Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenton Chen.
Kenton, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I went to University of Southern California for Vocal Jazz, and when I graduated, I took part in a reality competition show on NBC called the Sing-Off. From there, my life took many turns; I went on tour with Ben Folds, took a job teaching at Musicians Institute, moved to Santa Monica, worked for a health food company managing their branding, all the while sidelining as a commercial actor.
It wasn’t til a few years ago that I took a leap of faith and pursued music/acting full time. (And by full time, I mean that I also worked as a server for my favorite restaurant Pine and Crane.). It hasn’t been a breeze, and I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices, but it’s definitely been worth it. I started classes at BGB studios, which reignited my passion for acting (I was a theatre minor at USC), and last year, I began studying at IDSA in Hollywood. A part-time conservatory, Identity School of Acting has not only honed my craft but pushed me to take myself and my career to the next level.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I grew up as a queer POC with a religious family in a conservative suburb. I was very fortunate in my friendships, but still, it was isolating, and at times, heartbreaking. Add to that the public nature of being a performer…ya – there’s a lot to unravel there.
I think entertainers, especially in Los Angeles, are too easily pulled away from our purpose in search of the next job. It’s not that we seek fame, per se; just that we tire from the hustle. We start to panic when we feel we’re not reaching our goals, that we’re slipping behind our peers. I can surely relate to that. “Why did my friends just play the Greek Theater, or star in their next sitcom, while I am still trying to nab a one-liner on a Snapchat show?” I believe that it’s all about timing. I had many opportunities in the past I didn’t take, and I’m glad I never took them because I just wasn’t ready. I didn’t know why I was acting/singing, and without a sense of direction, I would always be lost.
It’s taken me a long time to fully realize it, but I think I’ve found my purpose: to reach out to people with experiences like mine, whether they are straight, queer, POC or not, and help them feel seen and understood. I want them to know that they matter. By being open and honest through my art, I can show that we are not alone. We are not defined by our history.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I act (TV/Film) and sing (jazz, pop, indie R&B), performing all around LA. You can catch me at Perch downtown on Mondays (7-10 PM) with the Molly Miller band (aka Local Honey LA). I also perform jazz at Blue Whale, and all sorts of indie venues with my band Bridesmen. I’ll be appearing in the upcoming NBC show Perfect Harmony, debuting September 26 this fall. Also, I just voiced the character of Morgyn in the upcoming Sims 4 Game Pack.
On YouTube, I’m most known for my collaborations with Scary Pockets and Postmodern Jukebox. My voice is a cross of soul and jazz, with a sprinkle of unabashed flare.
As far as my proudest achievement, it’s got to be my song/video for Bridesmen’s “Someone Who Loves Me”
I came up with the video concept, brought in the director/cinematographer, and convinced my friends to get naked to create this wonderful tapestry of vulnerability, love, and honesty.
That’s what I think sets me apart. I’m not ashamed to be who I am – or at least, if I feel any shame, I push past it. There are many queer artists, Asian artists, jazz artists, pop artists, but the intersection of all those, combined with my need to push the boundaries and challenge expectations, are what make me distinctly me.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is when my art reaches people. Any day I get to create is a great day.
Do I have goals? You bet. Do I make action plans? Yes. But do I have a criteria which I must meet in order to feel accomplished? No.
Of course, I always feel I can do better. Promote better. Push harder.
But at the end of the day, I just have to ask myself: am I being moved by my art? Does this speak to my truth? Am I challenging myself? If the answer is yes, then I’m satisfied… The successes will continue to come, along with the “failures” – which is really just a misnomer for learning opportunities.-
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kentonchen.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/itskenton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kentonchenofficial/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/itskenton
- Other: www.youtube.com/kentonchenmusic
Image Credit:
Donnie Shilling, Emily Butler, Jon Sams, Ricky Chavez, Lenore Melo, Stephanie Kim, Paige Stockwell
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