It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since the release of My Continuum on October 14, 2025.
When I look back at this past year, I’m filled with gratitude, humility, and a sense of wonder at how something I originally envisioned as a final chapter in my music career has become the beginning of an entirely new one.
More than 40 years had passed since I stepped away from recording music. I had moved on to a long and fulfilling professional career, and singing had become a chapter of my life that I treasured but never expected to revisit in quite the same way.
Yet, here I am, working on new music again. And none of this would have happened without the grace of God, the extraordinary support of a few very special people, and the love that listeners and fans — both old and new — have shown me.
A Voice I Thought I Had Left Behind
First and foremost, I have to give thanks to God.
Returning to music after four decades was never something I planned. Somewhere along the way, I had accepted that my days of recording and sharing my voice were behind me. But through faith, spiritual guidance, and what I can only describe as a blessing, I found my way back to something I thought I had left behind forever.
Getting back into the studio wasn’t simply about recording songs again. It meant reconnecting with a part of myself that had been quiet for so long.
Looking back, I realize that My Continuum became much more than an EP. It became a bridge between the person I was when I first pursued music in the 1970s and 1980s and the person I am today.
For that, I will always be grateful.
A Very Special Friend and Brother: Lance Jyo
I also owe an enormous debt of gratitude to my dear friend and brother, Lance Jyo.
Lance believed in this project and in me. He put his own recording projects on hold to work with me, producing the EP and helping bring these songs to life. That kind of commitment, generosity, and friendship is something I will never take for granted.
Lance wrote all the songs on My Continuum. On two of them, The Love You Give (To Me) and The Last Goodbye, we collaborated as co-writers.
Each song carries a piece of my story. Together, the songs reflect the years between leaving music behind and finding my way back — the experiences, emotions, reflections, and personal growth that shaped the journey.
Lance understood what this project meant to me. He helped translate those feelings into music, and I’m deeply grateful for his talent, patience, and friendship.
Some projects are special because of the music they produce. Others become special because of the people and relationships that make them possible. My Continuum gave me both.
Thank You, Toshi Nakada and Cool Sound Records
Another essential part of this journey was Toshi Nakada, President of Cool Sound Records in Japan.
Toshi embraced My Continuum and gave it a home, releasing the EP throughout Japan on CD. Having this music released physically in Japan was especially meaningful to me, given my history of performing and sharing my music with Japanese audiences during my earlier career.
His belief in the project helped give these songs a life beyond the studio and brought them to listeners who might otherwise never have discovered them.
Thank you, Toshi, for believing in the music and helping make this release possible.
The Closure I Thought I Needed
When I first conceived My Continuum, I thought of it as a closure project.
I wanted to acknowledge and thank the people who had supported me throughout my musical journey — from those early years when I was recording and performing to the friends, collaborators, and supporters who remained part of my life long after I stepped away.
I wanted to revisit that chapter of my life, honor the memories of those who had supported me along the way, including those who are no longer with us, and bring that musical chapter to a meaningful close.
In many ways, recording the EP was cathartic. It allowed me to reflect on the past, reconnect with my musical identity, and appreciate how much those experiences had contributed to the person I had become.
I thought I was closing a door. But something unexpected happened. You listened.
You connected with the songs. You shared your reactions, your memories, and your encouragement. Listeners who remembered my music from decades ago welcomed me back, while new listeners discovered my voice and the stories behind the new songs.
And most importantly, I felt that you understood what I was trying to express. You got it. That means more to me than I can adequately put into words.
There is something profoundly moving about discovering that music you recorded many years ago — and music you have only recently created — can still find its way into people’s lives. The passage of time doesn’t necessarily diminish that connection.
Sometimes, it makes it even more meaningful.
Your response changed the way I thought about this project and about my future in music.
What I believed would be a final farewell became an invitation to continue.
From My Continuum to Then and Now
Because of your encouragement and the response to My Continuum, I’m excited to share that I’m working toward a new full-length album called Then and Now, which we hope to release before the end of 2026.
The title reflects exactly where I find myself today: honoring the music and experiences of my past while creating something new in the present.
The album is planned to include:
Five songs from my 1980s catalog, remastered using today’s digital technology to bring a fresh sonic presentation to the original recordings while preserving their musical character.
Five new songs, written by Lance Jyo, with two of those songs once again featuring our songwriting collaboration.
One bonus track: Christmas In Our Hearts, my 2025 holiday single featuring Lance Jyo and Rachel Gonzales.
For me, this is not simply a collection of old and new recordings. It represents the continuation of a musical journey I thought had ended more than four decades ago.
The remastered songs reconnect me with the artist I was back then. The new songs reflect the person I am today, shaped by the life I’ve lived, the lessons I’ve learned, and the faith that continues to guide me.
Together, they tell a story that spans generations — and one that, thanks to you, is still being written.
To Everyone Who Has Been Part of This Journey
As I celebrate the first anniversary of My Continuum, I want to say something directly to everyone who has listened to the EP, streamed the songs, shared them with others, written to me, or simply offered a kind word of encouragement.
Thank you.
Thank you for welcoming me back after more than 40 years away from recording. Thank you for listening with open hearts. Thank you for reminding me that music can transcend time, that meaningful connections can endure, and that sometimes the things we believe are behind us still have something wonderful left to offer.
To those who have followed my music since the early days, your continued support means the world to me. To those who have only recently discovered my songs, welcome — I’m genuinely grateful that our paths have crossed through my music.
And to God, who guided me back to this unexpected chapter, thank You for the gift of another opportunity to sing and create. For restoring my vocal abilities and inspiring me to write and do music from my heart not just for me but also for those who would find comfort and joy from it.
I began My Continuum believing it would give me closure. Instead, it gave me something I never anticipated: a renewed purpose and the desire to keep making music.
I don’t know exactly where this journey will lead, but I know I’m grateful to be on it. And I’m delighted that so many of you are coming along for the ride.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this possible.
With love and appreciation,
Kevin I.
The journey continues. See you in Then and Now. ❤️