London-based artist Jason Kwan is back to talk to us about his latest single, 'Deja Vu, ' from his upcoming debut EP. 

We discuss the music video, career highlights and so much more.

Hi Jason! Congratulations on your new single ‘Deja Vu’. Your single came out this month - so it’s super fresh. What has the reaction been like?

Thank you! ‘Deja Vu’ came out on Feb 21st and it’s the lead single for my debut EP, also called “Deja Vu”! I had a headline showcase at Moth Club on release day where I gave the audience an exclusive sneak peek of the full EP. It was overwhelming to get such a warm response of love. My mom even flew in from Hong Kong for that show. I can’t wait to release more songs from this project. I’ve been teasing ‘Deja Vu’ all last summer, performing it at different festivals, so it feels amazing for it to be out now.

Where did the inspiration come from with this upbeat single?

I wanted to write a pop song that captures freshness and newness, happening on repeat. ‘Deja Vu’ is about me re-experiencing that first-love feeling, where every time feels as passionate as the first time. The song is about queer awakenings, re-discoveries, and celebrating memories that may have happened in darker places in your life, but were moments of pure joy.

Has there been a time when you had Deja Vu? And what happened?

I often feel deja vu when I'm home from a gig at 3 in the morning eating Taco Bell. It always feels like it's happened before. There's such a safe and comfortable feeling when I'm in my flat, enjoying takeout by myself.

Could you tell us a bit more about your music video for 'Deja Vu'?

The music video for 'Deja Vu' captures a series of really fun memories I had, growing up between Hong Kong and Kent with my besties and lovers. My friend Darius Shu directed it, and we were both heavily inspired by Wong Kar Wai's cinematography growing up in Southeast Asia. I wanted to explore queer love in its purest forms; self-discovery, queer awakenings, and uninhibited joy. I loved the smashing scene and the Kent countryside scenes - we shot it over two days and fit in I think seven different scenes! Definitely the most fun I've had shooting a music video.

Do you think we’re seeing enough East Asian musicians in the music industry?

I think we’re seeing a rise in East Asian representation, especially through K-pop, but the language and representation around that is still very heteronormative. Queerness is still quite tabooed in Asian representation.

What has been your career highlight so far?

My career highlight was honestly my headline showcase at Moth Club on Feb 21st. The energy was out of this world, I got to celebrate my music with my friends, family, and fans, and I am very proud to be releasing a full EP this year.

Lastly, what is the rest of 2024 planned for Jason Kwan? 

I’m releasing my debut EP called “Deja Vu”! I’ll be dropping the ‘Deja Vu’ music video on Feb 28th, then will be dropping a few more singles in the lead up to the EP coming out this summer. Follow me on @jasonkwanmusic. I hope you enjoy the music and my music video.