#hmong music

[positivevibedad]

When I’m with you, I feel different

Than I usually feel

There’s only you and nothing else is missing

That’s how I know it’s real

-

I need your love. Verse 2. An acoustic original.

[app1es0uce]

Just want to put it out there, this is entirely just a ramble and admittedly only partly about epic

—————————

“There are strangers in our halls”

That line haunts me,

that line, the context of it, the surrounding lines and phrases.

Imagine you’re a kid, and you don’t understand why, but these strange men just keep showing up for no reason. So much so that you don’t question it, it’s just normal. You don’t understand why it keeps happening, you don’t know who these people are, but they’re scary and older and these men don’t look kind and they make your mom feel bad. (Side note: I do know that Telemachus knows why the suitors are there, but I feel that just makes it even worse. This kid who shouldn’t have to worry about such things is aware of the danger him and his mom are in, feels responsible to help, beats himself up because he physically can’t, etc. so much so he’s gotten used to it happening)

Maybe as someone who has had a similar situation happen. Not that my mom is married and her husband is away at war for so long men start to just barge in and try to wed her, but random old Hmong men appear at my house(I’m Hmong), appear at family gatherings, and I don’t know them. My mom and dad don’t seem to know them, but they’re in charge. They’re the boss. People I don’t know who barely speak English yet I’m supposed to respect just because they’re OG’s. 

That happening ever since I was young, that feeling of these random people who smile at you weirdly or don’t smile at all, who talk in a tongue and voice you don’t understand yet know aren’t nice, makes that line and Telemachus’s situation hurt more.

The fact that it’s been happening ever since he was young, that it’s become normal even if he doesn’t understand completely why, it just is the way it is. There are always strangers in my house that doesn’t feel like a home anymore. It’s no longer safe because these unfamiliar old men keep showing up and disrespecting myself and the people I love.

It’s a hard feeling I can’t describe well, and this was very rambley, but I’ve been thinking about that line and thinking about it deeper makes me feel not okay. 

It’s not a feeling I don’t expect everyone to know and understand from my description, I hope more people than not don’t understand it, it’s not a fun experience and feeling to have. 

[teaspoon-of-salt]

Xiong was born in 1973 in Phab Kheb, Laos, one of 11 children in a family that fled the country in 1975 and spent four years in a refugee camp in Thailand before emigrating to the United States, according to Sahan Journal. He grew up in St. Paul and was valedictorian of his class at Humboldt High School in 1992.

Xiong graduated with a political science degree from Carleton College in Northfield in 1996 and began traveling around the country as a motivational speaker, storyteller and rap artist, billing himself as the country's first Hmong comedian.

Xiong helped organize the first Hmong Minnesota Day at the Minnesota State Fair in 2015, and was named a Bush Fellow in 2019 to earn a master's degree in public affairs.

With Xiong's death, the Hmong American community in the Twin Cities has lost a true leader, "consummate organizer and cultural interpreter," said longtime friend Pakou Hang. In his presentations and writings, she said, Xiong was a teacher who tried to show people how to be kind, generous and do the right thing.

Xiong connected people across generational, cultural and political lines who traveled the United States to speak at schools, colleges and businesses, Hang said. As a friend, he could inspire laughter in every conversation, she said.

[Rest of article under cut.]

A highly regarded Hmong American activist, speaker and comedian from the Twin Cities was found dead Monday in Medellín, Colombia, after kidnappers demanded $2,000 in ransom from his family.

Tou Ger Xiong, 50, was killed while on a vacation to Medellín. His brother, Eh Xiong, confirmed his death Tuesday morning on Facebook.

"The pain of his loss is indescribable. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have offered their condolences, thoughts, and prayers," Xiong's family wrote in the Facebook statement.

Xiong, who lived in Woodbury, was kidnapped Sunday after a date with a woman he met on social media, according to the Colombian newspaper El Colombiano.

A group of men contacted his family demanding $2,000 — the equivalent of $8 million in Colombian pesos — and killed him a day later without collecting the money.

Three American tourists, including Xiong, have been murdered in the last month, El Colombiano reported.

