Meet Shao Hao… Your Next Pop Music Obsession

Shao Hao is kicking off his debut UK EP with the release of his latest single, ‘Where Is My Home’. The British-Chinese artist moved to the UK at just 17 to study Music. Uprooting your life at that age is never easy – and for Shao Hao, the challenge wasn’t just about adapting to a new country, but finding where he truly fit in.

The EP’s lead single is an introspective exploration of those inner battles – where does he belong, and who is he meant to me? It’s a deeply personal track that bridges the gritty storytelling of Britpop with the pulsing energy of Kpop, mirroring the duality at the heart of his identity. Through its layered production and honest lyricism, ‘Where Is My Home’ captures the tensions between two worlds – the push and pull of culture, language and self.

As he prepares to release his debut EP, we sat down with Shao Hao to talk about his journey, identity, and how he’s learning to belong on his own terms.

You were born in China and moved to the UK when you were 17. In what ways did that shape your relationship with music and identity?

Moving to the UK at 17 completely changed the way I saw both myself and music. Back in China, I started singing and playing piano as a kid; it was my way of expressing emotions I couldn’t put into words. After moving to the UK, music became something deeper, something that shaped my sense of identity.

As an immigrant, I did face moments of discrimination growing up here, but performing and sharing my songs allowed me to show people who I truly am, beyond any stereotype. It helped me find connection and confidence at a time when I felt different.

That blend of worlds, the emotional storytelling of Brit-pop and the melodic energy of Asian pop, naturally became the language of my sound today. It’s like writing letters between my past and present selves, and between East and West.

There is an emotional vulnerability that runs through your music – themes such as love, identity and mental health, especially in songs such as your recent track ‘Where Is My Home’. How do you approach turning personal experiences into songs without losing yourself in them?

For me, songwriting is like therapy – it’s both healing and grounding. I’ve never been great at expressing emotions in everyday life, so music became my language to do that. When I write about something painful, I always try to find light within it, not just to relive the moment, but to transform it into hope.

When I was co-writing “Where Is My Home”, we were all talking about identity and belonging. Jack Leonard, one of my co-writers, mentioned his Australian girlfriend, who sometimes also felt lost after moving to the UK. That conversation helped us realise something important: home isn’t just a location; it’s a feeling of belonging, and it’s the people you love who make you feel at home.

So I think the key is finding balance. I want to stay honest, but not drown in it. Once a song is written, it stops belonging only to me and starts belonging to whoever needs it. That’s when it feels freeing again.

Your lyrics often touch on connection and authenticity. What does “authenticity” mean to you personally as an artist navigating multiple identities?

Authenticity, to me, means wholeness. It’s not about choosing one side of my identity, but learning to hold all of them, the Chinese kid who grew up singing in his bedroom, and the British singer-songwriter who now writes No.1 songs for Asia and performs across the UK.

I’ve learned that being authentic isn’t about being perfect or always confident. It’s about being present, honest, and kind to yourself, especially when you feel different. That’s the message I hope to pass on to others who are also finding their voice between worlds. There is only one you, and that’s your power. Just be the best version of yourself, that’s more than enough.

You have written a lot of tracks for TV, film soundtracks, and even other artists. How do you balance your artistic voice with the needs of the project?

When I write for others, I think of myself as a tailor, someone who listens carefully to their story, emotions, and voice, and then helps express them authentically. Of course, I also stay aware of new trends and what’s happening in the pop landscape, so the song feels fresh and relevant.

But even with those considerations, my core values never change: organic emotion, truth, and timeless melody. Whether it’s for a Netflix series or a pop single, I always try to bring a sense of humanity and warmth into the song. That’s what truly connects people.

You’ve also performed in spaces like the Roundhouse and worked internationally, including with Taiwanese labels. How have those different creative experiences influenced you?

Each experience has shaped a different side of me. The Roundhouse was where I truly learned to perform and collaborate; it gave me my artistic roots in London. Working in Taiwan taught me discipline and the craft of songwriting for the Asian market, where lyrics and melody often carry deep emotional weight. And now, bringing both worlds together feels like coming full circle. I’m finally creating music that reflects my full journey.

What kind of stories do you feel most drawn to tell right now, in your music and beyond?

I’m drawn to stories about belonging, healing, and self-acceptance, especially for young people who feel caught between identities or expectations.

Sometimes I wish I could time-travel back to the age when I left home and tell my younger self that everything is going to be okay. I want to write music letters to my past self, and to anyone who’s still searching for their identity and their “home.”

Why did you make the choice to tour schools around the UK? What did those shows mean to you?

Because that’s where music first saved me, in the classroom, when I was a shy teenager trying to fit in. Visiting schools and sharing my story with over 50,000 students this year has been one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done. Every time a student comes up to me and says my songs made them feel less alone, that it’s okay to be different, it reminds me exactly why I started doing this in the first place.

The music industry can be very noisy and fast-moving at times. How do you protect your creative space and mental health within that chaos?

It’s definitely a challenge. I try to create quiet moments around my creativity – simple things like walking my dog in the park, sailing around the Isle of Wight, doing some DIY on my flat’s interior, or just making a good cup of tea or coffee.

I’ve learned that slowing down doesn’t mean losing momentum, it’s about refilling your soul. I also try to surround myself with people who value humanity over hype. That’s what keeps me grounded.

Who or what is inspiring you lately – musically, visually, or emotionally?

Musically, I’ve just been to Coldplay’s Wembley concert and was so inspired by their ability to unite humanity and bring love through music. I’m also deeply moved by artists like Adele and JP Saxe, who make honesty sound so effortless and magical.

Visually, I recently visited Yoshitomo Nara’s exhibition at the Southbank, and it really stayed with me. There’s something so raw and tender about his work, the way his characters look both strong and fragile at the same time. It reminds me that art doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful; it just needs to be honest.

And emotionally, my fans and the students I meet inspire me every day. Reading their messages and comments on social media reminds me that connection is the real goal – that’s the true reward of making music.

If someone’s discovering your music for the first time, what song do you hope they hear first, and why?

‘Where Is My Home.’ It feels like the purest introduction to who I am, both musically and emotionally. It’s about searching for belonging, but also realising that home can be found within yourself. That’s the journey I’m still on.

Finally, what is next for Shao Hao?

More Pop singles from me are coming your way! It’s my most personal project yet. Each song is a chapter from different parts of my life, from heartbreak and hope to self-discovery. Beyond that, I want to keep building bridges, between languages, between cultures, and between hearts. That’s where my home will always be.

Check out Shao Hao’s latest track, ‘Where is My Home’ here or below.