Meet Up + Coming Singer-Songwriter Haben
Haben has become a hot topic in the R&B community, as the tour opener for Grammy-winning artist Coco Jones. The previous AGT star is set to release her second EP in late spring. At only 26 years old, Haben’s angelic voice makes her a star on the rise.
The Seattle-born star got her start at a young age accompanied by her sisters in the group EriAM sisters on America’s Got Talent. The young group made it to the semi-finals. She continued her career as a solo artist. Haben’s music has echos of heartbreak, self, discovery, and growth infusing storytelling into the R&B genre of music.
BELLA talked to the young rising star about the launch of her career and her up-and-coming record.
Can you tell our readers about your career start on America’s Got Talent as a part of the group “EriAM sisters?”
My sisters and I formed the group EriAm when I was 9 or 10 years old. We performed all around the Seattle area before eventually auditioning for America’s Got Talent. We made it to the semifinals and spent the next decade on our YouTube channel, writing & recording music, and performing around the world. It was a big push to the beginning of a long journey.
What did you learn along the way on AGT?
AGT was probably the first time something I had dreamt of had come true. As a kid, I spent hours every day on YouTube watching performances of competitions like that. I practiced so hard and imagined myself on those stages. So when we got to the televised audition, it showed me that the things I envisioned were possible for me. We also had costume designers, choreographers/dancers, MD’s, and organized rehearsal schedules. It was an eye opener as far as how a team can work together to build a large production.
How did you make that transition of becoming a solo artist?
After performing in a group for that long, it’s jarring to make that transition. My sisters paused on pursuing music and I knew stopping wasn’t realistic for me. I basically lived in my studio and I was writing & producing ideas all day, every day. The biggest challenge became learning to create music with myself in mind, rather than a group. It took a lot of isolation but my sisters were always the first people I would go to for an opinion. They push me the hardest.
What goes into the process of writing your music? Do you have a certain routine while songwriting?
My most comfortable process starts with me in front of a piano or loading up a beat sent by a producer. If the track or chords are speaking to me, my ideas will usually flow naturally. But there are days where I’ll spend hours in the studio and I haven’t written anything that feels right. In that case, I’ll just take a break from the track and try again another day. I really like to take my time, if I have that luxury.
Your music has themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and growth. Can you explain why you explore those topics in your songs?
My first EP was created during the start of a huge growth period in my life. There was so much on my heart and I needed to use my songs as metaphors for what I was going through. It was a system that helped me find confidence and freedom through vulnerability. I get to enjoy feeling things through, good or bad.
You are fresh off touring with Grammy-winning artist Coco Jones, how was that experience?
I had the best time on that tour. It was all a very new experience for me so I almost felt like a child again. It had been a while since I was last performing my music, let alone doing back to back shows. I felt a lot of growth nightly, so I can’t wait to join another tour.
Can you explain the hardships you encounter as a young female in this industry?
I’m so grateful my parents were highly involved in my music career when I was younger because they did everything to protect me from the horrible experiences a lot of young women in music have had. But as I’ve grown up and worked with more people, I’ve definitely had to fight to be heard and taken seriously. People will try to limit or dismiss you, or box you into certain styles or lyrical themes. I also spent many years in music with no idea how to find women in the business and technical sides of this industry. That's why I’m so happy to have a team filled with women now. It’s a valuable perspective to have in every room and there’s a safety that’s offered to me that I rarely experience elsewhere.
You have a second EP releasing in late spring, what can listeners expect to hear on this record?
So many different vibes on this EP! It can feel future-forward, nostalgic, confident, sad… I really think there’s a song for everyone. Most of them were very easy to write and you can feel the playfulness that we had in the studios. I got to dabble in different sounds and put in a healthy dose of vocal experimentation.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of BELLA Magazine?
Yes, you can find my music on all major platforms. And follow me on Instagram @habenmusic.
