Q&A: Filipina R&B Pop Artist Jay Kent Delivers a Dose of Soul with New Single “N-QUIL”
HAILING FROM ANGELES, PHILIPPINES — Jay Kent is making waves with her eclectic sound and sultry voice. At 22, the emerging R&B–pop artist has already garnered significant attention, amassing over 132K followers and 1.2M likes on TikTok. One of Kent’s latest singles, "Texting," marks her first release of 2024. The steamy song delves into the complexities of modern romance and the pitfalls of digital communication, offering an honest reflection on relationships in the digital age.
Co-written with Nakkia Gold and Soko7, "Texting" showcases Kent’s ability to blend smooth vocals with mesmerizing instrumentals, creating a soulful and relatable anthem.
As she continues to experiment with different sounds and genres, Kent remains committed to making music that resonates with listeners and brings joy. With her unique style and dedication to her craft, Kent is undoubtedly a rising star to watch.
The artist sat down with Luna to discuss the inspiration behind "Texting," her creative process, her journey as an artist and a sneak peek into her newest single, “N-QUIL.” She opens up about how she blends R&B and pop, her musical influences, and her aspirations for the future. Read the full interview below.
LUNA: What inspired you to write your new single, "Texting"?
KENT: "Texting" is about avoiding confrontation in a relationship. I wrote it with Nakkia Gold and Soko7. It was Soko's idea, but I thought it would be different to write about how people rely on their phones instead of talking in person.
LUNA: That's awesome. What was the production process like for the single? Any highlights?
KENT: We started with the hook, "don't go texting me," and hummed melodies. They wanted to use my voice at the beginning, but the intro part is actually Nakkia's voice, which added a lot of texture to the track.
LUNA: I heard you've been on tour with GSoul. How has that been?
KENT: At first, I was nervous. I'm used to performing in the Philippines, so it was a new setting. When I went on stage for the first stop in Boston, I realized it was a lot more different than where I normally perform. The engagement was great, and I got to meet new people.
LUNA: I'd love to hear more about your artistic journey. How do you experiment with different sounds and genres?
KENT: I used to do a lot of ballads and jazz with just the piano. I was challenged to try different tracks from various producers. I realized I didn't want a specific sound. I just wanted to be me, trying out different genres without having something specific in mind.
LUNA: That makes sense. Do you face any challenges blending R&B and pop?
KENT: Pop is more about the sound of the instrumentals. My melodies lean towards R&B and jazz. The instrumentals are more pop, but the melodies are R&B. I don't do it on purpose; I just go with what sounds good.
LUNA: And it sounds great! You’ve worked with a lot of awesome producers. Do you have a favorite collaboration so far?
KENT: I don't have a favorite because they're all different in their own ways. I learn something new from each session. The most impactful collaboration was with Fredro on the production side and Sebastian Kole when it came to songwriting.
LUNA: Do you have any musical influences?
KENT: I'm in love with Beyoncé. She’s my wife, she just doesn’t know it yet. Ed Sheeran also influences me a lot in songwriting and experimenting with music.
LUNA: What can fans expect from your future projects?
KENT: I just released another single, “N-QUIL,” while I was on tour. As for future projects, we’ll keep it a surprise and release when we’re ready.
LUNA: Can you describe "N-QUIL" for those who haven’t heard it yet?
KENT: "N-QUIL" is about liking someone but being careful not to take too much of them, similar to the actual medicine. It’s an antidote, but you have to be careful with it.
LUNA: I’m excited to listen. Are there any particular themes or concepts you want to explore in your future music?
KENT: I guess I'll know when I get there. I’m open to anything new as long as it suits what I want to portray.
LUNA: Do you have any long-term goals as an artist?
KENT: I want to make music that makes people happy. I want to perform on a stage where people can sing along and relate to my songs. Long-term, maybe I could sell out Madison Square Garden.
