Khai

Tattoo Artist — Singapore

01Profile

A Khai Photo

03Interview

Name, what do you do?
My name is Khai and I’m a tattoo artist and owner of Iron Fist Tattoo. 

Describe your style in three words?
Comfort. Earthy. Lasting.

What does the Fred Perry Shirt mean to you?
To me personally, Fred Perry is a brand that calls and unites the different subcultures that we have today. The Brand’s long-standing longevity and its development from sportswear to integrating with everyday fashion that connects arts and music speaks to its boldness and versatility.

When did you first start tattooing?
I first started tattooing in 2011 after 1.5 years of apprenticeship.

Tell us the story behind your first tattoo?
My first tattoo is the word ‘Peace’ on my chest. My perception of peace is within, without and everlasting.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Leonardo da Vinci would be the perfect person for me but it would take me a few lifetimes to learn about his inventions, intentions, arts and secrets.

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Only You' by Portishead.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
My greatest unsung hero would be Heavy Mellow. 

Which subcultures have influenced you?
My taste in music, arts and fashion have been strongly influenced by skateboarding as I did skate quite a bit in my teenage years. 

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Maria Elena' by Santo & Johnny.

04Playlist Notes

'I Miss You' by Incubus.
Incubus is my biggest influence when it comes to art and music.

'Soulful' by L'indécis.
The first song I usually start my day with to align my thoughts.

'Remedy' by Nxxxxxs.
Short and mysterious.

'Ladyfingers' by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass.
Serenity. This song is especially played when I’m on holiday in Thailand.

'Trip 5' by Heavy Mellow.
My unsung hero. The first song that I heard by Heavy Mellow.

'Tennessee' by Allan Rayman.
My drive-home song at night.

'Canggu' by FKJ.
God tier talent. FKJ is listened to almost daily.

'Die with a smile' by FKJ.
An artist that EVERYONE should listen to.

'Rosemary' by Deftones.
I was introduced to Deftones in my younger skating days and the band’s been a part of my life ever since.

'In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3' by Coheed and Cambria.
One of the bands that had a really big impact on my taste in music.

'What Kinda Music' by Tom Misch.
Dreamy song that I recently discovered.

'Downers' by Greentea Peng.
Amazing music and this artist is the embodiment of ‘cool’.

03Interview

Name, what do you do?
My name is Khai and I’m a tattoo artist and owner of Iron Fist Tattoo. 

Describe your style in three words?
Comfort. Earthy. Lasting.

What does the Fred Perry Shirt mean to you?
To me personally, Fred Perry is a brand that calls and unites the different subcultures that we have today. The Brand’s long-standing longevity and its development from sportswear to integrating with everyday fashion that connects arts and music speaks to its boldness and versatility.

When did you first start tattooing?
I first started tattooing in 2011 after 1.5 years of apprenticeship.

Tell us the story behind your first tattoo?
My first tattoo is the word ‘Peace’ on my chest. My perception of peace is within, without and everlasting.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Leonardo da Vinci would be the perfect person for me but it would take me a few lifetimes to learn about his inventions, intentions, arts and secrets.

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Only You' by Portishead.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
My greatest unsung hero would be Heavy Mellow. 

Which subcultures have influenced you?
My taste in music, arts and fashion have been strongly influenced by skateboarding as I did skate quite a bit in my teenage years. 

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Maria Elena' by Santo & Johnny.

04Playlist Notes

'I Miss You' by Incubus.
Incubus is my biggest influence when it comes to art and music.

'Soulful' by L'indécis.
The first song I usually start my day with to align my thoughts.

'Remedy' by Nxxxxxs.
Short and mysterious.

'Ladyfingers' by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass.
Serenity. This song is especially played when I’m on holiday in Thailand.

'Trip 5' by Heavy Mellow.
My unsung hero. The first song that I heard by Heavy Mellow.

'Tennessee' by Allan Rayman.
My drive-home song at night.

'Canggu' by FKJ.
God tier talent. FKJ is listened to almost daily.

'Die with a smile' by FKJ.
An artist that EVERYONE should listen to.

'Rosemary' by Deftones.
I was introduced to Deftones in my younger skating days and the band’s been a part of my life ever since.

'In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3' by Coheed and Cambria.
One of the bands that had a really big impact on my taste in music.

'What Kinda Music' by Tom Misch.
Dreamy song that I recently discovered.

'Downers' by Greentea Peng.
Amazing music and this artist is the embodiment of ‘cool’.