Shye is wearing an Onitsuka Tiger Wool-blend jacket, wool-blend shorts, ACROMOUNT BOOT leather boots; Shye’s own metal earrings.

The Men’s Folio August issue is traditionally focused on locals, as a vast majority of the magazine content curation shines the spotlight. Fronting the Men’s Folio August ‘22 cover are Dharni, Tabitha Nauser, Glenn Yong, and Shye who share their connections with Singapore, and how that has shaped their identity and career.

Click here to purchase our August ’22 Hometown Glory issue featuring Tabitha Nauser, Glenn Yong, Shye, and Dharni. 

Here, Shye talks to us about homeliness, keeping it real, and coming into adulthood.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by shye 詩蒽 (@shye.mp3)

Homeliness is peace of heart and mind. Home, to me, is somewhere I can always retreat to; a safe space that gives me a sense of belonging, whether it’s physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental. My loved ones & my music feel like home to me.

I’ll have to name more than one! Growing up playing netball in primary school, birthday celebrations, eating muah chee (glutinous rice snack) and kueh tutu (steamed rice flour cake) at pasar malams (night markets), memories from OktoStar and the musical Annie, still make me smile.

My mum is more than just my mother, she’s also my best friend. Her advice to always be grateful and not chase after what does not belong to me is something that I’ll always hold close to my heart. It puts things into perspective, you know what I mean?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by shye 詩蒽 (@shye.mp3)

I’m certainly thankful for all the opportunities and experiences, they are more than anything I’ve ever expected but I don’t go to bed and wake up thinking I’m a star. My family and friends keep it real so that helps me to manage any expectations or pressure that might come with being in the spotlight. But like anyone else, I do have my own insecurity and that is my skin! I even wrote a song about it! [Smile]

It’s always encouraging when my music gets appreciated and I get support for my efforts but I don’t dwell on the “praise.” As a young producer and artiste, there’s still so much for me to learn and there’s always room for improvement. Where my music is concerned, I just want to keep doing what I love and hopefully, make good music that can be enjoyed by others. However, I can be my own worst critic but I have also realised that I cannot possibly please everyone and that’s fine. I take any comment in my stride as it does come with the territory.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by shye 詩蒽 (@shye.mp3)

I wonder why! I mean, we can’t stop people from being quick to stereotype and paint Gen Zs in a certain light and they are entitled to their own opinion. But it doesn’t mean they think every Gen Z is like that, at least I hope not [laughs]. Anyway, I think Gen Zs have a lot to offer too so I don’t take such comments to heart, just got to take the good with the bad!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by shye 詩蒽 (@shye.mp3)

I am sad I’m officially no longer a teenager, it was a good run but it’s also exciting to see what lies ahead! I’m sure adulthood will come with its own set of challenges but I’ve learned from my teenage years that it’s important not to lose sight of who and what are the things that matter and to say no when necessary. It’s also important to always put in the work for what you want to achieve!

I think it’s good to aspire to put Singapore’s creatives on a global map and we should work towards that. To me, Hometown Glory also means having the support of Singaporeans. Hopefully, it makes them feel proud to be a part of my journey.

This story about Tabitha Nauser first appeared in our August ’22 Hometown Glory issue.