London-based artist Jason Kwan (he/they), unveils “Deja Vu,” a standout single heralding the release of his highly anticipated inaugural EP, also entitled “Deja Vu.” Known for his opening performances for Rina Sawayama and his appearances at the Glastonbury Festival, Jason now builds upon his burgeoning career by introducing a quintet of tracks through his debut EP “Deja Vu,” scheduled for full release on June 28th, 2024. The EP rollout will commence with two preliminary singles leading up to the launch date.
Delving into fresh creative dimensions, “Deja Vu” embodies a divergence in Jason’s musical journey. Drawing influence from the 1970s city pop genre and storytelling elements of lyrical indie pop, Jason delves into the bittersweet reflections of his formative years traversing Hong Kong, London, and Kent. The single “Deja Vu” encapsulates the voyages of his earliest romances, the stirring revelations of his queer identity, and the clandestine warmth of hidden summertime passions. The emotional palette of the track, coupled with its accompanying visuals, channels a time when Jason explored his sexuality in secrecy, in the shadowy interludes of Hong Kong’s nights and dawns. Yet these introspective tones give way to the vibrancy of discovery and the exuberance of love and defiance that the music celebrates. The video, crafted by cinematographer Darius Shu in London and Kent, is an ode to the distinctive Cantonese visual style of filmmaker Wong Kar Wai, an influence both Jason and Darius hold dear from their upbringing in Southeast Asia.
“I wrote “Deja Vu” about the constant re-discovery of cherished moments, new experiences, and getting back together with the people you love. Every time I allowed myself to be exactly who I was, I felt this feeling of deja vu, where every experience was new and exciting but also felt familiar and warm. Although there’s something dark about not being able to be expressively queer when I was growing up in Hong Kong, I also experienced so much beauty and joy in those late night and early morning moments. I didn’t want my darker circumstances to mar the beauty of romance and self-discovery. “Deja Vu” is my celebration and release of uninhibited joy.”
Recognized as a resonant beacon within the LGBTQ+ and Asian circles, Jason’s story began in Hong Kong, leading him to relocate solo to the UK at 14 on a music scholarship, continuously self-financing his musical endeavors since. His lyrical themes and collaborative efforts in brand campaigns vehemently spotlight queer-Asian narratives, pushing these often-overlooked stories to the forefront of his artistic expressions. In 2023, Jason graced the UK Black Pride’s main stage, along with showcasing his talent at Pride in London and Manchester Pride. Beyond his solo artistry, he serves as a Company Director for The Bitten Peach, a queer pan-Asian performance collective.
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Deja Vu is out now: https://lnk.to/jasonkwan_dejavu
