Love, fearS and dreams
Up close and personal with
Nathan Hartono


It's official — Singapore has a bona fide celebrity. Screaming girls, obsessive fan
mail, and household recognition. We caught up with the dreamy-eyed singer for
a candid chat about hopes, loves and what really turns him on.
"Never stay satisfied. But allow yourself happiness."
What's the biggest misconception or weirdest rumour you've heard about yourself?
For biggest misconception, most people think I'm an extrovert based on how I behave on stage. I'm actually a "learned extrovert". Shout out to fellow FOB — #FriendofBuro, not fresh off the boat — Oon Shu An. I've just learned how to be more social over time.

What really turns you on?
Good conversation. Like, if we can ping pong for hours on end and just captivate each other the whole time. That's magic.

Describe your ideal date night; either for yourself or for someone you want to impress.
Dope dinner + conversation + movie + post movie discussion = good date

What words don't you like? Why?
When people use "cum" to mean "also/additionally". You know why. You're just trying to make me giggle.

In your opinion, what makes a good track?
Good, yet deceptively simple writing. "Searching For A Feeling" by Thirdstory is my recent obsession.
Wool sweater with panther instarsia and washed cotton jersey T-shirt, both by GUCCI. Cotton black stretch jeans with patched rips, by DIOR HOMME.
Wool jacket with metal buckle, wool trousers and cotton shirt, all by DIOR HOMME.
How do you start writing a song?
By getting off my ass and realising I need more music to happen in my life. Every once in awhile you strike gold. Most times you strike junk. But that's also fine.

Tell us a childhood dream that is still unfulfilled.
Professional fighter.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My weakness for junk food... Oh Doritos, you wicked temptress.

What is the big dream? What would you like to see happen for you to think, "Heck yes, I've made it"?
Sell out a stadium. By myself. But at the same time, part of me knows that if and when I get there, I'll probably have new goals in mind. Never stay satisfied. But allow yourself happiness.
"My greatest fear is fame. It terrifies me because I don't know if it's something I want, need, or dislike."
Not many people know this, but I absolutely love… making pasta from scratch. It gives every bite a deeper meaning and a real connection to the food.

My greatest fear is… fame. It terrifies me because I don't know if it's something I want, need, or dislike.

The living person I most admire is… Kim Kardashian. It takes a lot to make so much out of nothing.

If I wrote an autobiography, I could title it… Don't Let This Book Fool You, I Haven't Figured Out A Damn Thing.

The talent I would most like to have is… amazing hand-eye coordination. I could play so many sports. I'm bad at sports.


Photography: Vanessa Caitlin
Fashion direction: Norman Tan
Grooming: Ira Tedja


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