More than a Korean Susan Boyle
If you have not seen Sung-Bong Choi’s story, please take a moment NOW to watch this Korea’s Got Talent clip:
I don’t have too many words to say except this: Wow.
We should know by now that the way a person looks has very little to do with the talents that they possess.
Even if you don’t believe in God, this has to be one of the few times you feel compelled to believe in a Divine Justice.
Unfortunately, the world does not operate under a perfect justice–
The rich get richer. The poor get poorer.
Good things happen to evil people. Horrible things happen to great people.
The Yankees win the World Series.
Heidi Montague and Spencer Pratt have fans.
Etc. Etc.
The story and voice of Sung Bong Choi grab me because I am seeing someone who is walking proof that Grace exists. Yes, he has lived an unbelievably heart-wrenching life up to this point, but he has also been given a gift from the Hand of God Himself.
And he is making sure he doesn’t waste it. This Grace is meant to be shared.
Keep singing, Sung Bong Choi. You are obviously loved and you deserve every bit of the Divine Justice bestowed upon you.
What intrigues you about his story and voice?
The End of 40 Days! A Best Of…
My pledge to blog everyday for 40 days has come to a close! I want to thank those of you who have checked in periodically to journey with me in my writing. I hope that it was as fun, interesting, and inspiring for you to read as it was for me to write!
I wanted to close this chapter by recapping the past few weeks with links to some of my favorite posts (based on your responses as well as my personal enjoyment in writing them!)
Today also marks the end of the iTunes Card giveaway contest. I will announce the 2 winners tomorrow!
Here are the best of the last 40 days in no particular order:
My American Idol (Guessed) Rankings
A Letter to Charlie Sheen from the future
The most read post out of all of them? It was the one about the UCLA Racist girl. Apparently racism and regrettable youtube videos make for interesting reads!
So I would like to know, which was your favorite? Any thoughts on future topics I should attempt to address?
Could I Be a Lead Singer in a Rock Band? and how to fight racism. (Music Monday)
**Remember my iTunes giveaway contest ends a week from today!**
Our world has made great strides in regards to race issues but as you may know, we still have a long ways to go.
I saw a funny youtube post in which the guy mentions jokingly that intermarriage is a good way to combat racism since there’s no clear way to be racist toward a person of mixed heritage. Pretty funny but I also think there’s something there. Hmmm… intermarriage, huh? Makes me think of another word along that same vein: Integration.
Integration.
I believe that one of the most powerful yet untapped race-uniting forces in the world is the medium of music.
When I look at the musical landscape in a country like the States, I see a vast ocean of talent (and lucky wannabes with the right connections) who are influencing the next generation with their lyrics and style.
Though there have been exceptions over the years, one really important piece is missing: Integration.
Integration.
When was the last time you saw a rock band comprised of dudes from different ethnic backgrounds? You usually have a frontman with really cool hair and edgy tattoos, along with a melancholy bassist, an eccentric electric guitarist, and an easily-excitable drummer . . . all of whom are usually white.
If we were still in the 60s, diversity would be a lot to ask for. But were in 2011 now.
Hip hop? With the exception of Eminem, this is a genre of music that is dominated by our African American brothers.
Again, I know there are more exceptions but I mention those two genres because they are a couple of my favorites and I want to make a point.
We can’t have ethnic enclaves within music. Not if we want to move forward.
To my Asian folk, I’m seeing that you’re talented. Really talented. But set the bar higher and stop just performing for each other. Maybe you do this because 1) you’re scared that you won’t make it into the mainstream so 2) you settle into what’s comfortable and 3) never explore the greater world outside. You are committing musical incest.
I’m proud of Far East Movement for proving to the world that a bunch of Asians can bust out into the music scene. However, I think there’s a lot more work to be done. I don’t believe it’s enough to say “See! We’re awesome too!” The question is, can you work under diversity and produce something great? I believe this is the goal for any artist seeking to bring about a greater sense of unity across cultures.
If I were to start a band, I would be intentional about working with a variety of people of different backgrounds. This is different from affirmative action. This is me believing that I would be able to find the best people for my band outside (but not excluding) my own culture.
Imagine what our world would be like if a few bands with a global following similar to the likes of U2 and Coldplay would rise up, comprised of an Asian lead singer (because this is my dream and I would gladly take this role), a Black bassist, a Hispanic drummer, and a White electric guitarist (or any combination)? Our world would be a different place.
As crazy as it sounds, I believe that we could achieve greater inter-racial harmony through musical representation in this manner. What if the Beatles were a diverse band of brothers?
Check this video out. I thought it was really well done and illustrates an aspect of what I’m trying to convey.
As with most things I write about, more on this later.
Am I the only one who thinks this is important? Or that it’s even possible?
My American Idol Guesses (Music Monday)
Before you read this post, you must take into consideration the following bit of critical detail: I have not seen a single episode of this season’s American Idol.
So that explains why I can’t even call this a predictions or rankings post. I know nothing about the contestants except that apparently some girl named PIA was ousted last week and no one seemed to be happy about it.
Whether you’ve kept up with the show each week like a true fanatic or you’re like me and haven’t seen a single tick, this post is for you!
Consider this my answer to the March Madness craziness that takes place every year when un-knowledgeable wannabe-fans fill out brackets using incredibly unorthodox (and sometimes dumb) methods such as best uniform color/design, coolest mascot, and cute star players (not my method at all) to make their selections.
These are the unorthodox methods I’ll be using to make my “predictions” for American Idol: 1) Profile Picture, 2) Name, 3) and other arbitrary assumptions and observations I choose to make based on the nothing to very little I know about the contestants. If you’re scared that this post is going to be lame, inappropriate or slightly mean . . . no need to fear. Everything’s gonna be alright. Let’s have some fun! You ready??
