SHENTONISTA

"I got my first tattoo when I was 18. It was inspired by HYUKOH. My most recent one is a flash piece. The design is called “Ruyi,” which is also my name, so I thought it was quite apt.”

“On my off days, I like to drink coffee from Starbucks. I always order an Americano. I also like to come back to the Peninsula area to hang out when I’m free.”

“I’ve travelled to Singapore quite a few times for work. There are so many good cafes here, but my favourite is still Arabica Coffee, the one that’s also very popular in Japan.”

“A band I discovered recently is this Japanese group called Hitohira. They blend Midwest emo with shoegaze, and it sounds really cool. Definitely a unique mix.”

"My son, Vihaan, is my second best friend after my partner. He’s helps me remember that life is bigger than just myself. He gives me faith in humankind.”

“A dream gig for my band Bellied Star would be the Formula 1 stage. It’s farfetched, but we were really inspired seeing Smashing Pumpkins and Foo Fighters on that stage!"

"As someone working in the arts, I know that there are a lot of things happening in the local art scene, but then there's also only so much energy that I can put into seeing everything.”

“When I was 13, I bought Nirvana's In Utero vinyl. I went home and played it on my dad’s record player, and it became the first album I ever listened to from start to finish.”

"Outside of my work as an architect, I do create artwork for myself and my friends, but I don't exhibit them or anything lah, it’s just a personal interest."

“I'm in a local shoegaze band called Roxie, and what keeps us together is our shared values and sense of humour. That chemistry as friends is so important.”

“I’m a Japanese who’s lived in Dubai for the past 13 years. Compared to Japan, there’s more freedom in Dubai, as Japanese culture tends to be more rigid and structured.”

“Apparently, I’m named after a Russian Joan of Arc, and people often joke that my name, style, and personality all seem to match that inspiration!”