K-pop group H1-KEY on how H1-KEYnote influenced their creative process: “The project mirrors our artistic vision”

The four member group debuted on January 5, 2022 with Athletic Girl.

By Nandini Iyengar -

March 23, 2024 - 5:20 PM IST

H1-KEY [Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo and Yel] is one of the newest K-pop girl groups on the block. The four-member group debuted on January 5, 2022, with Athletic Girl. Since then, the group has released two more EPs, and their latest music to hit the block is the H1-KEYNote project. The girls went on an unconventional path to make a comeback in 2024. Instead of a single album or an EP, they released singles under a music project. They deviated from genres like dance pop and hip hop and switched to ballads and RnB with this music project. This venture is just another feather to their cap, thus showcasing how versatile the members are. So far, the project has two singles ‘Deeper’ and ‘Thinking About You’.

K-pop group H1-KEY on how H1-KEYnote influenced their creative process: “The project mirrors our artistic vision”

‘Deeper’ is a cinematic track with smooth RnB beats punctuating throughout the track. The track speaks about the lingering feelings after a breakup. There is a sense of acceptance of the heartbreak and a determination to go ahead in life – “I'm happy and I'm gon' get up / Sweet and bitter memories / With everything behind just look forward / I am glad to take a step ahead.”

The second single from the music project is “Thinking About You”. The girls sang the song entirely in English. With this track, the girls channel their energies towards delivering a stunning ballad track. The minimalist instrumentals and vocal harmonizing throughout the track add to an immersive listening experience. The song is about heartbreak, sure but at the same time it also points out the mistake of the lover. There is an anger-laced sentiment in the track, when the girls sing - “I've been thinkin' about / Thinkin' about you / Yeah, I've been thinkin' about / The past and us two / And I don't want you living in/Living in regret / When I know that I'm the best / That you'll ever get.”

A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama attended a global roundtable where we spoke to H1-KEY about the H1-KEYNote project. The group spoke about the vision behind creating a music project instead of having a traditional comeback. It was still early in the day for the girls, but they were as enthusiastic as ever to answer the questions.

Bollywood Hungama asked them about their music project and the release of the singles periodically. We asked what motivated them to take this decision instead of pursuing a conventional comeback and how this approach aligns with their artistic vision, SEOI responded, “The H1-KEYnote project was initiated to highlight our vocal abilities and musicality through our songs. Instead of returning with a traditional album, we opted for this project to showcase our vocal prowess. Exploring new genres and uncharted territories, the project mirrors our artistic vision while allowing us to grow alongside it.”

Furthermore, their previous releases have had different musical themes and genres. When asked how the transition from those genres to R&B and ballad for the H1-KEYnote project influenced their creative process and their artistic expression and whether they found a change or any difference in these attempts, RIINA said, “Rather than changes in artistic expression, I believe it was the process of broadening our spectrum. Through the process of preparing for this album and its songs, we engaged in extensive practice to broaden our spectrum and the range of colors we can showcase to the public.”

Watch H1-KEY’s live performance of ‘Thinking About You’ here: