Hana Kim

Almost Famous is a soulful, graceful ballad which is reminiscent of both Norah Jones and Adele. (February 2012)
- Dale Kawashima

“Hana Kim was destined to become a musical genius.”
(February 2012)
- Tiffany Ayuda

“Through an eclectic mix of funk & pop a soulful sultry Korean American voice strikes through to create a rich harmony of soul and love.”
(January 25, 2013)
- Danielle Parish

Indie singer/songwriter Kim has a soulful, rich voice, and has already gained a following on YouTube, among audiences in Southern California and – of all places – in South America. (July 23, 2013)
- Richard Chang

She's got a rich-as-caramel voice that gels spectacularly with the old-school production of the tune. Very sexy stuff. (July 13, 2013)
- Auspop

A force to be reckoned with, Hana Kim brings her soul ot the world of pop, in the vein of artists like Adele. (July 16, 2013)
- Who Needs A Genre

Infused with old school flavor, Kim’s soulful voice glides effortlessly over the beat provided by the bass and rhythm of the drums. (July 11, 2013) - Skope Magazine

With new Norah Jones-inspired sound, Kim’s jazzy, yet rock-infused vocals belong on the radio. (August 9, 2013) - Patrick Hickey Jr

Hana Kim, a promising pop/soul singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, has won the SongwriterUniverse “Best Song Of The Month” Contest for February, for her song "Almost Famous". This song was independently released as a single last October, and Kim plans on releasing a new EP next month (March 2012).

“Almost Famous” is a soulful, graceful ballad which is reminiscent of both Norah Jones and Adele. The song starts off with a piano-based arrangement, and then gradually builds energy and emotion, with the addition of guitars, organ and background vocals. "Almost Famous" also provides an excellent showcase for Kim's rich, expressive vocals. This cut was expertly produced by Ethan Carlson and Claire Courchene of Stereographic Entertainment (a music publishing & artist development company based in Los Angeles).

Kim (who is 23) grew up in San Jose, CA, where she learned to play piano at an early age. She was inspired by listening to such artists as Abba and Norah Jones, and more recently to Kimbra and Adele. During high school, she played classical piano recitals, and she also performed in talent showcases and musical theatre productions. Kim began writing songs when she was 13.

For college, Kim moved to Southern California to attend UC Irvine, where she subsequently graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Economics. "It was also during this period that I developed a passion for songwriting and being an artist," recalled Kim. "I also learned about studio recording, and I began playing live shows (solo and with a band)."

It was in 2010 that Kim released her debut 5-song EP, called Until You Believe. She then took an unique trip, traveling and living in Paraguay for five months. "It was a pivotal moment--I started looking at the world from an international perspective," said Kim. "I wrote 'Almost Famous' while I was in Paraguay, and I began performing shows there and building a fan base."

Upon her return to Los Angeles, Kim teamed up with Stereographic Entertainment to record "Almost Famous" and plan her upcoming EP, which will consist of her new songs recorded live in the studio. A video will be filmed of these recording sessions by director Justin Chan. The separate video of "Almost Famous" was directed by Roxy Shih.

In addition to working on her new EP and videos, Kim has been performing live at several Los Angeles clubs (Genghis Cohen, Viper Room, Room 5) and in San Diego. "I want to build a fan base so I can tour outside of California, and I'm looking for management," she said. Kim also plans to record a full-length album, which she will release at the end of this year or early 2013. - SongwriterUniverse

Hana Kim was destined to become a musical genius. Growing up in a family of artists, musicians, singers, and directors, Kim learned how to play the piano at the early age of 7 and performing the classics including Schubert and Chopin. By middle school, she was playing the saxophone and guitar, but it was the saxophone that made her fall madly in love with performing in a band. Soon after, she started to write her own songs. During her second year of college, she began booking her own shows. However, when Kim moved to Paraguay for six months, she took her music to the next level and was inspired by the people, culture, and relationships.

“Paraguay holds a very special place in my heart. It was a drastic lifestyle change, but it was really a joyous one of just enjoying each moment with what you have. The life stories are what really changed me and encouraged me to serve more. I served at a local church and private school and taught kids music. People open up not when you give or offer something, but when you show them that you are the same person they are, not any better,” Kim says.

The song-writing process is different for every musician, but Kim’s soulful music touches every emotion. “Every song has a different story. It’s really hard to just sit down and try to be inspired. But usually in moments of extremes—extreme joy, sorrow, passion—I will be much more inclined to write an honest song,” Kim says.

When I first heard Kim’s latest single “Almost Famous,” I was pleasantly surprised by her bold lyrics and commanding voice. You definitely “feel” her music go through you and experience the life stories in each of her songs. “Last year, I wrote a lot about love, heartbreak, and self-exploration,” Kim says.

I’m glad I discovered Kim’s music. She is definitely one to watch in an industry of emerging Asian American singers and musicians. To learn more about Hana Kim, visit http://www.hanakim.org/. If you live in the West Hollywood area, watch Hana Kim perform in The Viper Room on Sunday, February 19. - Mochi Magazine

Singer/songwriter Hana Kim dropped a music video for her song “Almost Famous”. She brings together pop and soul unlike any artist you have heard before. Not only are her songs creatively addictive, but her unforgettable soulful voice has ears turning and eyes watching. Her single speaks to the “fame seeking” world and of things once loved. - Channel APA

The first time I heard tracks “Right Hand” and “Chase the Morning” I was instantly mesmerized by this next artist’s powerful soulful voice, skillful songwriting abilities, and enriching colorful lyrics. Singer/Songwriter Hana Kim is an amazing talent that pours her heart, passion, and love into her music. This is what fans will get when they tune in to Kim’s music. Each track from Kim’s album “Until You Believe” is full of Kim’s lovely acoustical soulful voice laced over brilliant songwriting/lyrics full of life lessons. You won’t go wrong when you tune in to listen to Hana Kim’s music. And you definitely won’t be disappointed when you read this spotlight where Kim speaks openly about the plight of the DIY artist and why she loves making music.
(Junior Cave’s Review, October 2010)
- Junior Cave's Online Magazine