HAGANE: The Band Bridging Metal and Product Management Synergy

4 days ago

7 min read

Let’s be honest, when you think of melodic power metal, your mind might not immediately jump to lessons for product management. But when I listen to HAGANE, I feel something raw and empowering. Their music stirs emotions, making me want to create boldly, embrace mistakes, and learn fearlessly. It’s a soundtrack for resilience and creativity, offering more than just melodies—it’s a call to action. But HAGANE, a Japanese all-female band formed in Tokyo in 2018, offers a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and connection. Their journey—from lineup changes to crafting viral music videos—is packed with insights for anyone looking to innovate and inspire.

The Essence of HAGANE: Strength, Resilience, and Why It Matters

HAGANE means "steel" in Japanese, and that’s exactly what the band represents: strength, resilience, and an unyielding spirit. From their heavy riffs to their harmonic vocals, they’ve built a sound that’s as durable as their name suggests.

And their story? It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, making them an unexpected but perfect role model for creators, leaders, and, yes, product managers.

A Quick Dive Into Their History

The Early Days (2018): HAGANE began with Chiemi (vocals), Sakura (guitar), Mayto (guitar), and Kanako (drums). The sound was raw, their passion unmistakable.
The Evolution (2019): Uyu stepped in as the new lead vocalist, and Sayaka joined on bass, solidifying their melodic identity.
The Big Shakeup (2023): Uyu, Mayto, and Kanako exited stage left. Most bands would crumble. Not HAGANE.
Rebirth (2024): With new recruits Nagi (vocals) and Junna (drums), the band launched their EP "Life Goes On!" and embraced a tighter, fiercer sound.

Their ability to adapt and rebuild isn’t just inspiring—it’s a blueprint for navigating challenges in any creative field.

The Symbolism of "Steel": HAGANE’s Core Philosophy

HAGANE’s name isn’t just a label; it’s a mission statement! Steel isn’t just strong—it’s forged in fire, shaped under pressure, and built to last.

In Japanese culture, steel embodies:

Perseverance (ganbaru) Never give up! Push through!
Resilience Adapt and grow stronger with each hit.
Continuous Improvement Always refine your craft.

It’s no wonder their music resonates with themes of endurance and strength.

How Their Style Developed

HAGANE’s sound didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s been shaped over time by experimenting, collaborating, and drawing from their roots.

Here’s what’s gone into it:

Diverse Influences

Their music takes inspiration from traditional Japanese melodies and blends it with modern metal. This isn’t just about creating a cool fusion—it’s about respecting where they’re from while stepping boldly into new territory.

In "Tenka-Goken," the band incorporates Japanese sword-making themes to honor cultural traditions while adding a modern metal twist, creating a bridge between heritage and innovation.

Studio Experimentation

Every track is a testing ground. They layer riffs, beats, and lyrics, tweaking and retweaking to see what hits.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about finding the version of the song that truly speaks to their style.

During the recording of "Life Goes On!," drummer Junna reportedly experimented with new percussion techniques, inspired by feedback from fans who loved the rhythmic complexity of earlier tracks.

Collaborative Exploration

Each member brings their own flavor to the table, and that’s what makes their music stand out. They brainstorm, challenge, and build on each other’s ideas to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

Nagi’s vocal versatility led to a reworking of the chorus in "Sword Of Judgement," which fans praised for its emotional impact during live performances.

Cultural Storytelling

Tracks like "Tenka-Goken" are more than songs—they’re stories that tie back to Japanese culture, like sword-making and resilience. This grounding in their heritage makes their music feel rich and meaningful.

The music video for "Tenka-Goken" was filmed at a traditional Japanese temple, visually reinforcing the cultural themes embedded in the song.

Evolving Sound Dynamics

Changes in the band’s lineup have pushed their sound forward. When Nagi and Junna joined, they didn’t just fill gaps—they added new energy and direction that gave HAGANE a tighter, sharper edge.

Nagi’s clean and powerful vocals in "Life Goes On!" brought a fresh dynamic that set the tone for the band’s new era.

The Journey

Their journey to their sound isn’t about finding a formula; it’s about constant evolution. They’re proof that whether you’re making music or products, staying flexible and listening to new ideas is how you create something truly exciting.

This relentless focus on evolution reflects their commitment to creativity and quality, much like a product team iterating toward the perfect MVP. Their approach reminds us that great art, like great products, is never static—it is continually refined, reimagined, and reborn.

HAGANE's Creative Process: What Can a PM Learn?

Iterative Music Creation Process

HAGANE operates using the Japanese concept of "kaizen," a philosophy of continuous improvement, which aligns closely with the principles of a lean startup:

Draft and Revise

Using "kaizen," HAGANE begins with rough ideas, iterating collaboratively to refine their work. This process mirrors brainstorming a product roadmap.