Kidnappings in Colombia are on the rise, according to authorities. In the first few months of 2022, 35 people were abducted in the country, and that figure is more than double this year for the same period.

Early last month, the father of a Colombian soccer star was freed after he was held for around a week by a guerrilla group.

[The excerpt above came from here.]

Former state Sen. Mee Moua of St. Paul, for whom Xiong worked as a volunteer coordinator in her successful 2002 campaign, said in a statement that she was "weighed down with grief for my friend," and called Xiong "a one-of-a-kind modern-day hero."

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-St. Paul wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Xiong's death was "devastating news" and that his work as a comedian and activist "touched many lives in the Twin Cities and beyond."

Hang said Xiong would perform skits based on his own stories growing up as a refugee and other lessons from the larger Hmong community. She recalled him bringing older Hmong women onto the stage to demonstrate how they would pick corn or fetch water as children, setting it to music and transforming it into a dance.

Xiong sought to connect first-generation Hmong American kids with classmates of other races, and strengthened intergenerational relationships with their families by making them proud to be Hmong, she said.

Xiong and Hang worked together on many community causes, including the formation of the Coalition for Community Relations, a group that traveled to rural Wisconsin from the Twin Cities in 2004 to "bear witness" at the trial of Chai Soua Vang, a Hmong American man eventually convicted for killing six hunters.

"We're not here to defend Chai," Xiong told the Star Tribune at the time. "We're coming together to accentuate the positives in the Hmong community."

Xiong also brought media attention to a hunger strike in Northern California in 2021 after a Hmong cannabis farmer was killed by police, Hang said. He flew to California to lead a march and gather stories. Discriminatory ordinances passed by Siskiyou County were later ruled unlawful.

"We don't have anyone else in the community like that," Hang said.

[quartztwst]

HOW ARE HMONG PEOPLE MAKING LANGUAGES OUT OF MUSIC??? JESUS

[ratslovepinktoo]

ヽ｀｀、ヽ｀、ヽ 　     　 /ᐠ_ ꞈ _ᐟ\ ᶻz     ┌──────⊹──────┐ ⠀ ⚓️ ʸᵒᵘ'ᵛᵉ ᵃʳʳⁱᵛᵉᵈ ᵃᵗ⚓     ☆⌒ Wren’s Chaotic Fandom(s) blog .ᐟ     └──────⊹──────┘      ヽ｀｀、ヽ｀、ヽ   ⚞✎ welcome inside❕⤻ +.         ── ── ──    ⚞✎rules/warnings❕⤻ +.   ⤷ ⚠︎ don’t steal, copy, etc (Not w/o credit) ⚠︎ No racial slurs ⚠︎ No harassing me or others ⚠︎ No sexism ⚠︎ There MAY be little/no suggestive art Please at least try to make good effort to make this a safe environment for everyone .           (ᴗ_ ᴗ。) !!    _____________   ◌ Please respect the rules   ◌ treat everyone with respect   ➝ you are showing support for the blog :)          ── ── ──   ⚞✎ things about me❕⤻ +.   ˗ˏ ➛ _ ! prns: / He/Him + They/Them   › grade: Loading…   › ethnicity: Hmong, (A lot of places from north Europe)   › fav food: (Can’t choose one)   › fav color: Pink and Lime green   › fav song: Butch 4 Butch   › zodiac: Leo ♌️ •̀⩊•́   › games: Roblox   (๑•̀ᗝ•́)૭ ✗   (๑•ᴗ•)و ✓

Meet my OCs

Meet the huffish controller/Kim

Au info Main Oc(s)

Au Relationships HERE IS WHERE I GET THE BIO TEMPLATES. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

⊹ 🌸 ๋ ˖ ⪩ ៶៸ ๋࣭🍥 ,, ˖ ʚ💮ɞ ࣪˖ ⸝⸝ ৎ୭ ⊹⠀ ๋⠀𝅄 𓂃 ๑  ࣪   ˖ ✧ ๋ 𝅄 𓂃 ⊹ ♡♡ ̲ ̲ 𝅄 ๋🧼 ˖ 𝐄𐓣𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗂𐓣𝗀 【 Wren 】’ s ᑲ𝗂ⱺ ｡ ｡ ｡ ᶻz 𝅄🍧ɞ ࣪˖ 𝅄૪ ៶៸ ๋🌷𝅄 𝐒υ𝖼𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌𝖿υᥣᥣ𝗒 𝖾𐓣𝗍𝖾𝗋𝖾ᑯ ! ,, ๋🍥𝅄 ᐢ..ᐢ ୨୧ 𝅄💮 ๋ ᶻz ៶៸【 Wren 】 ๋ 𝅄๑ ᐢ🧼𝅄 ੭ 𔘓 ៶៸ ๋🌸𝅄【 ♡ ࣪˖】𝅄ഒ ๋ ,, ๋ 🏩𝅄 ⁺ 　﹒　 𔘓 ﹒　　⁺ 　﹒ ⊹ 　 ﹒ 　⁺ 　﹒ ๋␥𝅄 🍧៶៸ ⊹ 𝅄 𝐌๑𝗋𝖾 𝚰𐓣𝖿๑𝗌 ๋ 🧼 ױ 𝅄♡゙ ๋ 𖣯 ,, 🌸𝅄 ︵【 𝅄 𝐋𝗂𝗄𝖾𝗌 ๋ 】︰Ttte, Militsioner, Pink, Melanie Martinez, Stranger Things, Music (Spotify), Rain, Friends, Family꒱ 𝅄ഒ ๋ 𖣯 ,, 💞𝅄 ︵【 𝅄 𝐃𝗂𝗌ᥣ𝗂𝗄𝖾 ๋ 】︰Loud sounds, bright/flashing lights, Drama, Most kids at school꒱ 𝅄ഒ ๋ 𖣯 ,, 💮𝅄 ︵【 𝅄 𝐒ρ𝖾𝖼𝗂αᥣ 𝐏𝖾𝗋𝗌���𐓣’𝗌 ๋ 】︰Fiona (Bsf), Carmen (Bsf), Lily (Bsf), Aurora (Partner)꒱ 𝅄ഒ

·:¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨:· ★📎 {} .. Introvert ★‧₊˚ ☁️⋅Sapphic - Ace ☆・．❕「I dislike sunny days out of any weather」

·:¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨:·

CREDITS TO SLEEPY FOR BIO TEMPLATE

» [Butch 4 Butch] «

0:00 ─〇───── 0:00 ⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻

Keep in mind that I might have days where I post a lot, and some days where I don’t post too much or at all, but either way, please have a good time 🩷

I also might not always post ttte stuff since my hyper fixations always change

[vcha-daily]

Meet VCHA

VCHA (비춰) is a pre-debut global girl group under JYP Entertainment. The group was created from A2K (America2Korea), the project survival show. The group consists of Lexi, Camila, Kendall, Savanna, KG, and Kaylee. They released a pre-debut single, ‘SeVit (NEW LIGHT)’ on September 22, 2023. They released a second pre-debut single, ‘Ready for the World‘ on December 1, 2023. VCHA will make their debut on January 26, 2024.

Name Explanation: VCHA means to illuminate, to give shine to fans around the world.

Learn more about the members under the cut!

Name: Lexus Vang (Lexi)

DOB: Nov. 22, 2005

Position: Leader

MBTI: ISFP

Zodiac: Sagittarius

Official Color: White 🤍

Representative Emoji: 🦖

About:

She was the 1st member to be revealed.

– Lexi is ethnically Hmong.

– She was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA.

– She lives in Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

– Lexi did ballet for 12 years.

– She can make a really good Hmong-style papaya salad.

– Her favorite number is 22.

– Her favorite seasons are fall and winter.

– She loves to draw and paint.

– She grew up listening to R&B, pop, KPop, etc.

– Lexi really looked up to Misty Copeland, a ballet dancer.

– She was in the K-pop cover group Prism Kru. She joined in 2019.

– According to the other members, Lexi is the funniest.

– Lexi is a skilled cook, occasionally triggering fire alarms.

Name: Kiera Grace (KG)

DOB: Jun. 17, 2007

Position: Not confirmed

MBTI: Unknown

Zodiac: Gemini

Official Color: Pink 🩷

Representative Emoji: 🦄

About:

She was the 2nd member to be revealed.

– KG was born in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

– She moved to Michigan, USA right after she was born and lived there until she was 13.

– KG moved to Los Angeles, California, USA in 2021.

– She is trained in musical theater.

– If she could open for anyone’s show, she would want to open for BLACKPINK.

– KG knows how to play the guitar, piano, and drums.

– Her favorite number is 12.

– Her favorite season is summer.

– Specialties: Singing & basketball.

– She enjoys playing football and basketball as well as skateboarding.

– Hobbies: Writing lyrics and playing the guitar.

– KG is not a natural blonde.

– Her role model is Taylor Swift.

– She started modeling at the age of 4 starting with Ford Models.

– Her original stage name was KG Crown (케이지 크라운) during her auditions.

Name: Camila Ribeaux Valdes

DOB: Aug. 10, 2005

Position: Not confirmed

MBTI: INFJ

Zodiac: Leo

Official Color: Green 💚

Representative Emoji: 🦌

About:

She was the 3rd member to be revealed.

– Camila is ethnically Cuban.

– She was born in Barcelona, Spain.

– Camila is from Quebec, Canada.

– She speaks Spanish, French, and English.

– Her favorite number is 8.

– Camila picked number 8 as it’s her grandma’s favorite number.

– Her favorite season is fall.

– Both of her parents are musicians.

– Specialties: Painting, drawing, acting, baking, & eating sour candies.

– She can impersonate Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and Shakira while singing.

– Her role model is Shakira. Camila got inspired to get into music and start dancing & singing because of her.

– A hobby of hers is writing.

– She participated in La Voix Junior (The Voice Junior) 2016 and was in the top 3.

Name: Savanna Collins

DOB: Jul. 26, 2006

Position: Not confirmed

MBTI: ISFJ

Zodiac: Leo

Official Color: Orange 🧡

Representative Emoji: 🦦

About:

She was the 4th member to be revealed.

– Savanna was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

– She is half Venezuelan from her mom’s side and Trinbagonian from her dad’s side.

– Her favorite number is 18.

– Her favorite season is summer.

– Savanna’s favorite color is Green.

– She learns dances super quick.

– She can do handstands for a long time.

– A hobby of hers is gaming.

– Savanna has a collection of over 15 hats.

– Her role model is Michael Jackson because her dad would play a lot of his music around the house.

– Savanna was training to be a professional gymnast for 7 years, but she had to quit due to injury.

– She describes herself as the “swaggy dance teacher” of the group.

– Savanna has stated that she discipline from gymnastics which will help her in the Korean music field.

– She has a twin brother named Alonso and an older sister named Brianna Lauren (born 2001-2002).

– According to Camila, she describes Savanna as the most chill person and has a stylish, intricate hairstyle.

Name: Kaylee Lee

DOB: Nov. 24, 2009

Position: Maknae

MBTI: ISTJ

Zodiac: Sagittarius

Official Color: Blue 💙

Representative Emoji: Unknown

About:

She was the 5th member to be revealed.

– She was born in Olympia, Washington, USA.

– Kaylee is fluent in both English and Korean.

– She is very adamant and has a plan for everything she does.

– Her favorite number is 24.

– Her favorite season is fall.

– She has a big collection of Harry Potter.

– Specialties: Eating, baking, talking, and writing.

– Her role models are TWICE, their song ‘TT‘ was one of the first songs she remembers listening to.

– Her mom was a muisc major.

– She enjoys writing and reading.

– Kaylee started training singing one week before the final audition and learned her performance three days beforehand.

– According to Savanna, Kayle is funny as she’s straightforward.

Name: Kendall Ebeling

DOB: Jun. 1, 2006

Position: Not confirmed

MBTI: ISTJ

Zodiac: Gemini

Official Color: Black 🖤

Representative Emoji: 🐰

About:

She was the 6th and last member to be revealed.

– She is from Fort Worth, Texas, USA.

– Kendall is ethnically half Vietnamese and half Caucasian (American).

