“I didn’t have an answer at the time,” the Miri-born performer told FMT Lifestyle. “I said, to me, love looks like something very shiny and pretty, something reflective and full of colours. The best word to describe it was probably ‘iridescent’.”
That image stayed in Chua’s head, so much so that he was inspired to write a song about it. And many years later, “Iridescent” is the lead single of his new album, “Therapy”. Talk about sharing your vision of love with the world!
Chua revealed that the title of his debut album was derived from a bit of banter he likes to have whenever he performs.
“I always make it a point to create a safe space for the people who come to my show. ‘OK, guys, it’s time for therapy. Let the healing process begin through music’,” Chua said with a laugh.
The 30-year-old is no newcomer to the local music scene, having started singing professionally in 2013. Chua, who is of Chinese and Melanau descent, has performed at many prominent music events, including the Iskandar Puteri Jazz Fest in Johor Bahru and the Borneo Jazz Festival in Miri.
His discography includes the songs “Rewind”, “Don’t Wanna Wait”, “Home to You”, and “Ain’t Nobody Else” (featured below).
In 2019, Chua made his television debut on the show “I Can See Your Voice”, where he performed with Shila Amzah. That year, he also emerged the champion of the JBL Rising Star singing competition.
He names local artistes Anuar Zain, Yuna, and Sheila Majid as musical inspirations, as well as international superstars Sam Smith, Stevie Wonder, and Ariana Grande.
With “Therapy”, which launched on Sept 29, Chua adds another feather to his cap. The creation of an album can be complicated, especially for an independent artiste, but he is happy with how it has turned out.
“Obtaining resources and support for something like this is always a challenge. Everything I have produced has been from my own pocket and thrugh the generosity of the people close to me, my manager, team and friends. I’m really grateful to everyone,” he said.
“I’ve been working on it for so long, and it’s finally ready! It really does feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
“Therapy” contains 10 songs performed with Chua’s distinct musical stylings, and each track holds special meaning for him. “Raise Your Hand”, for example, is about the importance of asking for help: something the singer said he still struggles with doing today.
One of the most challenging songs to create, Chua said, was “Breakthrough” – written at a low point of his life, when he felt he was facing career stagnation.
“I was really financially low. The amount in my bank account was literally two digits. And I wondered, is this going to be my life for the next 10 years? Just singing day after day, just getting by, with nothing to show for it?
“The song required me to be in a space of vulnerability, to put my guard down. I sat down and told myself, you need to go through the rain to feel the rainbow. You need to break through.”
Thankfully, things now seem to have picked up for this charismatic crooner: Chua said he has many projects in the pipeline, including music videos and an upcoming Christmas EP.
In the meantime, he hopes his fans will enjoy “Therapy” and catch him at his live performances.
“For anyone listening to my album, I hope they get a therapeutic experience. I think its main message is the importance of experiencing love and support,” he said.
“I hope listeners will be able to overcome whatever hardships they may be facing in life. I hope they know they are never alone, and get what they need to thrive.”
Follow Clinton Jerome Chua on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Listen to his album ‘Therapy’ on Spotify.