Test and Adjust

Like "hansei," the Japanese practice of self-reflection and learning from past actions, HAGANE treats new songs as prototypes, refining them in studio sessions based on feedback.

Market Feedback

In the spirit of "nemawashi," a Japanese approach to building consensus through consultation, HAGANE engages their audience with teasers and singles, using metrics like YouTube views (86,000+ for "Sword Of Judgement") to guide their direction.

Polish to Perfection

Following "kaizen," they meticulously adjust every element—from lyrics to riffs—ensuring alignment with their artistic vision and the feedback they've gathered.

Lessons from Lineup Changes and Fan Feedback

Fresh Talent Brings Fresh Ideas

Nagi’s clean, powerful vocals gave HAGANE a new edge in 2024.

Resilience is Marketable

The "Life Goes On!" EP wasn’t just music; it was a message of hope and endurance.

Cultural Storytelling Resonates

Tracks like "Tenka-Goken" connect deeply by weaving Japanese sword-making themes into their metal sound.

Real-World Testing and Fan Engagement

HAGANE’s audience is their co-creator. Here’s how they test, engage, and learn:

"Sword Of Judgement" (86,000+ views)
What They Learned: Heavy riffs plus melodic accessibility equals wide appeal and sustained engagement.

Specific Insight: At the 2:15 mark of the live version, Nagi held a high note longer than in the studio recording, which fans overwhelmingly loved. This inspired the band to explore similar vocal showcases in their newer tracks.

PM Insight: Balance innovation with familiarity to grow your audience while keeping loyal fans engaged.
"Tenka-Goken"
What They Learned: Cultural themes can deepen emotional connections and broaden listener appeal.

Specific Insight: Feedback on the video’s visual elements, especially the temple setting, led the band to include more traditional Japanese aesthetics in their branding.

PM Insight: Use storytelling to make your product resonate on a personal level, connecting deeply with niche markets.
"Life Goes On!" (40,000+ views)
What They Learned: Resilience themes create emotional bonds and inspire a sense of community among fans.

Specific Insight: During a Q&A, fans mentioned how the lyrics helped them through personal challenges. This feedback solidified HAGANE’s focus on themes of perseverance in upcoming projects.

PM Insight: Highlight your brand’s journey and resilience to foster user loyalty and encourage advocacy.
"Harmonic Resonance"
What They Learned: Live testing energizes both band and fans, fostering real-time connection.

Specific Insight: During one performance, Junna improvised after losing a drumstick, using hand percussion to keep the rhythm alive. Fans loved the raw, adaptive energy, leading to the inclusion of more live improvisations.

PM Insight: Use real-time feedback to refine your offering and strengthen community ties.
"Steel Symphony"
What They Learned: Instrumental mastery attracts niche audiences and solidifies a unique identity.

Specific Insight: Guitarist Sakura’s solo received accolades from technical music forums, prompting the band to release an isolated track version focusing on instrumental elements.

PM Insight: Focus on your strengths to dominate your niche and stand out in competitive markets.

Tying HAGANE’s Story to Product Management

What can HAGANE teach product managers? A lot!

Iterate Like a Pro: Treat every project as a draft. Refine based on feedback and experiment to fail!
Adapt and Thrive: Lineup changes didn’t derail HAGANE. They adapted and came back stronger. Do the same with shifting market trends, team and org structure and dynamics.
Engage Your Users: Whether fans or customers, their feedback and emotional reaction is gold!
Tell a Story: Build a narrative around your product. Make it personal, make it emotional and make it compelling!
Stay True Yet Evolve: Innovation doesn’t mean abandoning your roots. It means growing from them! Be all of you at once: the you of yesterday, today and tomorrow!

Product Development Recipe: HAGANE

Ingredients:

Individual Creativity: 3 cups
Collaborative Spirit: 2 cups
Experimentation: 1 pint
Emotional Resonance: 2 cups
Structure: 1 cup
Iterative Development: 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

Start with Individual Creativity: Encourage team members to explore side projects and new skills.
Mix in Collaborative Spirit: Create spaces for open communication and shared vision.
Add a Dash of Experimentation: Tinker with bold ideas in safe environments, like MVPs or prototypes. Be willing to toy with team/org structures and current established cultural norms.
Layer with Emotional Resonance: Ensure your product addresses real user needs and inspires engagement.
Fold in Structure: Maintain clear workflows to keep everyone aligned.
Iterate and Improve: Refine your ideas with feedback and testing.

Breaking the Mold

HAGANE’s story is one of resilience and innovation. Their ability to balance individual artistry with collective synergy is a powerful reminder to challenge conventions, embrace creativity, and find joy in collaboration. Whether you’re in a band or a product team, the lessons from HAGANE’s journey can help you create something truly impactful.