Photo Courtesy of Anna hisbbuR
In today’s evolving indie music landscape, few artists embody raw creativity and emotional honesty quite like Anna hisbbuR. Emerging from Hong Kong’s underground scene, she has steadily carved out a space of her own—one defined by atmospheric soundscapes, introspective storytelling, and a fearless approach to self-expression.
More than just a singer-songwriter, Anna is a self-produced artist who transforms personal experiences into deeply immersive sonic worlds. Her music, often blending lo-fi textures with indie and electronic influences, reflects a generation navigating identity, vulnerability, and growth.
With releases like 404 Is Found and Now You See Me, she invites listeners into a space that feels both intimate and unfiltered.
As she continues to evolve artistically, Anna hisbbuR remains grounded in authenticity—creating not for trends, but for truth. In this interview, we dive into her creative process, inspirations, and the journey behind her ever-expanding musical universe.
You debuted as an independent artist in 2020. What pushed you to finally release your own music?
It’s because of my health. I’ve always suffered from different types of weird health conditions as I grew up. Around the time I was 18 or 19, my hearing suddenly went bad (it’s fine now though), and I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to listen to my own music later on. So I just stopped waiting for miracles to happen—like finding the right frontman or singer—and decided to sing the songs I had produced and composed myself. And eventually, I debuted.
Before becoming known as a singer-songwriter, you identified strongly as a producer. How did that shape your artistic identity?
Because I’m more confident in creating than performing. I used to hate performing. All I wanted was to keep making music and releasing it. So besides my own music, I used to produce for lots of different artists. Things started to change when I began having die-hard fans who would support me no matter what. That made me want to give something back.
That’s when I changed and started enjoying performing and being the front person—because I believe it’s a skill I have to master as a professional.
What does the name “hisbbuR” mean to you today compared to when you first created it?
hisbbuR is “rubbish” spelled backwards (pronounced that way too). I first created it because I didn’t feel professional—I taught myself everything. Today? I’m definitely rubbish in reverse, haha.
You often write, compose, and produce your own songs. What usually comes first — melody, lyrics, or emotion?
Visuals. A story I want to tell. Maybe that’s why I majored in film scoring.
How do you know when a song is “finished”?
I always do. It’s a feeling. Or maybe it’s because I’m not a perfectionist, so I don’t really relate to people who struggle with finishing a song.
Your sound feels intimate and atmospheric. How would you personally describe your musical style?
Since I release lots of different genres of music, I’d say my style is: minimalism with instrumentation, storytelling through sound design, and brutally honest lyrics—a bit cynical, maybe.
Has your creative process changed from your early releases to your recent projects?
For the creative part, no. I’ve always wanted to make what I’m making today. I just didn’t have the skills or enough talent to do it back then.
Many of your songs feel emotionally honest and vulnerable. Is there a particular experience that deeply influenced your songwriting?
It’s all about my traumas. I’ve had a few dramatic experiences in my life that even film scripts would hesitate to write like that. But I don’t want to share them here—because I’m going to film them as short films for my upcoming album, which I’ve just started with my latest single.
Do you write more from personal experiences or imagined stories?
Always personal experiences—except for romantic love-related music. Because in real life, I love being single.
If listeners could take away one feeling after hearing your music, what would you want it to be?
Relief.
As an independent artist from Hong Kong, how has your environment influenced your music?
The environment made me understand how cruel the world is, and that there are people who are just purely evil. That’s why I have traumas to inspire my music and cynical lyrics to write. It also gave me a give-it-all courage to reach audiences outside Hong Kong—because there’s nothing to lose.
What are your thoughts on the growing Asian indie music scene today?
I think it’s getting better overall. I love how the Southeast Asian music scene is growing intentionally, so that more Asians are starting to listen to Asian artists instead of always looking up to the West. It’s such a big market in SEA—it makes things easier for all the Asian artists out there.
Do you see yourself exploring different languages in future releases?
I’ve already released music in English, Korean, and Cantonese in the past. Maybe Spanish in the future!
You’re also involved in the visual direction of your projects. How important are visuals in expressing your music?
They’re my everything—more important than the music itself, to be honest. I’m just not famous enough yet to have enough money for big, crazy visuals and storytelling MVs.
If one of your songs were turned into a short film, which one would you choose and why?
To be honest, my upcoming album is going to be a short film. But if you’re asking about a short film for just one song, that would be the title track from my upcoming album, “but when I close my eyes.”
Looking back at your debut EP, what would you tell your 2020 self?
Go all in on the international market.
What kind of collaborations are you interested in exploring?
Writing title tracks for movies or Netflix dramas.
Are there any new sounds or concepts you’re excited to experiment with next?
My upcoming album—a sci-fi horror story based on my real-life trauma.
What does it mean to you when international listeners connect with your music?
It means the world to me—almost like a savior. It’s like you finally find the right place where no one judges you for being you.
Do you have a message for your fans in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia?
I love Southeast Asia. My life got so much better after I met a few friends from SEA. So nice to meet you all! Stay if you just want someone to vibe with you when you’re winning, or be there with you when you’re experiencing your darkest moments. Only companion, no judgment—that’s the kind of audience I want to build.
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