KENTON is a queer, Asian-American pop artist who uses his personal experiences to inform the visceral narratives he pens. His lyrics are deep cut and demonstrate a stark level of emotionality. His latest single “Gift of Loneliness” is about rewriting his own story and seeing loneliness as something that’s given him the strength to become the artist he is today.
“Gift of Loneliness” shines with sparkling synths, brooding percussion, and cathartic vocals from KENTON that unleash his inner-thoughts. He sings, “Hands up / No regrets / The gift of loneliness / Gotten used to the feelin’.” The music video for the single captures KENTON in a dark bedroom grappling with his state of solitude. KENTON sheds light on the queer experience with his vivid and insightful lyrics that offer a window into his psyche.
Telling the story behind his single, KENTON confides, “My pastor gave a sermon about the gifts of the spirit. They included prophecy, service, encouragement, and teaching. After, a girl came up to me, and without hesitation told me “you have the gift of loneliness.” We were maybe 10, but we both knew what she meant. I was queer. I was never going to have a wife, children, any of the things that our church deemed the emblems of a blessed life. God had “blessed” me with the gift of being alone forever. For years, I held onto that label, believing it made me less valuable, less lovable. Reflecting back on it now, I really do see it as a gift. My queerness, my loneliness, it has freed me from a lot of the expectations of society. Truth is, we’re all a bit lonely. The true gift of loneliness comes from embracing it with open arms.”
“Gift of Loneliness” is the third single from KENTON’s highly anticipated upcoming album Sweetmouth. He’s a rising voice in pop who’s gained notoriety by supporting artists among the likes of Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Kesha, Demi Lovato, Portugal. The Man, Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson, and Katy Perry. “Gift of Loneliness” is a powerful next chapter for KENTON as an artist.
