INTERVIEW: Jin (The Haptics)

When I say the word Canada, it has many positive associations: Avril Lavigne, maple syrup, beautiful landscapes… and now I have one thing more to add to this list. This incredible band, The Haptics, whose lead singer has agreed to chat with us about music, Netflix and, of course, equality between male and female artists.

Hello Jin! How are you doing at the moment?

I’m doing well, thank you! I had a nice wrap-up to 2022 by ringing in the New Year with a couple of friends at a techno show. Now I’m focusing my energy on creating music with the boys and working on some new projects in 2023.

Awesome! 2022 was a big year for you because you released “Second-Best”! How did you feel right after the album was released?

I felt super excited to launch this album into the world. We poured a lot of ourselves into each and every song, and I know each one means quite a lot to all of us. I’m really happy to create something that I enjoy listening to, and I hope others do, as well.

What was the most difficult song to create from “Second-Best”?

Honestly, I get pretty emotional when I sing and write lyrics, so it can be hard not to completely rupture into total emotion on some of the more personal songs. I’d say “Giver” was difficult for me because the lyrics are so personal.

Being the only female member, I bet you have some funny memories with your bandmates. Will you share one with us?

No particular thing comes to mind, but I would say I probably crack the dirtiest jokes, to be honest. I share all my dating stories with them (thanks to them for listening), and we’ve had a lot of fun discussing the merits of each date. We also like to go to shows together, so we’ve had some late, slightly messy nights. No arrests yet, thankfully.

What kind of advice would you give someone who dreams of being on stage?

Even if you’re shy or nervous, give it a try. The exhilaration of being vulnerable and performative in public is truly a one-of-a-kind, life-changing experience. I generally describe myself as an introvert, but I adore playing live. My first show ever was a solo keyboard/singing act back in Brooklyn, New York – it was just me and an old electronic Casio hooked into speakers. Nothing fancy. I was so nervous! But being able to share yourself with others musically is irreplaceable and very precious to me.

Great advice! For a night out with friends… Pizza or McDonalds?

Le McDonalds, definitely. I’m crazy about those nuggets. Gotta have the BBQ sauce.

What would you recommend watching on Netflix nowadays?

I watch a big variety of stuff, but I especially like horror shows and movies. I absolutely loved “Brand New Cherry Flavor” and highly recommend it to other horror fans. It’s got some body horror/gruesome bits, so just a heads up. Totally worth the visual trip.

Would you say that women in the metal industry receive a different treatment than male colleagues?

I remember a show I played in New York ages ago; I asked someone in the audience what they thought. He replied, “I didn’t even notice the music, just thought you were so cute playing.” There’s a big emphasis on how you look and brand yourself, which I despise. I’d like the ability to be truly grotesque and be appreciated just as much as someone standard-pretty.

Let’s play a little game: if we were in a zombie apocalypse, what’s your weapon of choice to fight them?

I’ve put a lot of thought into this scenario just for my own kicks, and I think I’d like to go with a chainsaw, please, Evil Dead style.

Thank you very much, Jin, for taking the time to do this interview! Would you like to add anything else to our readers?

Keep on creating! Just about anything can be creative or artistic. A lot of people think they don’t have enough talent, but that’s not the truth. You do something unique, and we should all be grateful for that. Thank you.