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Jay Chan Cambodian-American R&B Music Artist & Songwriter

In a refugee camp along the Thai-Cambodian border, a star is born. Jay Chan (Chantoeun Pen) was born on August 1, 1980, as the youngest and only son of two children, his mother struggled to raise her children after escaping the treacherous Khmer Rouge Régime in Cambodia. As a young boy, Jay exhibited a natural affinity for music, inspired by the musical talent of his mother who was a local Cambodian singer. As Jay grew up, he believed that his father had become one of the victims of the Khmer Rouge, but later discovered that he survived and was currently living in Cambodia through his uncle Mr. Kong Vanna, a famous Cambodian singer who lived in Australia. His dream of reuniting with his father finally came true when Jay had the opportunity to meet him in 2009 and that reunion remains one of the greatest moments in Jay’s life.

The first Cambodian song that Jay learned how to sing was the classic ballad “Ae Na Tov Tansua?” (Where is Heaven?) by the late Mr. Sinn Sisamouth, a male Cambodian musical artist that still remains highly revered by all Cambodians of all ages. Jay would sing this song non-stop in the shower and even at the dining table. As Jay was raised in the United States, he was heavily influenced by well-known R&B artists such as Usher, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Shai and All-4-One. Jay grew up in the best of both worlds having an ear for Cambodian music as well as an attraction towards R&B music.

Currently, Jay is working to unveil the world premiere of his first Cambodian hit single entitled “Chomleuy Chung Kroy (The Final Answer)” (The Final Answer) with lyrics offering the emotional depth of a Cambodian song and a soothing R&B influenced melody. Jay wrote the lyrics to Chomleuy Chung Kroy (The Final Answer)back in 2010 while taking a break from work to focus on his passion for music. He derives inspiration for the lyrics in his songs from personal experiences as well as inspiring love stories from the people in his life. With the help of his talented music producer, Eric Or, he will finally get to share his love for not just Cambodian music, but a blend of the two worlds in one hit single.

As a musical artist and songwriter, Jay brings to the world an inspiringly unique sense of self – a fusion of two musical genres, Cambodian and R&B – both worlds apart, yet when brought together, can touch the lives of many. Jay’s genuine personality, warm smile and compassion in sharing his musical gift with the world fuel his drive to continue writing songs and making music to change the world.