A fresh, young 25-year-old singer-songwriter with big dreams and an ever-expanding fanbase, artist Jamie Kent’s future as a performer looks quite promising. Drawing on influences from modern artists like Ray Lamontagne and Amos Lee as well as paying tribute to classic greats like Bruce Springsteen and Ray Charles, Kent’s perfectly mellifluous tunes are roll-the-windows-down, soak-up-some-sun kind of good. Since the release of his debut album “Neoteny,” the singer-songwriter is currently collaborating with his trio, Jamie Kent & The Options, to cultivate a sound with a strong folk rock, americana, and funk influence. In the past year they have toured extensively across the US, playing over 200 shows throughout 40 states, including multiple showcases at the South By Southwest Music Festival. Additionally, they have received international radio play on over 120 stations (including BBC Radio), and recently signed licensing agreements with MTV, VH1, Bravo, and The Discovery Network! In October 2012 Jamie was accepted in ASCAP’s 2012 Lester Sill Songwriting Workshop where he spent a month working with some of the best writers in the business writing material for his next album (due out in 2013), and other prominent artists in the industry.
As an independent musician Kent has also created a unique business model to support himself full time. “The Collective”, as it’s called, is a community of his Kent’s most loyal fans, friends, and advisors who support his career from day one, and reap the greatest returns from its growth. “Partners” in The Collective provide financial support and creative consultation in return for free access to exclusive cuts of his music, live performances, the coolest merchandise, and a voice in the major decisions he must make throughout his career. Already The Collective has fully funded Kent’s first year and was able to vote on and determine the album art and album order of his debut record.
Reviews of Kent’s music have stated that he “possesses a great voice and a fearlessness to be admired as he drifts through glimpses of blues, jazz, and rock notes that suggest Steely Dan influences without being derivative.” He has been called a troubadour, entrepreneur, and vocal sensation. “With an authentic voice that often evokes the moaning grooveness of Chicago’s Bobby Lamm, he’s got tremendous range, a unique playfullness, and a certain fearlessness. This one has true promise.”