'vacation' chronicles my summer vacation of 2019, beginning in New York City and ending in Hawaii. I wrote these tracks as a reminder to myself to stay grounded and relaxed in this increasingly chaotic and bustling world.
Nina Tabios of The Bay Abridged writes, "[In 'Vacation'], the salt and sand of Maui are tuned to the sound of tickling keys that skip in time with breezy synths. It's easy-going but vibe-y, and the briny beaches is just as evident as the smoky horns that string it all together at the bridge. Importance of place is evident — the wit of New York, tranquility of Maui — and Mr. Hong is intent on transporting you to these moments, in his state of mind, through a delicate wiring of melody and rhythm."
Thank you all and hope to see you at the beach. :)
Written with love from may 28 - aug 31 2019 in:
New York City, New York
San Francisco, California
Maui, Hawaii
released December 19, 2019
Special thanks to my collaborators. Without them this project wouldn't have happened! Give these talented artists a follow:
alberto droguett | chile
soundcloud.com/albertodroguett
sax, guitar, piano [1, 2, 4]
michelle | new jersey
soundcloud.com/notmichellekim
arrangement, pads [1]
dvdkm | new york
soundcloud.com/dvdkm-1
guitar [5]
marlboro | vietnam
soundcloud.com/marlborobeat
arrangement, drums [3]
medafiziks | california
soundcloud.com/medafiziks
arrangement, drums, bass, pads [4]
aleebi | california
soundcloud.com/aleebi
vocals [1]
rosy | korea
soundcloud.com/rosy2096
vocals [2]
lui peng | united kingdom
soundcloud.com/mrpengg
vocals, mixing and mastering [3]
lord apex | united kingdom
soundcloud.com/lordapex
vocals [4]
lyta | texas
soundcloud.com/callmelyta
vocals [5]
gunseli sepici | turkey
instagram.com/gunselisepici
artwork
peter phan | united kingdom
instagram.com/peerphan
photography
Much love and infinite thanks to these lovely people:
Travel Companions -
Jenn, Jay, Mary, Reann, Jeremy, Carmen, Richard
New York Friends -
Mischelle, Kiera, Michelle, Caroline, Nhan
Family -
Mom, Dad, Jie.
For my sister.