OK, the cat’s out of the bag. So to speak.
Singer Kevin I. released today – Valentine’s Day, his birthday – a new studio version of his early, early yesteryear hit, “One in Love.”
The timing is essential here. Kevin earlier updated his beloved catalogue of music which had been on the shelf for four decades, and his “My Continuum” EP was released last February. It found a receptive audience that adored his romantic sound.
I wondered out loud to him: “Too bad you couldn’t release it on Valentine’s Day, to celebrate your birthday.”
Interestingly, his recordings intersect with his life. No other singer I know jump-starts a career 40 years after turning off the mike; however, Kevin’s journey has had a marvelous turnaround. His vintage melodies caught the ears and hearts of Spotify fans, who discovered this retired vocalist who still had limited love songs in stock. Kevin always focused on romantic tunes, since he’s got the voice to deliver ‘em, and that’s what connects with his audience.
His newest update is “One in Love,” is a melody he performed at the Tokyo Music Festival years ago, earning the Grand Prize laurels. So something old is new again.
He’s chatted about this tune, I’ve written about it, so his fan base is no stranger to his work.
“This song has always been deeply special to me. It validated me professionally, solidified my reputation as a vocalist, and honestly changed the course of my life. Fast forward to today, and Lance Jyo stepped way outside his comfort zone by producing a song he didn’t compose.”
Kevin’s big on yesteryear tunes; his collection of ‘80s songs triggered a new life and fueled a base of loyalists who want more.
“One in Love” is the ideal Valentine’s Day tune, so its release today globally is timely marketing. It has a past, but certainly will enjoy a new future, too.
I commend Kevin’s decision to finally open up his well-oiled pipes – his voice, silly – and go into the studio to update “One in Love,” which has uncharted magic and potential to connect with those who’ve been streaming his music. To his current fan base, this is a new, fresh commodity.
Kevin knows his way around a love song; he enhances lyrics, adding his own warmth and vibes. In this particular case, he’s caressing and embracing an old friend from the past. He’s wanted to give “One in Life” new life, so yep, he can finally check this one off his bucket list.
He’s had a grand career in the business community, and is not likely to return to live singing. (I could be wrong! But he’s not likely to go live)…
And that’s Show Biz…