– Kendall has an older sister named Aimee (born 2003-2004).

– She attended a K-pop immersion in Korea and even got to perform with fellow classmates.

– Kendall has stated that music is her life.

– She did ballet for 5 years, as well as jazz, theater, and lyrical.

– Her favorite number is 4.

– Her favorite season is winter.

– Specialties: School, art, gaming, shaking pupils, and closing one eye without moving the other.

– She grew up listening to choral and gospel music.

– Kendall attended McLean Middle School. She was a part of the choir and was soprano 1’s 4th chair. Kendall was also a part of the cross country team.

————————————————————————

*Please note that all information comes from VCHA’s group page on kprofiles.com

[yang-photography2024]

Weekend Photo Story

I was able to go to Riverpark for the farmers markets that focused on Valentines day. There was so many food and people there to shop around. My best friend tagged along with me as we walked around and bought soap from Bath and Body.

We then drove over to Sierra Vista Mall to try the new Two Hand Corndog. I been wanting to try some since I have heard some much about the place from my peers. There was a super long line so we had to wait for at least fifteen minutes.

My best friend and me than took a mini drive up to Millerton lake to get some fresh air before summer arrives in Fresno. There wasn't many people up in the lake since there was events happening in town. It was a nice ride as we just putted on music and sing to our heart content.

We then stopped by the side of the road to just enjoy nature. The mountains was very green and the air was very fresh and clean. There was many cows moving along with a small river in the valley.

On our way back to town, my best friend surprised me and stopped by to pick up the cake she ordered for my birthday. The cake was a coconut cake and was really good. It was not so dry or super sweet, so my grandparents were able to have some with us.

We made ka poon for dinner. It was very fun to help prep and cook since there was only four of us, but the pot for the broth was enough to serve at least ten people. While cutting the ingredients, my best friend and I was fighting back tears from cutting the green onion.

When I got home, I decided to update my tiny journal of encouraging words that I have received from other people in my life. The journal is already almost full since I have decorated it was a lot of stickers. I like to write at least one message either from someone or even just myself once a month.

The next day, I was able to focus on my paj ntawb (embroidery) for my new outfits. My best friend and I was inspire to make outfits for Hmong New Year. I am almost done with the pattern and now just need to focus on putting the outfit together, with my grandma's help.

As a student there has to be time to do work, so that's what I did. I was writing one of papers for my writing dinosaur class. I was drinking peppermint tea to ease my throat since I woke up with a dry throat.

Lastly, my brothers surprised me and moved some of my paintings out from my room and into the living room. This piece is called Blooming Friendship to represent my six year long friendship with my best friend. The piece was so huge that my brothers decided to hang it in front of the window.

[mumushaven]

🐼Mumu's Haven🐼

ABOUT MUMU: General info- - Hmong/ Asian-American - she/they/them - 15 y/o - Pansexual - 4'10😭 - Athiest

Likes- - Food🍟🍘🍚🍜 - Music🎵🎶🎧 - Dancing💃🏻🕺🏻👯‍♀️ - Singing🎙️🎤🔬 - K-pop 🇰🇷 - Anime/Donghua - Manhwa/Manhua/Manga - K-dramas/ J-dramas/ C-dramas/ Thai Lakorns - BL series💏 - Sewing/Embroidery 🪡🧵 - Cooking/Baking 🍪🧁 - Swimming 👙🏊🏻‍♂️ - Reading 📖📚 - Rollercoasters 🎢 - Rollerskating/ Iceskating/ Long Boarding/ Skate Boarding🛼⛸️🛹

Dislikes- - Eggplants 🍆 - Peaches🍑 - Homophobes - Family toxicity❌ - Having no money🥲 - PEOPLE WHO CHEW WITH THEIR MOUTH OPEN - Players/ cheaters💔

Favorites- - Stray Kids - Tofu and egg drop soup🍲🍚 - Boba tea/ Thai tea/ Herbal tea/ Lemonade🧋🥤🍵 - Colors are red and black🖤❤️ - Song atm is A Match Into Water by Pierce The Veil - Dance atm is Work by Ateez - book: You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao - Manhua: 10 Years I Loved You The Most - Drama: The Untamed - Anime/Donghua: Given - Number is 8 and 22 - Word is hope

