The Pulse of the Night / Helang

Moving between cultures, music, and freedom.

Helang is part of a new wave of electronic artists who balance vulnerability with power, drawing on her cross-cultural upbringing between America and China to create music that is both fiercely independent and emotionally charged. A classically trained pianist turned DJ, producer, and label founder, she has carved out her own lane in a scene that often resists definition. Her tracks pulse with groove and euphoria while carrying the weight of personal storytelling, lyrics that mirror her lived experiences and melodies that reflect her roots. Fresh from performing at Kappa Futur Festival and preparing for her upcoming releases, Helang speaks with clarity about owning her artistic freedom, the challenges of self-releasing music, and the strength it takes to remain authentic in an industry that constantly pushes for conformity.

What was the first image or feeling that came to you when “Don’t Depend” started forming in your head?

I was thinking about how I love owning who I am and what I am capable of. This track is badass, sexy, groovy, and euphoric. My personality and brand embody and champion all those characteristics and encourage people to be exactly themselves.

What is something you always return to in your creative process no matter where your sound evolves?

I will always return to my love for melodies, emotions, and vocals. When I started as a dance music lover 12 years ago, something about tech house and progressive house always stuck with me. I think being classically trained on the piano from a young age has a big influence on my love for melodies.

Are your lyrics a direct reflection of your personal experiences or do they take on a more abstract, emotional form?

Most of the time my lyrics are a direct reflection of my personal experiences, and that can definitely be said about this track. To me, lyrics in a song are powerful. Dance music is versatile, but just because some sounds are more “underground” doesn’t mean there can’t be lyrics. If lyrics provoke emotion and share that with the audience, then they belong in the song.

You’ve spoken about moving between cultures and cities. How do those shifts still shape your music now?

I have moved between America and China my whole life, from childhood into my adolescent years. Those shifts shaped my personality into an empowering, individualistic, and independent force, which has molded my artistic vision and taste. As an artist developing a sound, I am not afraid to get experimental, take risks, or be unique. It’s easier said than done, but I let my intuition lead the way.

At Kappa FuturFestival this summer, what went through your mind as you stepped on stage? What feelings take over in moments like that at such big festivals?

It was a surreal moment. I have wanted to go to Kappa as an attendee for years, so performing there this summer was a dream, even though I played an early slot on one of their smaller stages. I always practice gratitude and remind myself to give myself more credit for the hard work I am putting into my goals. That feeling guides me through the whole process.

If you could archive one night from this summer exactly as it happened, which night would you keep?

It would be the Friday of Kappa Futur Festival, which was also the day I played. That day was one of the best of my life. After my set, I spent the day watching all my idols play at different stages and just took it all in. At night, I got to witness Meduza’s live set closing out the main stage, and it was a special moment. Meduza have been huge supporters of my work since we met a year ago, and now I have a song coming out on their label. I will never take these moments for granted.

“Firehot” was rejected by every label you sent it to. What was it like to decide to release it on your own? How did that choice change how you see your music and yourself as an artist?

To be honest, I always wanted to release “Firehot” one way or another. I just needed to wait for the right moment. When this Aeterna release got pushed back a month, I took it as a sign to go for it. It was also fitting to put it out as a cheeky summer anthem in July. Releasing it myself was a way to establish my creative freedom and artistic vision. I also love having a great team like Labelworx behind me for distribution.

You have said that labels do not define an artist’s worth. When did this become real for you? How do you hold on to that belief in an industry that tries to shape you?

It became real for me the day I started my own label. People need to understand that you are what you decide you are worthy of. If they won’t let you be part of them, then you become the one. In an industry that constantly tries to shape or pigeonhole you, remember that it’s your fanbase that will sustain your career, not labels or anyone else.

You’ve talked about using music to speak up. What’s a message or truth you think the electronic music scene still needs to hear?

“Authenticity and vulnerability. Good music is the foundation, but how you market your music—by letting your personality shine in the most unique and authentic way—is what connects people to you and keeps them engaged.”

Your label is called Dauntless Records. What does “dauntless” mean to you personally? How does that spirit run through your music and career choices?

Dauntless means bravery. Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not afraid, but that you are afraid and do it anyway. This is what I implement in my daily life and what guides me through pursuing such a tough and unpredictable career.

Finish this sentence: I want my music to make people feel…

I want my music to make people feel empowered.

I want them to know it’s ok to be themselves and that they are exactly enough the way they are.

Finally, when you look to the future, what does your artistic freedom look like? What battles do you want to fight next, and what new stories are you ready to tell through your music?

I want to keep growing my community with my music, with or without labels. I know it will take time, but I do my best to trust the process. I want to make an impact with my music, especially on women and the LGBTQ community. I want people to know it’s ok to be vulnerable, and that feeling like you don’t belong isn’t necessarily a sad thing. I want people to feel like they can speak their truth in a society where we are often taught to be repressed.

The Pulse of the Night / Helang

Credits:

Artist: Helang / @helang___
Interview: Irina Klisarova / @its.irka.bitch
Editor: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei

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