Experimental pop artist Jett Kwong’s new track ‘Tokyo Bath’ is a fantasy of transcendence. Using a guzheng to create her signature multi-faceted sound, twinkling with delicate synthesizers and haunting, ethereal vocals, the track illustrates her skilled musicianship, which has garnered acclaim from the likes of Earmilk, LADYGUNN and The Line of Best Fit. We had the pleasure of speaking to her about the track and what we can look forward to.
Congratulations on the release of the new single ‘Tokyo Bath’… Can you tell us more about the track?
Thank you! This song materialized over the span of a few years. The single art is a photo I took the first time I went to Japan in 2016. I was sitting in this lavender purple bath and the title “Tokyo Bath” came to me. Fast forward to my second time in Japan in 2018, when I visited an onsen in the mountains outside of Tokyo. It was the most magical setting at the hot spring, and yet I was still longing to feel something more. The chorus and the bridge are directly inspired by these trips, while the verses are inspired by imagining myself as a sarcastic outsider at a Hollywood party (particularly one in Laurel Canyon thrown by Father John Misty). Altogether the song is a yearning for transcendence, alone in a bath and as a relative nobody in the music industry scene. I had a great time producing and recording for the track with Wayne Miller, who also mixed and mastered the other 4 songs on my upcoming EP.
Will there be any events associated with its official release?
I’m throwing my EP release show at the Bootleg Theater in LA March 19th. Click here for more info! I’ll be posting more shows coming up soon, with summer dates in Europe as well.
How influential are current issues surrounding women’s rights, social justice, and political reform on your music?
Generally, I think and write about how I am or am not empowered – as a woman, as a mixed person, as an Asian American, and as an artist. I think music for the sake of music is powerful in and of itself, but I do want to weave the things I care about socially and culturally into all the work I put out. I think my EP encompasses a lot of feelings on empowerment – I’m looking forward to the future and excited about new opportunities opening up for women, non-binary people and people of color, yet also leery of our current political situation and unclear how to be empowered and make a difference, however subtle, in our globalizing, ever-saturated world.
Who are your musical influences?
I’m influenced by many different artists from different genres. I’ve studied and performed everything from classical to R&B, and I’ve picked up little hints of everything along the way. Music that moves me is the most influential – and I’ve found that across different eras in many genres. I don’t listen to that much music actually, and I feel equally as inspired by films, stories, history, and nature.
As we look forward to following your career, are there any artists you’d love to collaborate with?
I’d love to collaborate with artists who have a unique sound and who are pioneers, both musically and culturally – Christine and the Queens come to mind right away!
You’ve worked with some talented musicians but the video is equally impacting and memorable. How involved were you in its production?
I produced the video from concept to execution, so I was very involved. It was probably the most work I’ve ever put into a single entity of mine, between the casting, location, equipment, set design and management, costumes… and having to perform. But I’m so grateful for the experience and to have so many helpful, talented people to count on! The director, Corey Kupfer and I worked very closely on the concept. Though it didn’t turn out exactly how we envisioned, it has the right feeling and aesthetic. The 40-member cast and crew, many of whom are artists, are all amazing in their fields and put so much energy into the video. I always make it a point to involve diverse, dynamic people in front of the camera and behind the scenes, and this group was just amazing.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
Stream my music on Spotify and follow me on Instagram @JettKwong for all updates on upcoming releases and shows!
Website: www.jettkwong.com
Photos: Jett and her guzheng in the studio with photographer Ellyn Jameson
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