Shao Hao Talks New Single, His Hometown And More

Shao Hao is continuing to roll out his debut UK EP with the release of the music video for ‘Where Is My Home’, the first single. He took time to talk to us: 

When did you begin songwriting?

I started writing songs properly around the time I moved to the UK at 17. Before that I used to write little melodies on the piano as a kid, but it wasn’t until I found myself alone in a new country that songwriting became a way to process my feelings and connect with people when my English wasn’t fluent yet.

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest memory is sitting at an upright piano in my childhood home in Zhejiang, China, copying melodies I heard on TV. I remember how big the keys felt in my hands and how proud I was when I finally played a full song without stopping.

Your new single ‘Where Is My Home’ is out now. What was the inspiration behind the track?

I wrote it as a letter to my 17-year-old self—the moment I left Asia for the UK and suddenly realised I didn’t fully belong in either place. It’s about the emotional limbo of being “in-between,” and learning that home isn’t a location but the feeling of being seen and understood.

Where did you record the track and who produced it?

I recorded it between London and Tokyo. It was co-written with Kanata Okajima, Jack Leonard and Edward Jonathan Harris. They are the writers behind BTS, Sam Ryder and Rudimental. Then it was mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Liam Nolan (Adele, Calvin Harris).

Any interesting or memorable moments from the recording sessions?

One of the most meaningful moments actually happened before we even started recording. In the writing session, we were all talking about identity and belonging, and Jack — one of my co-writers — shared a story about his Australian girlfriend. Even though she moved to the UK for love, she still sometimes feels lost or stuck between two places.

Hearing that struck me deeply, because it mirrored what I went through after moving from Asia to the UK at 17. That conversation made all of us realise that home isn’t a physical place — it’s a feeling, and often it’s the people you love who make you feel grounded.

That moment really shaped the direction of the song.

Do you have a visualiser to accompany the single?

Yes. I filmed a visualiser in the Scottish Highlands, the place where I first lived when I arrived in the UK. It feels symbolic because Scotland was the first place that gave me a sense of home here.

Did you use any special instruments or equipment to get a particular sound?

We used warm analogue-style pads, a Stratocaster for the Brit-pop shimmer, and stacked vocal layers inspired by K-pop. Liam Nolan also used his signature analogue chain to give the vocals depth and cinematic warmth.

Was it a difficult song to write?

Emotionally, yes. Technically, it flowed quickly. It was one of those songs where I finally allowed myself to say what I’d avoided for years.

Which of your tracks hear you at your:
a) Happiest: Love’s in need of love today – Stevie Wonder
b) Angriest: Bad Guy – Billie Eilish
c) Most reflective: “Where Is My Home – Shao Hao” — it’s the most honest I’ve ever been.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you leave the stage?

That someone in the audience feels good about themselves — and that someone discovers a new sense of belonging through my story.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones?

I love Manley Voxbox. It’s the only analog plugin I must have in my studio.

Where is your hometown and could you describe it in five words?

Hangzhou, China.
Five words: beautiful, cultural, ancient, friendly, honest

How do you look after your voice?

Nebuliser with saline solution is amazing, early nights before shows, and vocal rest when I need it. And I never underestimate a good warm-up.

If you could score a film adaptation of any novel, what would it be and why?

Shawshank Redemption. It’s one of my favourite film. It made me believe as long as you have faith and hope in yourself you will reach happiness even in the darkest time.

Who are your musical influences? Any recommendations?

Adele, Stefanie Sun, Coldplay, Stevie Wonder, Frank Ocean, and Japanese/Korean pop for their melodic sensitivity. Recently, I’ve been loving Laufey and Fuji Kaze— I love a bit of jazz pop when I need to relax.

Do you have any UK/European live dates planned for 2025/2026?

Yes—I’m currently on a UK school tour performing for over 50,000 students. More UK and European dates will be announced in early 2026 along with the EP rollout.

Any further music releases planned for 2026?

Yes—my debut English EP S.H.17 arrives in Q1 2026. It’s a musical time capsule back to my youth and the year I moved to the UK.

What makes Shao Hao happy, and what makes you unhappy?

I’m happiest when I’m creating something that connects people—especially across cultures.

I’m unhappiest when I feel misunderstood and alone. But that feeling is also what drives my music. I want to make people who also feel like this to feel heard and become happy after they listen to my music.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Kentaro Murata

Shao Hao’s latest single ‘Where Is My Home’ is out now.

Stream Here: https://linktr.ee/shaohaosean#515498044