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Kevin I.
My Career
Music
PlayList
Artist Chronology
Lyrics
Gallery
Blog
Acknowledgements
Kevin I.
My Career
Music
PlayList
Artist Chronology
Lyrics
Gallery
Blog
Acknowledgements
My Career
Music
PlayList
Artist Chronology
Lyrics
Gallery
Blog
Acknowledgements
The Magic of Two (or Three): Top 10 Best Christmas Duets & Trios of All Time
Kevin Iwamoto 12/12/25 Kevin Iwamoto 12/12/25

The Magic of Two (or Three): Top 10 Best Christmas Duets & Trios of All Time

Christmas is better when we sing together. Kevin I. ranks the top 10 vocal collaborations of all time—from Bing & Bowie to modern harmony groups.

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"Peace on Earth" in 2025: Why We Crave Christmas Lyrics with Substance
Kevin Iwamoto 12/11/25 Kevin Iwamoto 12/11/25

"Peace on Earth" in 2025: Why We Crave Christmas Lyrics with Substance

Tired of songs about Santa and sleigh bells? Kevin I. explores the power of meaningful Christmas lyrics—from John Lennon to his own new single—and why we need them now more than ever.

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Top 10 Best 80s Christmas Songs That Aren't "Last Christmas"
Kevin Iwamoto 12/10/25 Kevin Iwamoto 12/10/25

Top 10 Best 80s Christmas Songs That Aren't "Last Christmas"

We all know Wham! rules the holidays. But the 80s gave us so much more. Kevin I. counts down the top 10 synth-pop, rock, and soul Christmas hits of the decade.

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The "Late Night Drive" Holiday Edition: Songs for City Lights & Empty Roads
Kevin Iwamoto 12/9/25 Kevin Iwamoto 12/9/25

The "Late Night Drive" Holiday Edition: Songs for City Lights & Empty Roads

The chaos of the holiday party is over. You are in the car. The roads are empty. Kevin I. curates the perfect smooth songs for your late-night holiday drive.

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Tired of Mariah? 5 Underrated Christmas Songs to Refresh Your Playlist
Kevin Iwamoto 12/8/25 Kevin Iwamoto 12/8/25

Tired of Mariah? 5 Underrated Christmas Songs to Refresh Your Playlist

We all love "All I Want For Christmas," but sometimes you need a break. 80s artist Kevin I. shares 5 underrated gems—from The Jackson 5 to The Carpenters—that refresh your holiday playlist.

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The Death of the Bridge: Why Modern Songs Are Getting Shorter
Kevin Iwamoto 12/5/25 Kevin Iwamoto 12/5/25

The Death of the Bridge: Why Modern Songs Are Getting Shorter

Songs are getting shorter, and the "bridge" is disappearing. Songwriter Kevin I. breaks down why the streaming economy is killing the bridge and lists 3 iconic examples of why we need it back.

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The Golden Age of the Duet: Why 80s Power Couples Did It Best
Kevin Iwamoto 12/4/25 Kevin Iwamoto 12/4/25

The Golden Age of the Duet: Why 80s Power Couples Did It Best

Why don't we see power duets like "Endless Love" anymore? Kevin I. explores the art of the 80s duet, lists 3 essentials, and explains the chemistry required to make voices blend.

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City Pop & Neon Lights: My Memories of Performing in the 80s Tokyo Music Scene
Kevin Iwamoto 12/3/25 Kevin Iwamoto 12/3/25

City Pop & Neon Lights: My Memories of Performing in the 80s Tokyo Music Scene

Japanese "City Pop" is viral, but Kevin I. was actually there. Read his firsthand account of the "Bubble Era" Tokyo music scene and performing at the Tokyo Music Festival.

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Why Don't Songs Fade Out Anymore? The Disappearing Art of the Outro
Kevin Iwamoto 12/2/25 Kevin Iwamoto 12/2/25

Why Don't Songs Fade Out Anymore? The Disappearing Art of the Outro

Ever notice how modern songs just stop? Veteran musician Kevin I. explains the death of the "fade-out," shares 3 iconic examples, and explains why the art of the long outro still matters.

