Hongza carries a presence that doesn’t need to demand attention to hold it. Whether it’s through sound, style, or the spaces he moves through, there’s a sense of control – a quiet confidence that feels both effortless and deliberate. Fresh off moments that blur music, community, and culture, his world feels rooted in real connection rather than a spectacle. In this conversation with The Chord Chat, Hongza reflects on the environments shaping his artistry and how he is carving out a lane that feels entirely his own.

TCC : For people discovering you through TCC, how would you describe Hongza in three words ?

Euphoric, Melancholy, Emo  

TCC : What’s something about you that fans wouldn’t expect just from your music?

Probably that I’m ADHD AF 

TCC : When did you realise music was something you wanted to pursue seriously? 

Since I was a little kid! I use to jump around the flat to Busted and thought the guitar looked so cool in Drake & Josh. My dad got me my first guitar from Costco at 9 and I’ve never looked back since. 

TCC : How would you describe your sound right now, and how has it evolved over time?

I feel like there is a clearer direction with the sonics of Hongza now, working with my producer Larry Hibbitt has really helped. The vocals are whispery and airy while the guitars can punch you in the gut on the heavier tracks.

TCC :  What’s your usual process when creating a track?

 It really varies, sometimes I write at home on my laptop by myself, other days I do sessions with other artists! 

TCC : Is there a song you’ve made that feels the most “you”?

Out Of Place is the most me, I don’t really feel live I fit in to most of societal norms & it’s got a moodier feel which is the direction I’ve been writing towards with new music 

TCC : How does it feel seeing your music reach listeners globally?

Surreal! I hope I can reach more people globally and to finally meet everyone in person on tour.

TCC : What differences do you notice between international and local fans?

I’ve found that in Europe people are more willing to come up and hang out at the merch table for a while! 

TCC : How would you describe your energy on stage?

Sweaty ballistic goodness! Me and the band always give it our all. If I don’t have neck pain the next day then it’s not been a good gig 

TCC : What do you want people to feel when they leave your show?

Like they’ve just see one of the best live shows! 

TCC : What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist? 

The cost of touring, it’s so expensive & the fees are tiny in the uk. There needs to be more funding for the arts to help bulletproof our industry. 

TCC : One word to describe your current era? 

Melancholic

TCC : Dream collaboration? 

Billy Corgan & Robert Smith together in a room making a Hongza track would be wild 

TCC : What’s next for Hongza? 

We’re working on dropping the Coming Of Age Deluxe version

Talking to Hongza feels less like a defined narrative and more like stepping into a moment – fluid and deeply evolving. There’s no rush to fit into expectations, no urgency to be louder than necessary. Instead, he’s building something steady and self-defined, where every choice carries weight. As his presence continues to grow across both music and culture, one thing remains certain : Hongza isn’t following a path – he’s creating one, quietly but with undeniable impact.

Keep reading with The Chord Chat to discover more upcoming artists, exclusive interviews, album reviews, live coverage and a lasting impact in the Asian entertainment industry.