Shua Lee: The Young Phonk Maestro Mixing Faith and Beats 🔊 WhatsMusic Blog

Music Blog by ARTEKK

Shua Lee: The Young Phonk Maestro Mixing Faith and Beats

written by Shua Lee and WhatsMusic.de

October 30, 2023
bass, beat, instrumental, phonk

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Josh, known by his producer name Shua Lee, is a 16-year-old from South Africa, currently residing in Australia. A devout Christian, Shua Lee is passionate about music and aims to make a significant impact in the industry. His journey into music production began when his older cousin introduced him to the art of making beats, igniting a passion that he’s been nurturing ever since.

Shua Lee specializes in creating phonk beats, a genre characterized by its bass-heavy tunes, tuned cowbells, and overlayed vocal samples. His most important song to date is “MASAMUNE,” which he describes as having a triumphant vibe, akin to that of a Samurai warrior looking to God for strength.

Listeners unfamiliar with Shua Lee should give his music a try, as he believes it offers something for everyone. From the chill vibes of “MOON WAVES” to the aggressive tones of “SUPER SOLDIER,” and the triumphant feel of “MASAMUNE,” his music aims to cater to a wide range of moods and tastes.

Looking ahead, Shua Lee plans to release more singles and eventually a full album, incorporating his love for God into his tracks. In five years, he envisions himself with an extensive music catalogue and a large fan base.

A funny episode in his career was his first attempt at creating a phonk beat, which he describes as a chaotic mess of cowbells, bass, and misplaced sound effects. It was his father who saw the potential in him and encouraged him to keep going, leading him to where he is today.

Interview with Shua Lee

Tell us about yourself, who are you and where do you come from?

I’m Josh, I go by Shua Lee as a producer. I’m 16 and I’m from South Africa, currently living in Australia. I’m a Christian, I love the Lord. I also love music, which is why I’ve taken the steps to put my own music out there, and I’m trying to make it big.

How was your passion for music born? Who are your idols?

My passion for making music was born when my older cousin introduced me to it. Before then, all I knew was that I loved music, I didn’t think I could ever make it. But my cousin showed me how, and after making my first beat, I realized it was what I wanted to do.

What kind of music do you do?

I’m a producer, and I make phonk beats. These are beats that are generally bass-heavy, with tuned cowbells of different types as melodies, and with effects and vocal samples overlayed to bring those iconic sounds. Phonk can be melodic and chill, and it can also be aggressive and adrenaline-boosting. I love it as a genre, and I really love making it.

What is the most important song for you? What message do you want to convey to the listener?

My most important song would be my newest single, MASAMUNE. You might think that beats with no lyrics can’t convey a message, but this isn’t true at all. The sounds alone can be enough to really move the listener. This song has a triumphant vibe to it, kind of like that of the Samurai. It makes me think of a skilled warrior, looking to God and getting through it.

Why should a listener who doesn’t know you listen to your music?

I think my music sounds great, and people should listen to it because they’d really enjoy it. Not just those who are fans of phonk, but anyone. My song MOON WAVES has more of a chill vibe, my song SUPER SOLDIER has more of an aggressive vibe, and my new song MASAMUNE has more of a triumphant vibe, almost a mixture of both, and something for everyone to enjoy. I have such a passion for making these beats and I have big goals. I want to be known far and wide as a producer, and I genuinely think I have something to offer. Your support means the world to me.

What are your future projects? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

My future projects are more singles, and eventually a full album. I plan to incorporate more of my love of God and my praise to him in my tracks. 5 years from now, I see myself having a full and impressive catalogue, and more fans than I could ask for.

Tell our readers a funny episode that happened in your career as an artist.

Well, I suppose a funny episode would be my first attempt at a phonk beat. I didn’t mention this earlier but, when I first decided to attempt to make phonk, it did not go as expected. The cowbells had no effects to make them sound good, they were all over the place, I didn’t know how to utilise the bass, the sound effects I threw in were out of place, it was crazy. Fun fact: it was actually my dad who saw the potential and told me to keep at it.