Brian Kent

Brian Kent is an American Singer/Songwriter/Music Producer with several well-known hits that have received much recognition on platforms such as the Billboard Dance Chart, Sirius Satellite Radio’s Hot 20 Chart, and the Logo TV Top Ten Music Videos. He is best known for his singles “Whatcha Doin’ to Me” from his album Breathe Life and “I’ll Find a Way,” which was nominated for the Out Music Single of the Year in 2010. Kent has recently finished working on a remix for popular artist Ella Henderson that will be released in the near future.

Blazer by Miranda Kurtishi
Tie by Stylist Own
Shirt by Vintage Versace

What made you decide to get started in the music business?
I don't think getting into the music business is something you actually decide, it's more like something that just happens because of an innate passion for the art. I mean, who would choose to be in such a competitive, difficult, and at times, unforgiving industry. As a child, it was an escape from reality, from being different, and it somehow allowed me to feel okay with who I was or at least who I was trying to figure out I was going to be. I think music, whether you're writing it or just listening to it, does that for everyone in some way.

Which of your albums or songs would you say has had the most personal connection for you?
"I'll Find A Way" was a special track for me. It was inspired by my grandmother's battle with breast cancer at age 90. The doctors had recommended a mastectomy, but she was not having any of that so she found a way to battle it through extensive research on newer treatments. She was old Hollywood and despite her age, being single, and getting the diagnosis, she overcame it and went into remission. The video speaks to people from all walks of life finding a way to deal with personal obstacles in their lives, whether it be discrimination, disease, stereotypes or anything else.

You’ve done many different things within the music industry, such as producing, singing, songwriting, even event-planning. What has been your favorite and which do you feel you have been the most successful?
It's funny, often times people ask what I do and I have to take a second and think “How do I respond in a sentence.” I think like any industry or job, you grow, you want to learn more, and you want to be challenged. Singing lead to songwriting, which, in turn, leads to producing, which lead to DJ'ing and then creating large scale music events, and so on. I hope I can say that I've had success in every area, which is why I was able to move from one to the next and still be in all of them at the same time. I love creating and the idea that something starts in your head as a thought or a sound and is intangible in the moment becomes tangible is truly fascinating and a high that’s hard to describe. My true passion, however, is on stage and always will be. Creating that bond between you and an audience in the moment is an experience like no other. I’m one hundred percent convinced it's what has kept me so young looking.

How has your success with your hit singles influenced your other positions in the music industry, such as DJing or producing?
Like any business, the longer you’re in it, the more connections you make, the more you contribute, and the more you learn. People tend to know your work and so it helps moving in different directions within the industry. I’ve been very fortunate to be supported by so many talented and amazing artists in this business. I do my best to pay that forward and foster a supportive environment in an industry that so often doesn’t show that.

Blazer by Miranda Kurtishi
Tie by Stylist Own
Shirt by Vintage Versace
Shoes by Aldo

Could you talk a little more about your creative process and how you are able to write the songs that you do?
It’s interesting, I have written songs so many different ways and with so many various processes. I think that’s what makes each track so special. Sometimes you hear something in your head and the lyrics follow. Other times, you have an experience that you want to write about and the music follows. Other times, you hear both at the same time so you just never know. I think it’s more about letting the process reveal itself and being able to hear it and listen to it. From there you follow it.

You recently opened One Six One in Puerto Vallarta. What inspired this decision and how does it connect to your other career?
It may seem like a different business, but in reality, it’s quite similar. I love entertaining and I love nightlife. This was just another way for me to bring music, nightlife, entertaining, and being creative all together in one place. Building an environment from the ground up, choosing the décor, feeling, music, lighting, and brand are all part of the most creative things I’ve done. All of this affords me an opportunity to bring talent in from around the world and be a place that industry and non-industry people alike come to mingle and have fun.

How has your event-planning and promoting positions helped you with the logistics of opening a bar?
I think when people know your work, they know who you are, and they know the quality of the product you put out there, they are naturally interested in seeing what you’ve created next. Obviously, being accustomed to building and creating events and marketing them, it was natural to apply those lessons to opening the bar.

What was it like recently to work with artist Ella Henderson on a new remix?
As with so many projects in this day and age of technology, we didn’t actually get to work together one-on-one. I fell in love with her voice during her time on The X factor UK, a few years back, and wanted to work or perform with her. I’ve always wanted to produce a mix and so I decided she would be my first with a song that was so much fun to work with. The track is called “Risk It All” and our mix called “Brian Kent vs House of Frappier” will be available very soon. Not only was it Ella Henderson, but the House Gospel Choir sing on it with her and I LOVE their work. It was a dream come true for my first music producing gig.

What other upcoming projects or goals do you have for the future?
I’m currently working on a new original track that will be released as a single and beginning to work on a new album, which is long overdue. My fans have been very patient, and I can’t wait to focus on writing for a bit. In addition to that, I have a season of 2022 events about to be announced, DJ gigs lined up around the U.S. and overseas. Of course, I’ll continue to work on new music productions with various artists. As long as I have my creative juices flowing, I’m heading in the right direction.

What is your Social?
Facebook.com: briankentmusic
Instagram: @BrianKentOfficial
Twitter: @BrianKentMusic
Website: briankentmusic.com

Brian Kent

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