Local singer Haven, whose real name is Teo Cher Win, performing at an intimate listening party at Swee Lee Cafe, Clarke Quay. - ST
SINGAPORE: She found refuge in music, and on Valentine’s Day, Singapore R&B singer-songwriter Haven released her debut album whose eight self-penned tracks focus on the vulnerabilities and highs-and-lows of relationships.
Of the title track My World, the 22-year-old, whose real name is Teo Cher Win, said: “I thought I was writing a love song to him (my ex-boyfriend), telling him how much I love him and don’t want him to go. But this was a cry for help for myself.”
Haven left school at 14 due to bullying and mental health struggles. Currently pursuing music full-time, she recalled that her schoolmates made fun of her passion for music and isolated her.
She found an emotional haven when her parents enrolled her for vocal and guitar lessons when she was 13. She also considered making music her career.
Her chance came in 2017 when she caught the eye of a music label scout when she sang Havana by Camila Cabello at The Street Festival. The label – which she does not want to reveal and is now no longer with – sponsored her in classes from dance to make-up to piano.
At 16, Haven released her debut single, Piece Of Paper, and subsequently other singles such as Ego and Museum. She has performed at the Esplanade, nightclub Marquee and music festival Waterbomb Singapore 2024.
Her chosen artiste name Haven is tied to her wish to provide a safe space for her listeners and create music that resonates with them so that they do not feel alone in their struggles, she said.
Among her career highlights, one standout was her collaboration with budding Filipino artiste Denise Julia on Haven single No Hard Feelings. The song, released on Sept 1, 2023, placed 6th on Billboard Philippines.
Haven, who has a following of 1.3 million on TikTok and more than 300,000 on Instagram, is now signed on to music label Wild Group which is behind her first album, also called Haven.
Wild Group also represents Sorn and Seungyeon, former members of South Korean girl group CrystaL Clear, or CLC.
Although Haven’s mental health has improved since she was 14, she admits to experiencing periods when she would cry for no reason and have suicidal thoughts.
To fight the negativity, she directs her emotions into music by whipping out her phone, typing out lyrics, recording melodies as well as singing random lines and tunes. She has built up a trove of unreleased songs that touch on these darker topics.
“I don’t think I’m ready to share this yet as it’s all very raw and personal,” she said.
The most important thing that keeps her going is her love for her friends, family and the Wild team. She said: “There are so many people around me who love and care for me. I can’t let them down. It’s not fair to them and not fair to me.”
To encourage herself, she has the phrase “You got this” tattooed on the back of her left hand.
This is the same message she hopes to pass on to those who listen to her music.
For those facing their own struggles, she said: “You got this. You don’t have to conquer everything at once. It’s more about pacing yourself. I’m proud of you. Surviving each day is something to be proud of because that means you have the strength to keep going.” - The Straits Times/ANN
