As a photographer, there’s something transcendent about capturing raw talent in its most unfiltered form. Working with Hxncho for this project was an artistic journey—one that challenged me to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. His presence, intensity, and energy were palpable from the first click of the shutter, and I wanted to create a series of photos that truly encapsulated his essence.

In the first shot, we stripped everything down to its basics. Just Hxncho, the mic, and the dim glow of studio lights. I wanted the world to see the vulnerability of an artist in his element, caught between moments of creation. The way the light wrapped around him—soft yet dramatic—mirrored the internal dialogue of an artist pouring himself into his craft.

The second and third frames were taken in an industrial setting, a stark contrast to the intimate studio shots. This gritty backdrop provided an opportunity to showcase Hxncho’s adaptability as an artist. Alone in the spotlight, he stood under a massive rig light, surrounded by shadows, with only his thoughts and the lyrics he’s about to unleash. The rawness of the setting reminded me that great art is born in these moments of isolation and introspection.

Then, there’s the phone booth sequence. The setting might seem unconventional, but for me, the old phone booth represented a nostalgic, analog connection in a digital world—a bridge between the past and present. As Hxncho interacted with this relic, it felt as though he was communicating with a version of himself or even with the fans on the other side of the call, conveying the messages he crafts so carefully in his music.

Finally, we moved to a more abstract visual with Hxncho standing amidst flying papers. The chaos of the scene, with sheets of paper swirling in the air, symbolized the whirlwind of thoughts, lyrics, and emotions an artist experiences. And yet, in the middle of it all, Hxncho remained grounded and focused. It was an artistic metaphor for how he cuts through the noise of the world with his unique voice and message.

This entire project was about capturing Hxncho’s duality—his control and chaos, his silence and sound, his rawness and refinement. Through each shot, I wanted to tell the story of an artist on the brink of greatness, ready to share his truth with the world.

Working with Hxncho was a creative dream. Every shot felt like a chapter in his evolving narrative, and I’m proud that Oasis Imagery could be part of telling that story.