Harmonies of art and style
Music has always been an important aspect of Josh Kua’s life. While he was studying law, he was fortunate to receive opportunities to perform as a solo artist regionally, which allowed him to show his musical talents beyond the confines of his academic pursuits. These performances laid the foundation for his future career, saying, “My hobby and passion turned into a way to support myself after I graduated.”
The artist’s approach to music is rooted in creativity and innovation, progressing from interpretation to original composition that marks his growth not just as a performer but as a creator. “I had always been creative in music with improvisation so taking that creativity beyond covers to composing and performing my own works was the next step in my music evolution,” he shares.
But he doesn’t stop at just music. Having also ventured into the fashion industry, Josh creates a unique synergy between music and modeling. When VMAN SEA asked him about balancing these two passions, Josh advised this: “It ultimately comes down to aligning and collaborating with partners and projects that I am excited by and which play well with my brand.” He observes that the entertainment and fashion industries have always had close ties so it made sense for him to find ways to create a symbiosis between these different aspects of his work.
Composing life’s symphony
As distinctive as his musical style, Josh’s personal aesthetic aligns closely with it. His minimalist fashion sense—characterized by a sea of subtle pieces with random injections of reds and yellows—extends beyond his wardrobe and into his musical approach. “I think I lean toward ‘less is more’—and yes, this also translates in music,” Josh explains. “For instance, instead of playing many notes, I choose to play one note but when I play that one note, I give it an intensity and color that touches you.” Despite his minimalist leanings, he’s not afraid to color outside the lines and evolve. “While these are my natural defaults, I do like to try new things and throw in some different approaches to how I create and express as it’s fun to challenge myself and find unexpected ways to [progress],” he acknowledges.
For his future aspirations, Josh radiates with a focus on artistic growth and personal freedom. His objectives center on discovering artistic satisfaction and creating opportunities to pursue his passions, all driven by his pursuit of genuine artistry.
One can’t help feeling inspired by the symphony Josh is composing with his life. His journey, like a well-crafted musical piece, ebbs and flows with an unwavering commitment to authenticity. “I feel joy and success every time I perform and make people feel something real,” he notes. Unpredictable yet beautiful in its spontaneity, Josh’s desire to find “artistic satisfaction and creating freedom” for himself paints a picture of an artist not bound by conventional measures of success, but one who plays to the rhythm of his own heartbeat.
This story appears in the pages of VMAN SEA 01: now available for purchase!
Photography Herry Chia Ee and Jayden Tan
Fashion Hiro Ye
Grooming and hair Zoel Tee
Photography assistants Isyah Hisham and Brian Neo