[positivevibedad]

Singing in the car: Life Flies by

—-

Oooohhhh we don’t have that much time to live

Nahhhhh

But oooohhhhh

We sure do have a lot of love to give ❤️

[mybeingthere]

The skirt belongs to an old good friend of mine, Victoria Vorreiter, who used it on the invitation card for her recent exhibition "Hmong Songs of Memory" (see in comments). Victoria has an astonishing tribal art collection (mainly from the Golden Triangle). She is a musician and writes books about  music as an important part of lives of indigenous people. http://www.tribalmusicasia.com/victoria-vorreiter...

[hmong22023]

Embracing the Vibrant Traditions: The Joyful Hmong New Year 2023

No celebration is complete without music and dance, and the Hmong New Year is no exception. The melodious sounds of traditional Hmong instruments like the "qeej" (bamboo pipe) and the "raj nplaim" (mouth harp) fill the air, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and spiritually uplifting.

Hmong dance is a sight to behold, with intricate footwork and vibrant costumes. The "tsov rog" dance, performed by young men and women, is a particular crowd-pleaser, showcasing the grace and agility of the Hmong people.

As the world evolves, so do the Hmong New Year festivities. While traditional customs remain at the core, there is a growing fusion of modern influences. Youth might opt for contemporary clothing alongside traditional attire, and there's an increasing presence of pop music in the festivities. This blend of old and new serves as a reminder that culture is dynamic, and it can adapt to the changing times while preserving its essence.

[sunisalee2020]

payengxa.lor

“This is my National Costume. I am so proud to wear this beautiful and amazing costume.

It combined 3 big ethnic groups together such as Khummou Lao, Lao Lum and Hmong Lao. It show the united of Lao people that we come together at one.”

Side note: the musical instrument here is a very important instrument to the Hmong people. It is used for funerals and special celebrations.

[adventuressclubamericas]

St. Paul, MN - host city for Miss Fisher Con 2023 -  is home to one of the largest Hmong community in the United States. The Hmong Cultural Center promotes"...the personal development of children, youth, and adults through education while providing resources that enhance cross-cultural awareness between Hmong and non-Hmong....celebrates and nourishes Hmong culture by teaching music, dance and ceremonial arts....We support new immigrants and refugees through free English classes and citizenship classes....Our storefront museum, speaker's bureau, and online classes about Hmong history and culture elevate individuals to become culturally aware members of the community. https://www.hmongcc.org/ Photo source: Hmong Cultural Center Facebook page

[fyeahdprian]

[Festival Squad] HITC 2021

Cover by Jake West Photography

Head in the Clouds Paves Way for Asians and Asian Americans in Music

Danica Nuestro /  August 2, 2021

Now in 2021: COVID-19 is still on the rise. Developing variants like Delta and Lambda are causing governments to change courses of action regarding recommendations, mandates and lockdowns. However, festivals and event companies have been working endlessly with local governments and public health officials. They’re doing as much as they can to safely bring live music back to us. This includes Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival, spearheaded by the pioneering Asian music and media company 88rising, partnering with Goldenvoice. This two-day event is currently scheduled for November 6-7, 2021 at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. The Head in the Clouds lineup includes Rich Brian, Joji, NIKI, Saweetie, Elephante, Josh Pan and more. This may seem like any other festival for most people, but this festival is incredibly important; not only to me, but for Asians and Asian Americans across the globe.

Asian & Asian American Representation in Media, from a 90’s born Philippine-American perspective

Speaking as a first generation Philippine American born in the 90’s, I grew up in a small town. I was estranged with my culture, and Asian American culture in general. I watched classic Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network shows for example. Additionally I watched iconic sitcoms like Full House, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Friends, and Brady Bunch as well. It was very rare for me to look at the TV and say, “Hey, they kinda look like me!” (Shoutout to Mulan, Kimi from Rugrats, Brenda Song, and Sandra Oh—to name a few—for fulfilling those moments for me growing up). In my childhood, most kids would own NSYNC or Backstreet Boys CD’s. We’d also ask our parents for magazines with Jonas Brothers, Jesse McCartney and Britney Spears posters to hang on our walls. (Side note: Yes, I still have some of them.)

