Kentö

"My parents are lightening and soda pop," writes pop newcomer Kentö on his Facebook page, which is a pretty darn good way to sum up his peppy brand of electro-edged pop. The up and coming Brazilian/Japanese crooner worked with none other than pop maestro Frankmusik to develop a sleek and distinct sound for his forthcoming debut EP. Point in case is his crispy new single, entitled "Complicated," that was co-written by Frankmusik, and produced by Frankmusik, Kentö, Planet Purple and Z. Nishizawa.

Inspired by artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Robyn and Phoenix, Kentö started singing at the age of 6 and recorded his first demos on a series of old tape recorder decks. Now based in Los Angeles, the international capital of pop, he just put the finishing touches on his yet-to-be-titled debut EP that he will release independently via Popsonik Records this upcoming spring. "Ever since I could remember I knew I would be a singer," he writes on Facebook. "My life is crazy now, traveling between Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Sao Paulo, working with some of the raddest people. I wouldn't change a thing."

The expertly-crafted "Complicated" is a promising peek at Kentö's EP that reportedly also features a cover of Bjork's "Hyper-Ballad." Frankmusik has his crafty (and infinitely talented) hands all over "Complicated." The track is dominated by a soaring pre-chorus, raving synths, tribal drums and an amped up, adventurous middle-eight (a Frankmusik trademark) with some subtle vocal chops. Add to that meaningful lyrics with clever wordplay like, "lost my cause 'cause I was losing it all," and what you have is a potent pop confection that will surely put Kentö on the map in 2013. - arjanwrites.com

It really isn't complicated for us, Kentö. You're hot, can sing and are hot. That's the true definition of a triple threat, right? The L.A.-based nascent pop-star has been taken under Frankmusik's wing (a wing we'd like to get under) to embody his inspirations, Robyn, Elvis and Phoenix in one yummy, delectable sonic package. Swoon with us as we check out Kentö's new single, "Complicated." - Instinct Magazine

Frankmusik has a new protégé and his name is Kentö. He definitely has all the hallmarks of early Frankmusik and to us that’s just fine and dandy.

Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of either as that’s the whole point of us being your music radar. We get the fine artists, bands and tunes to you to save you aching the brain.

Anyway. Kentö has a bit of Coldplay going on, a bit of Frankmusik and maybe a bit of Gotye/Sting going on too in the old vocal territory.

Give it a go: - Your Music Radar

FINALLY: an official release from Kentö. The lyric-only video allows the listener to focus on the song’s production (love those drums), as well as Kentö’s powerful vocals, and serves as a reminder that “Complicated” is ripe for insertion into your nightclub fantasy/ teenage wasteland montage/ life soundtrack circa spring 2013. Plus, now you won’t need to desperately parse the internet for teasers and snippets. Not like your’s truly has ever done so… - Snack Tunes

"Complicated," is the first single from Frankmusik's latest protégé, singer-songwriter, Kentö. "Complicated," was co-written by him and Frankmusik, and co-produced by Frankmusik and Planet Purple. His look and sound is rather delicious. We will surely keep an eye out on this one this year! - Popjustice