Hongjoin Resonances With The Love Story Of Young People Through F(OOL)

Hongjoin (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - A talented young musician from Singapore based in Boston, United States (US), Hongjoin launched the second mini album F(OOL) which tells of heartbreak and long-distance relationships or LDR.

At the age of 21, the indie-pop and alt-rock genre musician continued to expand his musical boundaries. The seven songs on the mini album sound very heart-wrenching, and are highly consistent with the romance of most young people.

"F(OOL) is like a way of talking about a relationship that doesn't work. It's not like it's typical, oh, it's his fault, it's more like accepting that maybe we're actually 'criminals' in that failed relationship, being honest and open to our emotions, and sometimes admitting that, it's my fault," Hongjoin told Antara, quoted Thursday.

The musician, who was recently named SPOTIFY RADAR Singapore Artist in 2023, said F(OOL) stands for "Fall Out Of Love", which means it's no longer a hassle, and also difficulty making peace and forgetting someone in the past.

He also said "Fall Out Of Love" as a play for words to be stupid (fool) because of love.

In his songs that offend someone's longing beyond reach, nostalgia is the main emotion Hongjoin describes. The song is also accompanied by powerful visual aesthetics to evoke a greater sense of connection between listeners and Hongjoinn music.

"All songs are mostly inspired by my own advice, however, this is not just about me, but about everyone's feelings, so they can understand it," said Hongjoin.

Amazingly, the musician who had appeared at the birthday concert of Shawn Mendes' album in 2021 in Singapore worked on all his own music, ranging from writing lyrics, recording, to making music. He said he had worked hard for a year to make his second mini album.

"When I made this mini album, I wanted a softer track, however, to remain quite optimistic so that listeners could still nod their heads (follow the rhythm of music) in a sad way," Hongjoin joked.

Seven songs on the F(OOL) album are Fall (Out Of Love), You're My Everything, Long Way Home, Dear Abbey, Paper Hearts, Leave In The Summertime, and In Another Life.