2020.04.06 Hebe: I use pessimism to live optimistically

Posted On June 4, 2020

Finally making a musical comeback after a 4-year long hiatus, Hebe shared about her latest work like how she works. On point with no hesitance, a little cool and contrasting that, a hint of humor. “The new single, ‘Let It…’ is not trying to bring across any specific point or matter. I’m merely sharing my current state and emotions. If my fans have gained something from it, then it would have resonated.” Hebe has provided a self-service emotions buffet service, if you had wanted to gain something from her music, it would hinge on whether your frequency has aligned with hers.

Ten Years

“The initial period of going solo was a lot of nerves, but there was no hesitation!” 10 years, is a period that could have changed many people’s primary intent, but not Hebe’s. From being in a group to going solo, entering the 10th year in a blink of an eye, her cool yet unpredictable personality, coupled with her unyielding love for music, the only change seen is in her comfort and composure in handling the media and public. And of course, with every new album and single, she has exhibited different sides and styles of her music.

“I didn’t have a particular style in mind, just singing the kind of music I wanted, and songs that relates to my personality.” With four years apart from her last album, ‘Day by Day’, Hebe has been slowly searching for the best melodies in preparation of her soon-to-come fifth album, as she continues to let the audience know her through her music.

About These Four Years

In the days leading up to her fifth album, Hebe’s life has also started a new chapter. She founded her own management company and has since become a boss, allowing her to pursue her musical dreams. “In this growth process, the reality and ideals will constantly need adjustments. These two will affect and influence each other, drifting closer or further at times, but I won’t allow myself to derail from my true intent, so it has been working well for now. ” Founding A Tune Music (樂來樂好) in 2018 was a new challenge she gave herself, from having had others to manage everything on behalf, to becoming a boss herself and being intimately involved in everything with her team. She has yet to feel there’s been any change or difference in the way she has handled her career as an artiste. Perhaps fans would have noticed this though, ever since she’s had more time within her own control, Hebe’s social media presence has exuded a sense of being more at ease.

About Hitting the Lows in Life

“Taking things in your stride is not about being calm, humans have feelings of anger, disappointment, sadness, optimism, happiness, and there can be sudden sadness in times of happiness or even making light of a bad situation. I feel that taking things in your stride is about allowing all of these emotions and moods to happen, and not to feel numb about all of these.” In the eyes of many, Hebe does not seem to have much mood swings. Despite her calm outlook, she admits that the interpersonal relations between people affects her the most emotionally. “Life is about gaining something while losing something along the way. I’ve been constantly trying to learn how to cherish what I’ve gained, while accepting what I’ve lost, and to learn to say goodbye.” “Seize the moment” has been the greatest realisation for her current life chapter, in comparison to bidding farewell to the past, she finds enjoying the moment more important.

Internalising Books

“Flipping open ‘The Illusionist on Skywalk and other stories’ (天橋上的魔術師), I felt a lot for the first page when I read, ‘the innocent face of a child in itself is a deception set up for us to be motivated to live on with courage’.” Although being human may be tiring, but we still need to put in the effort to live on and make light of the situation, yet we also need to be cautious to not be complacent lest something bad befalls whilst we are blinded in happiness.” Hebe shares on her reads occasionally on Instagram, and in reading she has found, being human has taken on different meanings.

“The new album does not have any principles or anything special that I’m trying to preach. It is just an album about me in the face of life and reality, about being unafraid of accepting complexities arising from myself and the external environment, a piece about learning to let go or the lack thereof.”

“Let It…”, is Hebe’s latest diary of her life. Perhaps in a line of her song’s lyrics, you will find a feeling that resonates with hers.