ONE OF ONE

Just as the petals of a rose gather in number to give it a truth-telling presence, the songs from LOVE by Haneri, this month's August Woman, build to a poignant bloom.

- INDRAN PARAMASIVAM

IF IT’S NOT SO OBVIOUS that it bears repeating, Daphne Khoo, whose honeyed, melodious voice elevates airwaves from the Kiss92 station, is one of Singapore’s most potent, polished and empathetic pop voices. Haneri, her artistic incarnation, is the fount of her equally sweet and searing musicality, which over the years, has been the gift that has kept on giving.

Hard-won, beautifully threaded together, painsuffused, but resilient, her latest collection of songs is further proof of her heart-stirring powers.

Being close friends, we’ve had several intimate conversations over the years. But with this one, dear reader, you’re privy to our rawest one yet.

Let’s start with the fundamentals. Where is your relationship with music at right now?

Like any deep and passionate relationship, my relationship with music has been tumultuous. I feel everything the most strongly. Right now, I’d say it’s at a mature place, where there’s as much understanding as there is experimentalism. I’m open and unafraid to try new things. But I’m also not against doing commercial things to make a living. That’s something I grappled with when I was younger and only wanted to do what I wanted to do. Now, I’m not above doing what I need to do. I just want to make it mine.