Jason Kent has been making music his whole life as a frontman with his band Sunfields, and has recorded and toured as a sideman in an array of Montréal bands. His debut album was released in 2006, and his sophomore album Soft Commotion, 15 years later. Now he brings us his latest album, Common Tongues (out June 2nd), which delves into the caverns of song with grainy vocals, acid-laced guitars, boisterous pianos and swampy undertones of vintage folk rock.
“Fake Those Blues” captures a moment in time of a singer banging away at his piano. The whole time Kent was writing this song, he was just trying to keep up with it because it was literally written and recorded in two days.
Kent and his engineer/mixer, Sam Gemme agreed that the song dictated that it wanted to be “live” sounding and natural. Some might categorize it as ’70’s sounding. One can almost picture Harry Nilsson and John Lennon snorting lines off the console, cranking the master fader and singing along at the tops of their lungs!
We caught up with Jason for an exclusive interview below!
What can you share with readers about your new project?
It’s actually an old project that I’ve been working on for years. My band Sunfields was just an extension of my solo work. I simply decided to go solo because like lots of artists during the pandemic, I started making records alone again.
How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?
It’s really just a continuation of where I left off from my last record. Ultimately, my goal is to write good, honest songs, plain and simple.
What about this single makes you most proud?
I love the vibe and the liveliness of this song, particularly the drumming. The drummer (Guillaume Ethier) and I had oodles of fun recording it, and I feel like that comes across in the performance.
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
There was no clear goal in mind. As I mentioned, I’m just trying to write good songs, and when I went into the studio that day, this was the last thing I’d written that I was excited about.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
Life keeps me motivated and moving, and songwriting is a craft that I work at almost everyday. I find inspiration comes easy and it’s in everything.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why?
If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out. I don’t think I’d want to collaborate with anyone dead or alive for the simple reason that I admire them because of what they do, without me. I wouldn’t want to impose my stamp on their work. Having said that, I would have loved to sing some harmonies with the late David Crosby, or strummed a few chords with Nick Drake, or watched Kazimir Malevich at work!
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
Last night I had the Footloose soundtrack on my turntable. There’s so many great songs on it. But my favourite band of all time will always be The Beatles. Nothing will ever top them.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
I sometimes carrouse Instagram, but to be honest the best place to find me is probably at my local grocery store.
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off? I’d like to share that love is free and it’s everywhere. XO