Early Pioneers of Asian and Asian American Representation

While Youtube was fairly new we had Wesley Chan, Ted Fu, and Philip Wang of Wong Fu Productions; Kevin Wu of KevJumba; Ryan Higa and Michelle Phanpaving the way for Asian and Asian American representation in media. When Far East Movement was one of the first Asian American bands on the radio, it was a big deal. I loved finding out that The Black Eyed Peas and the Pussycat Dolls had members who were part Filipino. Back when American Idol was huge, it was wild to see competitors like Jasmine Trias, Ramiele Malubay and Jessica Sanchez; these people looked like me, had a somewhat similar upbringing, and were making a name for themselves on TV. Those were moments where I realized, “I could be like them one day!” That was the Asian and Asian American representation that I grew up with.

Today’s Music, Media and Entertainment Welcoming Diversity

Generations today can now see many actors, athletes, and other talented individuals at the forefront for Asian representation. For example, we have Simu Liu and Iman Vellani as the first Asian superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sunisa Lee just recently became the first Asian American to win gold in the Olympics all-around gymnastics final. Additionally, she is the first Hmong American to ever become an Olympian (let alone a medalist). Yuh-Jung Youn, who portrayed the grandma in Minari, is the first South Korean actress to ever win an Oscar. Additionally, Chloe Zhao is the first Asian woman to win Best Director at an Oscar for Nomadland. We’re seeing way more diversity in the media than before and it is only just the beginning of it all.

The Importance of 88rising’s Head in the Clouds Festival & its Noteworthy Headliners

CL (@chaelinCL)

In the early 2010’s people ridiculed my significant other for listening to K-Pop. Naming a few, he listened to Girls’ Generation, f(x), 2NE1, Infinite and SHINee. In 2012 came the viral hit known as “Gangnam Style” by PSY. This, in my opinion, became the catalyst of welcoming Korean music in the US. Now, BLACKPINK was the first ever female K-Pop group to perform at a Coachella. Additionally, male group BTS is topping Billboard charts with smash hits like “Dynamite” and “Butter.” Lee Chae-rin is a former member of 2NE1, famously known as CL. She is at the forefront of Korean music as the first female solo South Korean artist to hit Billboard charts. Iconic tracks include “Hello Bitches” and “+5STAR+.” Additionally, she collaborated with Skrillex, Diplo, and Big Bang’s G-Dragon for “Dirty Vibe.” With her success, it’s no surprise seeing her as one of the Head in the Clouds headliners.

Rich Brian (@richbrian/@brianimanuel)

Another headliner listed is Brian Imanuel aka Rich Brian. Brian Imanuel became a viral sensation for his smash hit “Dat $tick” as Rich Chigga. Later, he changed his performance name after realizing he wasn’t in a position to make people less sensitized to “Chigga.” For those unaware, “Chigga” is a word that blends the N-word to the word “Chinese.” Other notable tracks from the Chinese-Indonesian rapper include “Gospel” ft. XXXTentacion and Keith Ape, as well as “See Me”; the latter released at the time he changed his name from Rich Chigga, to Brian and now Rich Brian. His debut album Amen made him the first Asian artist to top the iTunes Hip Hop charts at #1.

Joji (@sushitrash)

Also headlining is George Kusunoki Miller aka Joji. Joji is best known musically for his platinum hit “Slow Dancing in the Dark.” Other notable Joji tracks that gained popularity through TikTok include “Worldstar Money” and “Gimme Love.” I personally am more familiar for his work as Filthy Frank on Youtube. As Filthy Frank, he became a catalyst for internet culture, internet memes and oddly peculiar Youtube comedy skits. Most people may not know, Miller actually started the viral dance sensation for Baauer’s “Harlem Shake,” leading this single to top the Billboard charts that year.

