FEATURE: ASIAN AMERICAN UNITY FEST – Hardcore Punk Showcase [USA]

“I don’t think people quite understand how important this is for someone like me or even the Asian community. Especially in this aggressive genre of music. Asians in these types of scenes are very few, to the point that, (I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this), I feel like the “token”.”

ASIAN AMERICAN UNITY HARDCORE PUNK SHOWCASE | NYC
Cover Photo Credit: The Legend @shutterhappyjose

Waking up to this gorgeous flyer a few weeks ago had us exploding with feels.

As you can tell from the flyer, May 3rd is going to see the inaugural ASIAN AMERICAN UNIT FEST – the first of its kind – to take place in NY muthafuckin’ C. The fest features over 15 bands that all have Asian members in their lineup. Sure, we in Unite Asia don’t actually live in the US, HOWEVER, because this is bringing our fellow Asian brethren into the fold, it naturally feels like we’re 100% part of the make up of this event. And that’s why we had to do our share to shed some more light on this sick event because, as expected, since it has been announced have you seen any of the regular sites pick up on it? Of course not.

So here we go…we threw a bunch of questions at the promoter of the event, Karin, to shed some light on how this all came together. But before you get to that, just read up on what Pierre, vocalist of NYC-based hardcore punk band DOG BREATH, had to say:

“I’m actually very excited about this ASIAN AMERICAN UNITY FEST being thrown by our friend, Karin. It’s the first I’ve heard of, besides AKLASAN FEST that mainly focuses on Filipinos. I don’t think people quite understand how important this is for someone like me or even the Asian community. Especially in this aggressive genre of music. Asians in these types of scenes are very few, to the point that, (I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this), feel like the “token”. Before, seeing an Asian person on stage was like catching a glimpse of Bigfoot. Now, we’re able to see there are more of us out here.

In America, it doesn’t matter if you’re born here or not, you’ll never be considered “American”. You’re Asian first. This is why representation matters. Yes, unity amongst all people is necessary, but unity among your own is equally as important. From this, we can bridge the gaps. This is what I try to achieve with Dog Breath. Seeing strength is empowering. Seeing our people thrive in an aggressive environment is empowering. Watching people that look like you breaking all the stereotypes society has been brainwashed into thinking of you is empowering, and I’m all here for it.”

How HARD does that statement go! As someone of Pakistani descent but grew up in a city (Hong Kong) where there’s barely any of us, and even FEWER in the heavy music world, we relate so hard to his statement.

So of course, we had to get Karin in on this convo:

“My biggest inspiration for all of this is the band NO MODEL. It was the first time ever I’d seen an all asian hardcore punk band in America. Just seeing all of them play their hearts out and scream about Asian American unity was really moving. Around the time I had came across them, I started finding a few more Asian fronted bands in America that I didn’t even know of.

I had the idea of doing a little show initially, like maybe 5-6 bands where it’s all Asian bands including 2 of my own because that’s all I knew that existed at the time. But every time I reached out to one of these bands, they let me know about another Asian band and told me I should consider hitting them up. And then I hit them up and then they told me they knew another Asian band and I should hit them up. And I was just like “Woah! This is crazy! There are so many more Asian hardcore punk bands in America! More than I had known of!”

Eventually I ended up with this big list of bands from all across America, and I’m just like screw it, maybe I’ll just hit them all up and see what happens! It ended up being a bigger thing than I had expected. And I’m so glad it’s happening because I think it’s super important to have this representation within the community. Typically within Western culture, I’ve always felt like Asians were seen as the quiet and docile ones but every one of these bands will make you think otherwise and I think that itself is really freaking empowering. And it’s something the rest of the world needs to see.”

WORD.

Photo credit: Arturo Zarate

“My biggest inspiration for all of this is the band NO MODEL. It was the first time ever I’d seen an all asian hardcore punk band in America. Just seeing all of them play their hearts out and scream about asian American unity was really moving.”

Speaking of No Model, Sehun was the gem who jumped at the chance to help with this article. He rounded up a whole bunch of dope quotes from participating bands so you can hear from them yourselves.

SOUR

“My 18 year old self would have never believed this shit. Asian unity and love to the diaspora. See you on the dance floor.”

– Jeff Stuckel, SOUR, Korean Adoptee.
Photo credit Kristen Necovski

CHERUB CHAINS

“There is a passionate urgency to the future we are building and laying down for the generations ahead…very grateful to be a part of it.”

– Mitchell Keo, Cherub Chains, Khmer.

“Representation allows so much potential for doors to open up. I hope this showcase inspires other Asian Americans because there is always room to diversify and enrich the spaces we walk through.”

– Molly Nguyen, Cherub Chains, Vietnamese-American.

“For all the Asians who have been taught to be quiet and conform, it’s time to fight back and embrace our cultures.”

– Andrew Okano, Ferment, Japanese-Filipino.
Photo credit: photosxbyem

“Our truths don’t have to be the same in order for us to unite. Tell YOUR story no matter what the cost is. Grab a mic, learn an instrument, scare a colonizer. International adoption is legalized human trafficking.”

– Sehun, No Model, Korean Adoptee
Photo credit: arnobaetz

“I’m off that good kush and alcohol”

– Huan, Warden, Vietnamese
Photo credit: @brandon.a.mahler

We were able to grab a few more amazing quotes so let’s keep that shit rolling:

“With this intense and fucked up political climate that we have in this imperialist belly of the beast, I hope shows like this agitates and inspires people to take political action and get organized. Being Asian American doesn’t stop from having flags on your instagram profile or knowing the best dishes from your country, its about fighting against colonizers and imperialists or else decades after you might not have a country to be proud of.”

– AJ Santos, Filipino, Namatay Sa Ingay

“This is our first tour, and we’re pretty stoked to be apart of such an awesome festival!”

– Tin, Cambodian, Mass Grief

And on that note, let’s pass this jam back to Karin for final words:

“There are still more things that we’re trying to figure out as well. As of right now, we’re trying to include street vendors around back, especially the ones that are struggling the most. We will also potentially work alongside with some organizations but all of that is still currently in the works.

I hope that more people can see that Asians aren’t the quiet and docile people they think we are and start taking us more seriously. And also I hope that there’s an Asian kid out there that finds motivation by being in a setting surrounded by other Asians coming together for an event like this. And then that kid goes off to do their own DIY stuff.”

RESPECT.