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Wait, Is It "Yacht Rock"? Why the Smooth Sounds of the late 70s & 80s Are Back
Kevin Iwamoto 12/1/25 Kevin Iwamoto 12/1/25

Wait, Is It "Yacht Rock"? Why the Smooth Sounds of the late 70s & 80s Are Back

Why is Gen Z obsessed with "Yacht Rock"? Veteran artist Kevin I. breaks down the musical complexity behind the smooth West Coast sound, shares 3 essential albums, and explains why it’s making a massive comeback.

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The "Late Night Drive" Playlist: Songs for Empty Roads and City Lights
Kevin Iwamoto 11/28/25 Kevin Iwamoto 11/28/25

The "Late Night Drive" Playlist: Songs for Empty Roads and City Lights

Need the perfect soundtrack for a night drive? 80s artist Kevin I. shares a curated playlist of atmospheric, synth-heavy songs for empty roads and city lights.

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The Perfect Playlist for a Peaceful Thanksgiving
Kevin Iwamoto 11/27/25 Kevin Iwamoto 11/27/25

The Perfect Playlist for a Peaceful Thanksgiving

Need a Thanksgiving playlist that sets the perfect mood? Kevin I. shares a curated list of acoustic, grateful, and warm songs for your holiday dinner.

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Songs That Sound Happy But Are Actually Sad (And Why We Love Them)
Kevin Iwamoto 11/26/25 Kevin Iwamoto 11/26/25

Songs That Sound Happy But Are Actually Sad (And Why We Love Them)

Why do we dance to heartbreak? 80s artist Kevin I. explores the art of the "happy-sad" song, from Whitney Houston to his own new track "Shine."

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The 5 Most Heartbreaking 80s Ballads (That Aren't "Total Eclipse of the Heart")
Kevin Iwamoto 11/25/25 Kevin Iwamoto 11/25/25

The 5 Most Heartbreaking 80s Ballads (That Aren't "Total Eclipse of the Heart")

Looking for a good cry? Kevin I. shares 5 devastatingly beautiful 80s ballads that go deeper than the usual hits. Featuring his own new music.

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Stuck on a Verse? 3 Ways to Break Through Writer’s Block
Kevin Iwamoto 11/24/25 Kevin Iwamoto 11/24/25

Stuck on a Verse? 3 Ways to Break Through Writer’s Block

Stuck on a song? Veteran songwriter Kevin I. shares personal strategies to break through writer's block, from collaboration to stepping away.

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The Holiday Blues: Why Do We Love Sad Christmas Songs?
Kevin Iwamoto 11/21/25 Kevin Iwamoto 11/21/25

The Holiday Blues: Why Do We Love Sad Christmas Songs?

Why are we drawn to sad holiday songs? A songwriter explores the "holiday blues" and the comfort we find in melancholy Christmas music like "River" or "Last Christmas."

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The Lost Art of the Album: Why Listening from Start to Finish Matters
Kevin Iwamoto 11/20/25 Kevin Iwamoto 11/20/25

The Lost Art of the Album: Why Listening from Start to Finish Matters

Is the album dead? A veteran 80s artist explains why listening to an album from start to finish is a lost art, and why it's more important than ever.

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In Defense of the One-Hit Wonder: Why These Songs Are Actually Genius
Kevin Iwamoto 11/19/25 Kevin Iwamoto 11/19/25

In Defense of the One-Hit Wonder: Why These Songs Are Actually Genius

80s artist Kevin I. makes the case for the one-hit wonder. Discover why writing one perfect pop song is an act of genius, not a failure.

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Can AI Write a Song with Soul? A Songwriter's Take
Kevin Iwamoto 11/18/25 Kevin Iwamoto 11/18/25

Can AI Write a Song with Soul? A Songwriter's Take

Can AI replace human artists? A veteran songwriter explores the AI music trend and argues for the one thing AI can't replicate: hard-won, human soul.

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Remembering Legendary Song Stylist Nancy Wilson
Kevin Iwamoto 11/17/25 Kevin Iwamoto 11/17/25

Remembering Legendary Song Stylist Nancy Wilson

Read the incredible story of how music legend Nancy Wilson mentored Kevin I. and how her advice inspired his new EP, "My Continuum."

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