Noah Urrea is fresh back from touring in Brazil, where tickets to performances by his group Now United sold out within minutes. This wholesomely good-looking California teenager is a musician seemingly on the brink of pop superstardom… but there’s more to him than that. Not interested in the traditional uniform of squeaky clean pop conservatism, Noah is ready to experiment with hair, makeup, and gender norms. Repped by LA Models, a willingness to pursue fearless fashion is what makes Noah a super interesting casting prospect.

Who are you, where are you from, and what do you do?
My name’s Noah. I’m from Orange County and I live inside an orange. I like to satisfy people’s earbuds with my music.

How did your career get started?
I feel like I was doing music ever since I came out of the womb. I fell in love with fashion over the years and I knew I needed to jump into it.

What unique quality do you think you bring to the table?
Everybody wants to put me inside of a box and decide I’m just one thing, but really I’m many things and there’s so much to see and do. The world’s just a big playground.

What is the biggest misconception people have about you?
My sexuality.

Who was the first artist to make a big impression on you?
John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers – he has an “I don’t give a fuck” attitude. All he cares about is the music and dressed however he lived that day. He made the rules.

And the last artist to make a big impression on you?
Jaden Smith – as an artist, he really knows what he wants. He’s being himself to the fullest he can. When it comes down to his visuals for his music videos, the way he dresses, you can tell it’s really him. I love the fact that he keeps his friends & community with him as he rises.

What has been the biggest surprise or learning curve in the industry so far?
One thing I’ve learned is to always be okay with the word, “no.” You hear it every two seconds, but you choose how you react to it. You can either accept defeat or keep building yourself into what you want to be. I choose the latter.

What motivates you?
Myself – to be the greatest person and entertainer I can be so I can make a difference for others who have been struggling to be themselves. It’s something I struggled with when I was a kid.

What keeps you up at night?
Music and my drive to finish a song before I go to bed.

What/who is under-appreciated?
Producers, photographers and fashion stylists. All the behind-the-scenes people never get enough credit. Managers.

Name three artists you wouldn’t mind being compared to:
Matty Healy, Gwen Stefani, and Billy Ray Cyrus.

What’s the best experience you’ve had in fashion?
Shooting with Meg Young. I’m not trying to sound cheesy, just a really sick team.

What project are you working on now/next?
I’m in Now United, a pop group, traveled to 18 different countries in the past year. I’ve been writing a lot of music. Getting ready to go back on tour.

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Follow Noah on IG – @noahurrea