It’s not easy to start a pop music career when you are a young Singaporean teenager. Still, singer-songwriter Haven (whose real name is Teo Cher Win) is determined to “make it” as a successful artiste. One can argue that the “Ride Or Die” singer is well on her way to becoming one, as she will be performing at Waterbomb Singapore alongside big-name K-pop stars and rappers such as Rain, Jay Park, BamBam and CL (former leader of the girl group 2NE1).
Here, the 20-year-old shares what it’s like to pursue music professionally at an early age, her proudest moments so far, and what we can expect at her set at one of the biggest music festivals this year.
You are one of the few local acts (and one of the youngest) among many K-pop and hip-hop stars chosen to perform. How do you feel about it?
I’m beyond grateful and honoured. To be given such a huge and amazing opportunity, I will make sure to make Singaporeans proud.
Can you share when and how you started your music career? Was there a moment when you knew this was a career you wanted to pursue?
I’ve always wanted to be an artist, I started to pursue music professionally when I was 13. It’s hard to describe when it happened, but I just knew at a young age that music was my sole purpose in life. Without music, my life would have been meaningless.
What are some of the challenges that you faced when you decided to join the music industry at such a young age? And how have you dealt with the issues?
One of my challenges being a young artiste in this industry is that I get underestimated because of my age. I love music, it’s my whole life and I take it seriously but I tend to get overlooked due to that. However, I have many people who support me and see my worth beyond my age. Nevertheless, I promised myself to always be myself. No matter what, I’ll keep working hard to prove that I can make it as an artiste. I’m doing it for myself and for the people that believe in me.
What can we expect from your show at Waterbomb? Any surprises for fans?
I’m rehearsing a lot behind the scenes and I have so many new exciting songs that I can’t wait to perform in front of everyone. All I can hope for is that the audience enjoys it and have as much fun as we can together!
Are there any fellow K-pop or hip-hop stars that you are excited to meet or to watch at the festival?
I’m so excited to watch BiBi perform live, I’m such a huge fan.
What’s your reaction to some online comments that asked local acts not to be included?
I’ll always be a proud Singaporean, I can only hope that people online can change their mindsets towards local artists, as we have many incredible local talents in our scene.
What is your approach when you’re creating your music?
Music has always been like a personal diary where I can write songs based on the experiences that I’m going through at the time. There is always a season when I am having writer’s block but when inspiration strikes you can’t get me away from the studio.
Can you share what you are currently working on and what fans can expect in the near future?
I just released my latest single “Easy”. The song describes how love can be a complicated feeling but there’s always gonna be that one person who makes loving so much easier. I have more exciting songs coming out soon after this single. I’m currently working on an album for next year and I am super excited to share it with everyone.
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Who are you listening to right now?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Sabrina Claudio, Billie Eilish, and Sabrina Carpenter. I have a playlist on Spotify that has all my favourite songs which you can find on my artist page.
What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?
That’s a tough one to answer, I would have to say the time I performed for We The Fest pre-party at Marquee Singapore. I invited my mom to watch, and she started crying. She was so proud of the person that I have become and that was my proudest moment in my career! I’m doing this all for her and I’ll keep working hard to make her proud!
Waterbomb Singapore 2024 will be held on Aug 24 and 25, 2024 at Siloso Beach, Sentosa. Tickets are available through official ticketing partner KKday. Standard tickets are priced at $198 for a one-day pass and $338 for a two-day pass.
