Jett Kwong plays a mean 21 string
Interview conducted on June 05, 2019
by Dan Locke
Jett’s work is colored by themes such as family, her identity as a mixed heritage woman, and the complexities of colonial history. “Our identities are colored by the context in which we are in – the way we grow up, our appearance, and our basic interests and beliefs”. It is through this belief that she channels her desire to seek out the true roots of individuality.
New single ‘Cream’ the single is an ode to summer, a time passed, to lusting over someone and ultimately lusting over an idealized version of a persona and the past. Kwong reveals, “I was inspired by the realization that we all, including myself, fall prey to the romanization of history, and the exoticism of Asia and Asian people. This to me is a legacy of colonialism, and that lens is particularly interesting when I apply them to my own family’s stories of surviving war, flourishing in post-WWII Hong Kong, and immigrating to the US”. ‘Cream’ evokes the balmy imagery of Kwong’s grandparents strolling down the road in 1940’s Hong Kong in their beautiful, tailored clothes – in stark contrast to the reality of their inequality in a British colony and their everyday struggles to survive and ultimately immigrate. Sonically the single features ethereal vocals, shimmering soundscapes and hints of Kwong’s Chinese influences.
Sonically influenced by a variety of sounds from different eras, Jett’s music is built from pieces of the past with an essence of the future. With the desire to spark conversations about identity, the singer/songwriter confides, “I am inspired to tell not only me and my family’s histories but a broader story of culture – to be a conduit for those stories and to find more innovative ways to express them.”
Empowered by issues surrounding women’s rights, social and political reform and questions around justice, Jett hopes to contribute towards conversations for affecting change. Having performed at prestigious venues including the renown Carnegie Hall, Jett Kwong is ready for the next installment of her journey.
Dan Locke: Your music has many different layers of beautiful colors and tones. How did you start? Who do you think inspired you to start playing Chinese music?
Jett Kwong: Thank you! I started taking voice lessons when I was five. It clicked immediately, and I’ve been singing ever since.
No one person inspired me – I am half Chinese, so I’ve been enveloped in Chinese culture my whole life. I saw an incredible Chinese opera while in Germany, and that was the point at which I knew I wanted to learn a Chinese instrument.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
I listened to all kinds of music growing up – my earliest memories of music are the Carpenters, Blondie, and Johnny Cash.
You play a Chinese Guzheng, which is a 16 to 21 string Chinese plucked zither (instrument). How does one learn how to play it? And can you learn to play it by looking at YouTube videos?
Like anything, I’d say one learns from taking lessons, practicing, and experimenting. I think YouTube is great for tutorials, but there is no comparison with in-person interactions.
Do you prefer either silk strings or metal strings wrapped with nylon?
The modern guzheng only uses nylon coated metal strings.
Is there a difference between a Guzheng and a Koto?
The Koto is the Japanese version of the guzheng. It has different strings, a different body shape, and is played differently.
Does the 12 Girl Band use one. (12 Girls Band are an all-female Chinese musical group that initially consisted of twelve members before the addition of a thirteenth.
Twelve Girls Band use traditional Chinese instruments to play both traditional Chinese and Western music. Formed on June 18, 2001, the women were selected by audition from more than 4,000 contestants. Each woman is classically-trained, and the band members come from various conservatories in the People’s Republic of China, including the China Academy of Music, the Chinese National Orchestra, and the Central Conservatory of Music.)
Yes, I believe they use a few.
Do you play any other instrument?
I’ve dabbled, but between the voice and guzheng I’m set for now!
You have played all over the world including places like Carnegie Hall to art galleries. Which performance holds the most meaning in your heart?
The last performance I did in LA for my single release was really special. It was at Chungking studio in Chinatown, and a whole village came out to help set up and support. It was a beautiful, intimate experience for me, and I count my lucky stars every day for the friends, artists, and inspiration around me.
How did you get involved with the Koch Brothers project “Climate Change Denial”?
To be clear, Funny or Die produced a spoof video on the Koch Brothers called “Climate Change Deniers’ Anthem”. I was cast as a vocalist with the Silver Lake Chorus – it was a super fun project to be a part of. The writers at Funny or Die are amazing.
Did you know that Garageband has a Guzheng on its APP?
Nothing compares to the real deal!
I have seen the Guzheng being used in rock music by Wang Yong of Chi Jian. Do you feel it should be used more widely in today music?
I don’t know if it should be, but it certainly can be utilized more. I think the utilization of any non-western instrument can be interesting as long as it’s treated with respect and not used as an “ethnic” prop.
How would you describe the sound of the Guzheng to someone who is deaf?
The guzheng is a plucked stringed instrument that is able to sound like a trickling waterfall, dense thunder, or a glittering sea.
Your YouTube channel has a few subscribers, but you have many viewers. Why do you think this is happening?
I’m flattered that you think 5,000 views is a lot! I’ve had a lot of write ups and features recently, as well as some bigger shows with bands like Talos. I’m not the best at asking people to subscribe though – definitely something I’m working towards!
Tell me about the Silver Lake Chorus?
The Silver Lake Chorus is a choir I joined a few years ago. We arrange songs written for us or donated by artists such as Beck, Kimbra, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, and Lucius – to name a few.
If you had the change to open up your music to a larger audience, which band would you like to open up for so you music could be heard?
That’s a tough question – but right now I’d say Patrick Watson or Solange.
What was unspoiled jewels?
Unspoiled Jewels is a jewelry company I modeled for a few years back.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Healthy, happy, and still learning.
Anything you like to say in closing?
Shimmering Experimental PopThank you! Follow me on Instagram @JettKwong for all the updates.
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