Jett Kwong Talks New Single “Away” In Exclusive Interview! (@JettKwong)
- How did you get started in the music industry?
It’s an interesting question, because I still only feel like I’ve dipped my toe in the industry. I’ve been involved with music for a long time, and after school I started recording and releasing content independently. I am figuring it out as I go!
- How would you describe your sound?
From such a broad range of inspiration, much of it from my family’s experiences and stories, I feel I’m creating a sound that’s nostalgic yet futurist. The instrumentation I like to use gives things a cinematic quality as well.
- What do you think makes your music stand out from other artists?
I think the way the guzheng interacts with my voice, strings, and percussion is a unique sound to most ears. Perhaps my perspective plays a subtle part in that as well – as a mixed person, I often feel I’m hard to place and categorize in the normal way people want to do so. The mixed identity is a complex one that can’t necessarily be categorized, and I feel the same about my music.
- What can you tell us about your song “Away”?
Away is my second collaboration with producer LMNOP. We wanted to explore the mundanity and frustration our community feels as artists working multiple jobs to sustain our creative endeavors. Away is a little reminder for us to check the pressures that society imposes – as well as the pressures we impose on ourselves.
- How do you like to use your platform to address issues and make social change?
I try to bring attention to important issues through my words, actions, and content. Posting is great, but involvement is better. I never want to sound like another person regurgitating trending topics and phrases.
- Do you work closely with any organizations or charities?
I’ve worked with 18 Million Rising, promoting voting in Asian American communities. In the next year I’m looking forward to more partnerships in furthering undermined voices.
- Are you going on any radio tours or hosting any events to promote your new single?
I have 6 shows coming up that I will be announcing soon via my Instagram, @JettKwong. One I can tell you about is with Flight of Voices at Village Studios April 27th. It’s a really fun night of different artists collaborating on each other’s songs – you can find tickets here: https://goo.gl/Hzwkha
- Do you have any other projects you’d like to share with us?
I have more music and videos coming out soon, as well as a screening of a short film starring my 95-year old Grandma. Stay tuned on Instagram!
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Check out the music video for Jett Kwong’s “Away” below!