winter of 2023. It began with a guitar line that guitarist Tori crafted while tracing memories of his former band. A delicate yet simple arpeggio opens the intro, and Im Sunyoung's husky low register flows over it. The structure follows a typical ballad form, but the drums' 16th-note pattern entering at the bridge adds intensity.

The lyrics impressively liken the feeling of drifting away from one's dreams to a romantic breakup. From the opening line 'Tonight, let go of the hands you and I were holding,' the song captures the listener's heart. 138,000 people lingered on this track, and it's easy to see why.

"Love the song~~Cheering for you, Sunyoung!" — @ryeoldong_01 "Love your songs so much" — @sitalkalikote1267

"Sometimes"

From the first note, it feels like morning sunlight filtering through a window. Though we all seem to live within the same routines, the song carries a message about the dreams we each hold that will one day shine beautifully. The clean guitar tone in the intro is warm yet dreamy, while the bass line moves in simple quarter notes to provide stability.

Released as a new single with Nonol, 104,000 viewers experienced this everyday magic. The climax created when Im Sunyoung's vocals leap up an octave during the chorus delivers a message of hope.

"Im Sunyoung's tone is the best!!! HWA, go big!!!" — @Iutnara Manyeo "This is my new favorite song from now on" — @illqk

"Namsan"

What stands out in this song's intro is the guitar harmonics technique. A melody beginning with 12th-fret harmonics sets the melancholic atmosphere for the entire track. Co-written by guitarist Tori and Tiger Lee, former leader of the band In My Pocket, it carries the longing for a fellow musician who no longer makes music.

Im Sunyoung's breath control is particularly notable. The sustained note on 'walking' in 'I walk a road where no one exists' maximizes the song's sense of despair. The arrangement, which reinterprets the original full-band sound for a trio, is also impressive. 338,000 people walked together at the end of this night.

"Im Sunyoung's voice and the song are a perfect match~~" — @Iutnara Manyeo "New fan here. Hello from Brazil" — @Gemaque2002

"London Blue"

The feeling of being the only one left in the world. From the opening line, the listener is drawn into another space. Like the lyrics about blue rain brushing past, the music itself feels like a film. Progressing in E minor with a simple Em-Am-D-G chord loop, the melody layered on top creates complex emotions.

Im Sunyoung's pronunciation and emotional expression in the English section beginning with 'I'm far away' are reminiscent of Radiohead's Thom Yorke. The specific imagery of cold winds and unfamiliar time zones makes the loneliness feel vivid. 217,000 people endured this blue night together.

"This is Im Sunyoung from the band HWA. Thank you so much to everyone for listening to our songs. Please keep giving us your love and support!! Rock n roll!!!!" — @yimsoonyoung "Love" — @noelsantos8458

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You can gauge a band's true skill through their covers.

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"Always Gazing at You" (Original: Jo Deokbae)

The arrangement that deconstructs the orchestra's grandeur from the original into a guitar-bass-drums trio is impressive. Instead of the solemnity of Jo Deokbae's original, HWA's version focuses on more intimate, personal emotions. Im Sunyoung's interpretation leans closer to present pain than the original's yearning.

Notably, the section 'The smile I saw the day we first met' is delivered in a subdued tone rather than the original's dramatic ascent. The harmony shifting from thirds to fifths at the bridge creates a spaciousness that amplifies the song's melancholy. 136,000 people resonated with this fresh interpretation.

"The guitarist tho" — @aliza2912 "Very nice" — @bienkhoa1740

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Music

Meet Nonol on Nonol

Meet their music live at the Singing Playground.

🎵 "Full ver | Bam, Sometimes, Namsan, Always Gazing at You, London Blue"

'Tori's guitar playing, the songs just wrap around your ears' — a comment on this full version watched by 76,000 people. Across nearly 20 minutes of runtime, you can witness all of HWA's charm. This live performance at Yansi Club in Mapo-gu, Seoul showcases the band's true caliber.

The natural transitions between songs and the distinct atmospheres created for each track are exceptional. There's an improvisational energy and breath unique to live performance that differs from studio versions. The minimal three-member lineup actually draws more focus to each individual's playing.

🎵 "The Band Boom Is Coming! Hidden Indie Bands' Nonol Live Compilation"

Play this video alone at home at 3 PM and it feels like stepping into a small live club. In this compilation gathering hidden gems of the indie scene alongside BIG PANTS GUYS and Chwihyang Sangjeom, HWA contributes with 'Sometimes.' 24,000 people joined this indie journey.

Like the lyrics about living within the same routines, the video showcases the power of music found in everyday life. Though bands of different colors have gathered, they are united in their authenticity toward music.

What Fans Say About Nonol

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HWA's music doesn't offer grand consolation. It simply sits quietly beside you and stays. Im Sunyoung's voice brushes past us like a warm blanket at times, like a cool breeze at others. Though it's music made by just three people, it holds countless stories and emotions within.

Leaving behind the memories of Superstar K to walk his own path, Im Sunyoung and his bandmates continue their journey to unknown destinations. If you're curious about their next chapter, meet them first at Singing Playground.