Your new song “Texting” has been released and already received such positive reviews. What was the inspiration behind the song and how did the final product come about?
I am beyond grateful for everyone’s support and positive feedback to “Texting”. The inspiration behind it would have to be the fact that we wrote the lyrics on the Notes app on the iPhone. It started from there and then I guess everything started to revolve around the phone.
We realized that everything in life has everything to do with cellphones. That includes, relationships. Which I believe is kinda ridiculous. The final product turned out way better than we expected. I’ve learnt that the best music is made when you live in the moment and just surround yourself with incredible souls.
“Texting” looks at modern relationships and technology, which is a viral part of modern society. Why was it such an important message to convey the importance of human connections? How do you hope it will impact listeners?
Honestly, the fact that your whole life revolves around a small screen and it became normal to the point that you can never really tell anymore if a person is genuine. You can’t really put a face on the text messages you receive. I could literally text anyone with a happy emoji and they wouldn’t even think that maybe I wasn’t happy when I sent it.
You can literally control how you portray yourself and how you intend to be seen through text. Which is sad but true. I bet everyone’s done that. I just hope people can make the effort to talk about it. Talk to your loved ones. A face to face conversation in my opinion, will always be the best kind of conversation. It feels more real and intimate.
Has there ever been a time you’ve been sucked in by technology and it’s impacted you negatively? Also, what do you see as the positives?
Definitely, I think we all get sucked in. It’s fair to say that things through technology could sway you to believing something that could possibly be untrue. Not to say that everything is fake but even if it was true, you’d still have a hard time believing it.
There are so many positives though. Of course, it’s a very convenient way of communicating and it helps a lot of people discover what the world has to offer on a little phone screen.
How do you think that technology will continue to change your creative process in the future? What do you think will stay the same?
I don’t know the answer to that. I mean, I can’t really predict the future. I do hope I’ll stay the same though. I like this version of me. The version that values intimacy and empathy. I want to build a few strong connections than a lot of weak ones.
Musically, it won’t affect me. It’ll help me write though! I always use my phone to write and record melodies. Haha.
While the world is becoming more accepting, it isn’t rare to see the prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community in Asia. What have your experiences been like and how has it impacted your writing?
People are starting to be accepting here, it’s still very difficult as a gay woman. Some shows get cancelled when they see the way that I look and if I sing about liking women. Which is fine because we can’t please everyone and I accept the fact that I can’t make everyone like me. In a world full of love, there’s always gonna be hate.
I just try to not let these things bother me and for the people that accept me for who I am. I love them very much. It hasn’t affected my writing one bit. I just write whatever I feel and go for it.
In particular, you’ve focused on a sapphic situationship in the song: why was it so important to incorporate this into the song?
I just felt like talking about it, I mean it could be important to talk about it but I only write what I feel. It’s like a diary but it’s music. Haha.
I also love writing about what other people feel like too. I like things to be real and genuine. Something that everyone can relate to.
You’ve been working with producers from across the world who have worked with some huge artists: what’s it been like collaborating with them? What’s the best advice you’ve received from then?
I’ve been very lucky to have been in the room with such multi-talented humans. I learn so much from them and I love learning more about music. I feel that there’s always room for improvement when it comes to my music and writing.
I guess the best advice is what Soko’s given me. Less is more.
On your YouTube channel, you’ve shown your diverse talents from singing, to playing instruments, and mixing. Where did this love of music come from and how did you become such an all-rounder?
I started singing in the middle of the road where all my relatives are having some cheap beer that always hit the spot. You can rent these cheap-mobile karaoke machines that have the worst speakers ever but Filipinos always make it work. It’s called “videoke”. I feel like every Filipino can sing, haha. It’s in our culture.
When I first started singing, it was my happiest moment and every time I do, I always feel that same excitement. I decided that I wanted to try more and learn more. I felt the same type of joy learning how to play the piano. I guess it just kept going from there. I’m just really happy and lucky to know what I wanted to do and stick by it at such a young age. What can I say? I love music so much. Any type of any sort.
What are your dreams for 2024 and the future?
My dream right now is to release an album and to make people happy with my music. Allow people to be themselves and let my music be a safe space for them.
What songs or albums are you enjoying the most at the moment?
I am in love with Beyonce and her album Beyonce is my favorite. That’s difficult though because I want to say all of her albums and Ed Sheeran’s album X.
"Texting" is out now. Jay Kent can be found on Instagram here and on all major streaming platforms.
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