Los Angeles, CA – Soulful-pop artist KENTON has released his six-track EP, Sweetmouth (Sugar Free). The EP is a collection of stripped-down versions from his 2025 album, Sweetmouth, along with an acoustic rendition of a song he released with his project, Bridesmen. Shaped by deep reflection, during which he learned to process his emotions and embrace forgiveness, this acoustic collection offers a raw, introspective lens into a deeply personal project about his childhood experiences and current realities as a queer Asian American growing up in America. Sweetmouth (Sugar Free) is now available on all streaming platforms.
KENTON’s Sugar Free version of Sweetmouth includes an acoustic version of the wrenching ballad, “I’m Breaking My Father’s Heart,” the cheeky pop single, “Wannabe American,” the pensive and punctuated “Never Born,” and the melancholic crooner, “Without You.” Three of these songs offer individual perspectives on accepting one’s identity amid strife in present-day America. For instance, “I’m Breaking My Father’s Heart” reflects on the tragic reality of falling short of parental expectations while staying true to oneself. “Wannabe American,” in contrast, critiques the American Dream, while highlighting the commodification of Asian culture in the US. The normally bouncy track still takes on a comical approach as KENTON sings, “Took a Tai Chi class from a white guy / Threw my back out while he philosophized / How our western hustle culture / Turned us into anxious vultures.” “Never Born” asks the existential question: “What if I was never born?” Written from the perspective of KENTON as a child, the song recalls how his parents struggled financially, and his mom would pray for an answer. This left KENTON feeling like his very existence was a burden— a weight he carried into adulthood. The song closes with the line, “Fighting to keep love safe / Watching you break and wishing I was never born.” In “Without You,” KENTON reflects on his complex relationship with his ailing father. Alongside those tracks, the thoughtful pop artist has also left room for “Let Light In,” and “The Times,” two projects that reflect on radical acceptance in the face of adversity. While the live version of “Let Light In” describes the cataclysmic, eye-opening experience of letting go of the past and allowing light into his life, “The Times” reflects on the hope and resilience one must find to survive a world that feels like it’s suffocating. The combination of the two songs, which bookend the project, tells a story of one person’s struggle to fit in amongst cultural imperialism and western dominance, who finally finds a way to break toward an individual, present path. “These songs are my way of reconciling my past and present, but it’s also an encouragement to all the immigrant, queer children who never felt they belonged,” KENTON explains.
The son of Taiwanese immigrants, KENTON grew up in sunny California, a place where he struggled to find his footing as an Asian American. He graduated from USC’s celebrated Thornton School of Music, where he studied jazz and later gained national attention with The Backbeats on NBC’s The Sing-Off. KENTON’s impressive multi-disciplinary resume includes touring with Ben Folds and Katy Perry, collaborating with popular projects such as Postmodern Jukebox and Scary Pockets, and supporting major artists including Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Kesha, Demi Lovato, Portugal. The Man, Cynthia Erivo, and Jennifer Hudson. On screen, KENTON has appeared in over a dozen national commercials and TV shows, including Superstore (NBC), Platonic (Apple), Night Court (NBC), The Rookie (ABC), and Perfect Harmony (NBC). Most recently, he voiced Mogui in Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld (Netflix) and appeared in Disney’s Wish and Netflix’s Wish Dragon. Later this month, KENTON will star in the East West Players production of Rodger and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song at the Aratani Theatre in Los Angeles. His music has been touted in the press by Billboard, EQ Music, Earmilk, The Fader, Atwood Magazine, Ladygunn, and more.
Sweetmouth (Sugar Free) takes the best of KENTON’s original release and amplifies its emotive power. The EP is now available to stream. Accompanying music videos for most of the tracks can be seen on his YouTube channel. For more information regarding upcoming releases, follow KENTON on Instagram @itsKenton and visit his website ItsKENTON.com.
