Press Article: VUA — From Small-Town Dreams to Sonic Mastery
Rising artist and producer VUA is proving that ambition, curiosity, and creativity can turn even the quietest corners of a small town into a launchpad for greatness. Known offstage as Ian Strawser, VUA grew up far removed from any traditional music scene—but that didn’t stop him from crafting one of his own.
Where it all started
“I started in a small town where music wasn’t really a thing,” he says. “I used to listen to music from the ’60s, and that’s what really got me interested. Then I heard Kanye West’s ye when I was 15, and I got hooked.”
The come up of VUA
That spark evolved into a full-blown passion. From there, VUA taught himself music theory, production, mixing, mastering, and composition, eventually building his own home studio to bring his ideas to life. Every beat and melody became a reflection of his diverse musical background, blending old-school influences with modern innovation.
What makes VUA’s music stand out
“What makes me stand out is my diversity in music styles and track production,” he explains. “I’ve always wanted to show my mind through music — all the ideas I’ve had since I was young — and let the world hear them.”
Trials and tribulations
But success hasn’t come without challenges. VUA admits that maintaining a balance between creativity and discipline has been a learning curve. “My biggest challenge is making sure I don’t burn myself out from excitement. I’ve learned sometimes the music gets better when you give it space.”
Now, all that patience and passion are culminating in his upcoming releases. VUA’s debut single, “I THINK I ONLY love MONEY,” drops October 17, followed by his 16-track album on November 14 — a project entirely self-produced and deeply personal. The album serves as a testament to his dedication to learning every aspect of the craft.
What’s next
Looking ahead, VUA envisions his name becoming synonymous with both artistry and excellence. “I see my music as a brand — something that can grow into a household name,” he says. “My dream is to play on the greatest stages in the world and hear the crowd chant my lyrics back at me.”
With a relentless drive and a sound that refuses to be boxed in, VUA is proving that small-town beginnings can lead to world-stage dreams — one beat, one idea, and one track at a time.
