We previously featured the talented Jason Kwan for his powerful and anthemic single, Ritual, so when we heard that the rising popstar was back with a debut EP, Deja Vu, and a new single and cinematic video for Paradise, we couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in his world once again!

Jason describes the song as an exploration of yearning, dream-pop, magical realism, and fantasy. Having debuted at the Glastonbury Festival in 2022 and opened for Rina Sawayama, Jason has quickly gained recognition. We learn that the EP reflects Jason’s experiences growing up queer in Hong Kong, blending late-70s and early-80s pop influences to evoke nostalgia and sentimentality.

The narratives capture his personal stories of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Jason, a prominent voice in the LGBTQ+ and Asian communities, moved to the UK at fourteen on a music scholarship. His work highlights queer Asian experiences, aiming to bring hidden stories to the forefront.

Jason confesses, “The EP capture the 2am adventures I had growing up in Hong Kong, still closeted, but exploring love, sexuality, and adventure for the first time. These stories of falling in love, experiencing rejection, heartbreak, and celebration were stories I thought would only ever live in my memory.”

This year, Jason will perform at multiple Pride events across the UK, including Pride in London, Brighton Pride, Manchester Pride and more! We have added Paradise to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we anticipate the release of Jason’s EP, Deja Vu on Friday, and continue to stream Jason Kwan‘s wider discography, including the title track of the record which has already dropped!

The post Jason Kwan teases upcoming EP, Deja Vu, with escapist new bop, Paradise appeared first on KIMU.

Setting the tone with an industrial riser, expanding into pulsating and moody synth textures, Jason Kwan opens Ritual with the thought-provoking lyrics, “You know you’re bad for me, I’m trapped in your perception, caught in amber fever, burns when you objectify me, shame won’t hurt me, scared to put my future on the line, can’t make me a fetish for you to desire…”

Ritual evolves into an anthemic, electronic pop track, which fans of Lady Gaga and Rina Sawayama will definitely be able to connect with, as the rising artist from East London delivers an immersive bop about setting boundaries, breaking free and being true to oneself.

A lyrical highlight from Ritual is the assertive hook, “I′m gonna break the curse and find a way to dream…”, which is optimistic and showcases how Jason is ready to move forward from that which once oppressed him.

We appreciate the layered vocals and charismatic delivery from the artist, who shares his perspective on self-realization with the bold, dark pop composition. Whilst featuring a nod to his theatrical glam-pop roots, Jason Kwan showcases a fresh pop sensibility with Ritual, and we are here to stan!

Jason Kwan made his Glastonbury Festival debut this year with a 45 minute solo set, and was named “Asian on the Rise” by Attitude. Jason has built a dedicated following, and has been unafraid to push forward discourse around identity and culture.

His music has been featured on Channel 4, GAY TIMES, Vogue Spain, Time Out, Kaltblut, Hunger and more, and it is no surprise that Ritual has already had its first airplay on BBC Radio!

In the past year, Jason has performed alongside Olly Alexander (Years & Years), Little Mix, and is currently brand ambassador for NYX Professional Makeup alongside Anne-Marie and Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney. Jason’s platform and music champions queer-Asian identities and experiences, placing important narratives at the forefront of his work.

We learn that there will be a “witchy, dark energy” music video accompanying Ritual, which we cannot wait to see! In the meantime, we have added Ritual to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream Jason Kwan‘s wider discography, including Sometimes I Cry and Give Me up to Love.

The post Jason Kwan releases powerful and anthemic new single, Ritual appeared first on KIMU.