Actor, musician and writer
I hope I’ve made some people laugh, cry, and generally feel that it’s okay to celebrate their humanity, especially in these icky times.
Tell us your story, how did you get here?
When I was 18, I was auditioning for (and screwing up) every theatre play or music gig I could get my hands on. My lecturer noticed my penchant for making noise and got me a job as a part-time DJ on Lush 99.5FM. I got to meet and interview all my heroes.
A few years later, my little folk band (The Sam Willows) started making more noise on a new exciting thing called YouTube. I took a gap year to try and make a career out of this, and it’s been a lovely 10 gap years since. Our band went on hiatus in 2019 and ever since then, I’ve stupidly fallen in love with writing, directing and producing comedy and musical shorts, and trying my best to only sometimes appear on NDP.
What impact have you made in Singapore?
It really isn’t much, but I hope I’ve made some people laugh, cry, and generally feel that it’s okay to celebrate their humanity, especially in these icky times.
What does 2022 look like for you?
I’m starting my own production company and creative agency (Charle King), making a lot more music, and taking Chinese tuition (a yearly promise).
What do you love most about Singapore?
I love how we bicker amongst ourselves, but when someone else comes for us, we combine powers and become this Singaporean megazord of fury and sass. Like, why are we trying to claim laksa, and why am I so worked up about it too?
What’s the quirkiest thing not many people know about you?
I have recently, by sheer will, beaten my allergy to beer. I have yet to beat my phobia of fish.
Who is your Local Legend, and why?
You won’t find him on social media: Julian Wong – music director, violinist, pianist, vocalist and composer of some of the greatest work to have come out of our island. He is as genius as he is graceful, as clever as he is kind, and I’m so grateful to call him a friend. You can check out some of his work with the theatre company Wild Rice, as well as countless other projects around our island.