NIKI (@nikizefanya)

Niki Zefanya, also known as NIKI, is an Indonesian singer and songwriter who opened for Taylor Swift during The Red Tour in Jakarta. After moving to the US, she released multiple tracks and EP’s under the 88rising label. For instance, her single “Dancing with the Devil” released ahead of her first EP Zephyr. In addition, one notable album is her genre-bending album Moonchild. Niki’s mission is to “empower young Asian artists under-represented in the American music industry.” 

More Noteworthy Head in the Clouds Artists to Look Out For 

With an incredible and genre-diverse lineup, there are also are some noteworthy artists performing at Head in the Clouds festival that you may be more familiar with besides the headliners mentioned above. These artists include Saweetie, Elephante, and Josh Pan. 

Saweetie (@saweetie)

Some fans may be confused as to why Saweetie is included on the lineup, but she’s actually part Filipino and Chinese through her mom’s side while her dad is African American. Additionally, it’s hard NOT to know the Icy Queen herself with her chart-topping hits like “My Type,” “Back to the Streets” ft. Jhene Aiko, and “Best Friend” ft. Doja Cat. With her worldwide success (including her upcoming collaboration with McDonald’s) Saweetie joins CL, Joji, NIKI and Rich Brian as one of the other headlining performers for this event.

Elephante (@iamtheELEPHANTE)

Tim Wu, or Elephante, who many have seen across big-name lineups like EDC, Ultra Music Festival, EZOO and much more, is also slated to play at Head in the Clouds. Elephante was one of the first Asian American DJ’s that I have seen, and interestingly enough I didn’t even know he was Asian until seeing him live. In an interview back in April with local Bay Area publication Redefining Dichotomies, Wu actually admitted to deflecting about discussing race. “Early on in my career, I was deflective of talking about race, because I didn’t want to just be known as the Asian DJ.” My favorite tracks from Elephante include his cover of “Shooting Stars” by the Bag Raiders, “Troubled” with Deb’s Daughter, and “Age of Innocence” ft. Trouze and Damon Sharpe.

Josh Pan (@joshpan)

Another electronic artist to look out for is Josh Pan. Josh Pan previously performed at the 2019 Head in the Clouds Festival and scheduled to return to this year’s edition. He has released EPs under OWSLA and has worked with the likes of Jai Wolf, Manila Killa, Waka Flocka, Dylan Brady and many more. It’s hard to describe a definitive genre for Josh Pan as he likes to experimentwith music: “It’s always been important for me to flow from one style to the next. The music world is so cross-pollinated now and it’s so easy to experiment, why not try?”

Overall, Head in the Clouds is a festival you won’t want to miss.

With massive headliners and other talented artists performing, Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival will continue to make history as a music festival with an Asian-centric lineup. Additionally, it will continue to motivate emerging Asian and Asian American artists worldwide and inspire young Asian and Asian Americans to pursue their dreams in music and media.

Head in the Clouds Tickets, Pricing & More Info

For more information on tickets and passes, visit hitcfestival.com/tickets. To buy remaining GA + VIP tickets, click here. Passes are on sale now!

[chiasees-blog]

Weekend Photos

Mother and Child

Photo 1: My baby cousin watching the sunset. Every morning when she wakes up and every evening during sunset, either I or my aunt always take her outside to get some fresh air and watch the sunset because she is constantly in the house.

Photo 2: My baby cousin relaxing on the bed after a long day. She puts her hands up, perfectly aligning with the doorway leading up to the lights.

Photo 3: Nightly routine of my baby cousin being showered by her mom.

Photo 4: My baby cousin chilling on the sofa, watching her favorite baby shark music videos.

Tidying Up

Photo 1: My sister washing the dishes after dinner.

Photo 2: My uncle getting himself ready to go to work in the morning, taming his wild hair.

Photo 3 & 4: My sister getting ready to go to school versus when she barely got up on a weekend.

Shamanism: A Belief of the Hmong People

Photo 1: A tray of sweets, eggs, and flowers used to celebrate the completion of a shamanic ritual. Usually, the candies are divided among the children while the eggs are to be eaten by whomever the ritual was done for.

Photo 2: The altar of a shaman. It is covered in joss paper and has incense holders, bowls of water, candles, flowers, and finger bells atop it.

[learnentry]

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