Hojean Sprints Towards Greatness With New Single “Wanna Run”
Singer-songwriter Hojean has made his long-awaited return with his double A-side, Songs I Can Bike To. The release includes the lead single “Wanna Run,” along with its melancholy yet self-reassuring sister song, “On Earth.” Fans, who have eagerly waited for new music since his last release in August 2024, have welcomed Hojean back to the music scene with open arms — and the new tracks are almost enough to move some to tears. With empowering composition and freeing lyrics, his comeback to music feels like the ending to a great film — and the start of a beautiful sequel.
The Soundtrack to Liberation
Strings. Bass. Vocals. One spotlight on Hojean as he approaches part two of his career. That’s how “Wanna Run” starts, and his heart takes it from there. Spanning almost three minutes, “Wanna Run” is an inquisitive, inspirational track that focuses on the singer being overwhelmed and tossing all his inhibitions to the wind while liberating himself from both external and internal pressure. Included in the lyrics is his desire to bring those around him on his journey to an ever-expanding, limitless life.
After touring for his 2023 EP Cherie and releasing his 2024 single “I Could Be Forever,” Hojean felt as though he was empty. Inspiration wasn’t striking, his insecurities were piling up, and people were waiting for his next move. Prior to the release of “Wanna Run,” Hojean answered questions from fans on Instagram, where he opened up about the song being written after a severe panic attack. It was after calming down that he realized waiting around and stressing wasn’t worth it. He was ready for whatever was lying ahead and it had been ready for him for a while. Now, he wanted to get there as soon as possible.
Touching on this experience in the opening verse, he sings, “I know I will be somebody / Never in my life have I cried more.” It’s only three lines later that Hojean figuratively wipes his eyes and proclaims, “Gone are the days where we settle for nothing.” By positioning himself as the underdog, the listener becomes instantly attached and invested in Hojean’s journey, wanting to see him stand up and overcome his challenges. So when the pre-chorus sets in and he admits he wants to run, it’s only instinct to root for him to win.
The song’s chorus is packed from start to finish with the phrase, “I wanna run away,” while drums, bass, and guitar fill the background, building the composition to its max and raising the hope held in every note. After the second verse and another round of the chorus, Hojean approaches the bridge of the track, where his character evolution becomes blatantly prominent. After not knowing what to do or where to go at the beginning, Hojean now confidently sings, “Just cause I want to / I’m running this way.” The lyric opens the bridge, but is powerful enough to stand alone. It not only leads to the track’s climax, but also reveals the beautiful self-trust he has built within. With that, he could go anywhere — and he is not going alone.
The track is only half written as a reminder for Hojean. The other half is the singer hoping to be an inspiration and a sign for others to leave situations that don’t serve them. It was created for people who are hesitating to leave their job, say goodbye to an unhappy relationship, book the trip they’ve been dreaming of, or simply stop hesitating. He’s using the pain, confusion, and doubt that he experienced to reassure others that it’s going to be okay, no matter what. He’s reaching out to lift them up, encouraging fans to just take his hand and run.
The Before and the After
Prior to the release of “Wanna Run,” Hojean deleted all his posts on Instagram and left fans anticipating what was to come. After this, he creatively changed his own website to a nostalgic design that allowed fans to choose which sample from “Wanna Run” would be used for promotions. Track one seemed to be the victor, as this was the sample that showed up in all of Hojean’s subsequent social media promotions. It’s also the part of the song that was used in his cinematically crafted release trailer.
Titled “SONGS I CAN BIKE TO: SHOPKEEP CARES,” the short film shows Hojean walking into a bike shop, Dixon’s Bicycle. He’s just trying to find a daily form of transportation – a way to get from point A to point B. Instead, the shopkeeper, Chris, tells him exactly where he needs to go and what he needs to do. The pair even share a giggle-worthy moment while subtly referencing the singer’s two-year hiatus. In the end, Chris tells Hojean, “Don’t let that worry hold you back.” This exchange is all he needs to free himself and step into the unknown.
In the track’s music video, other people can be seen freeing themselves of limitations as well. From interviews to mindless, repetitive work, Hojean’s words act like a cosmic signpost to break free from the cycle. Though Hojean hasn’t yet opened up about the meaning behind the music video or the significance of the ending, the storyline guides the viewer through the lives of two characters until they end up at a photo station, smiling into their future.
On the faux computer screen of Hojean’s website also sat folders titled “9D EXPERIENCE,” “E4R7H,” and “ALBUM26.” However, the only clickable item on the screen was a group of sparkles in the corner. These shining north stars fatefully led to a private track on Hojean’s SoundCloud — a song since identified as a stripped, acoustic version of “On Earth,” featuring the sounds of a Brooklyn street and an unfortunate crash to finish the clip.
“On Earth” was later announced as the second song on the fresh double A-side. Similar to “Wanna Run,” “On Earth” is also about fulfillment and expressing overflowing feelings, but it takes a completely separate approach to portraying the idea. Instead of focusing on fleeing, “On Earth” prioritizes taking public ownership over flaws and imperfections. The singer states that he’s not perfect, but that is because he’s real. While he may be on this planet, where people strive for a glossed-over, picturesque photo of life, he’s done doing the same.
“On Earth” surprisingly dips into both the country and indie genres. The song maintains a pop overtone, with a soft guitar keeping focus throughout. The sound is completely new to Hojean’s discography, yet perfectly matches the raw sincerity that is presented. During the chorus, Hojean heartachingly sings, “Can’t blame you for wanting to move on / I get it from my mom / And my dad didn’t show me enough / On how to love / And all I can do (is show up, show up, show up).” As the song ends, the self-reflection has brought the singer to a realization: here on Earth, heaven supplies both sunshine and rain.
What Lies Ahead
It’s become clear that wherever Hojean goes, his fans are more than willing to stick around for the ride, no matter how long it takes. From the hint of the “ALBUM26” folder on his website, it’s heavily implied that there is a lot more to look forward to from the artist – maybe even more of Songs I Can Bike To.
On his Instagram, Hojean hinted at more opportunities to hear his music live with a tour, something fans haven’t been able to experience since 2023 and early 2024. Whether national or global, there’s no doubt that Hojean is going to be going where his heart takes him this year – it just depends on whether he will be going by foot or bike.
Songs I Can Bike To can be listened to on Spotify or Apple Music. Be the first to know about all Hojean’s future announcements by keeping up with him on Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Want to experience Hojean’s sold-out 2025 show? Check out our recap of his night at Baby’s All Right in NYC here!