Without further ado, these are my American Idol Guesses going from last to first:
3 Awesomely Bad Songs (Music Monday)
The last time I checked, “Friday” by Rebecca Black had over 81 millions hits on youtube. That is just insane. Never in the history of the world has something this bad, gotten so much attention. Actually, I take that back. Our society thrives on diverting all attention to all things bad (exhibit A: Charlie Sheen). However, when all is said and done, this song may indeed be the most famous awesomely bad song ever.
Notice I said that “Friday” could be the most famous awesomely bad song ever. This means that there are many, many other tunes out there that are not as well known but equally bad or far worse. Now I understand that “bad” is a rather relative term but I think we can agree every once in a while when something is truly horrendous. Here’s a few you may or may not have heard, and unfortunately, they are all songs that were written by people of a faith background:
The Breakfast Song
Of all the things that you could sing about in the “name of the Lord,” why breakfast? Someone please get the poor woman a cot because she needs a nap, like right NOW! These folks make heaven sound like a horrible place… no mo’ chicken? No mo’ Cap’n Crunch? No mo’ bacon? Sounds like hell to me! I’m hungry. Let’s eat breakfast!
Jesus is My Friend
As forum bulletin boards like this one will show, there is speculation behind the authenticity of this song and video. Either way, it is one of the most ridiculous songs I have ever heard and it is definitely worth a mention here. Lucky for these guys, Jesus loves everybody and is a friend to anybody who needs one… and I’m sure these guys needed friends.
Dogs of Glory
This is a great example of creativity gone wrong. The make-up is just a little too good and essentially takes this video from a G-rating to an “R” simply because of it’s immense fear factor. Dude looks freaky and the whole performance scares the bejeebus out of me (but Jesus is here to stay!). And just because you talk about God, Jesus and glory doesn’t necessarily mean your song has soul… this is unfortunate but true.
And finally: “HOWL-ELUJAH”?? Are you kidding me? “HOWL-ELUJAH”??? That unholy concoction of a word alone makes this the worst song of all time … at least for me.
What about you? Have any songs to add to the pot? Hope you’re having a great start to your week!
(NOTE: this is supposed to be a fun post. no offense to the writers of these songs and their relatives!)
Does Talent Trump Transgression? Chris Brown’s Comeback.
In case you didn’t hear about this yet, Chris Brown made an appearance on Dancing With the Stars the other night:
I don’t know what you thought after watching the video but I am reminded of how talented this guy is. I mean, he’s just an absolutely electrifying performer, a force of nature and charisma in a box.
Oh, and his new album was the #1 bestseller this week.
Not too long ago, this guy beat his girlfriend into a bloody pulp. Her name was Rihanna. People said his career, his life, was over.
Look at him now.
This is the kind of success story that’s a little bit tricky. On one hand, everyone deserves a second chance and it’s great that he’s getting it.
But what if Chris Brown wasn’t famous and talented? What if Chris Brown didn’t have video game-caliber dancing chops? Would everyone be so quick to forgive and move on?
People forget that Kobe Bryant was once accused of rape. Multiple championships and all-star game MVPs later, this is rarely a topic of discussion anymore. (Unless you’re amongst a group of haters but that’s another topic for another day.)
Michael Vick was scum of the earth and public enemy number 1 when it was revealed that he was running a canine version of the kumite. After a successful run with the Philadelphia Eagles, Vick is back on track.
When Tiger Woods starts collecting jackets and trophies again, people will gladly remove the Scarlet Letter from his cap and let the Nike Swoosh reign once more.
I am all about redemption and grace. I love seeing forgiveness and renewal take place in the public eye for all to witness and marvel at.
But this Chris Brown story feels a little bit different. It seems to me that his other-worldly talent might have served as a broom to swiftly sweep his dust of violent rage under a large rug of instant success.
Maybe I’m wrong (which happens on occasion) but I am seeing a pattern here and I wonder if we give too much credence to talent.
Watch this:
In our subconscious we may think that talent excuses us from being human, from really dealing with and going through the process of brokenness, from taking the time to heal and mend properly.
Talent only goes so far and for Chris Brown’s sake, I really hope he is dealing with his deep issues of anger. I hope he celebrates the fact that he stands forgiven by God but that the responsibilities and consequences of his actions still linger. And this is to shape him and make him a better man. This goes for all of us and our junk.
As he performs and climbs the charts he cannot forget what he’s been through and what he’s done. That, to me, is not grace and redemption. It’s something completely different and I hope for his sake and those that admire him that he doesn’t get lost in his own hype.
Talent does not trump transgression.
If I Was Rebecca Black’s Mentor (Music Monday)
By now, you have heard of Rebecca Black and her #1 hit single, “Friday.” If you have not, it means you have been taking your “I’m fasting Youtube for Lent” thing very seriously. Well done, congratulations, and may you be within earshot of God’s audible voice!
I saw her name floating around twitter last week so I decided to check out the youtube clip for myself and I was floored:
I literally did not know what to make of this song/video/artist. Was this all a joke? I wasn’t even trying to be mean when I asked my Twitter and Facebook friends what this was all about.
Turns out that this was an innocent project funded by her mother when she hired Ark Music Factory to give Rebecca a taste of the music biz. A taste of the music business is what she got alright, and after 60 millions views on Youtube and counting, Rebecca Black is now a household name. This, in most cases, would constitute an amazing success story but unfortunately, Rebecca is experiencing the ugliest side of life in the musical limelight.
I must admit that this could very well be the worst song of all time but I don’t know if that necessarily means that she needs to die, as many youtube low-lifers have suggested. She seems like a sweet-enough teen and all she wanted to do was have some fun.
Enough hating. I think Rebecca could use some encouragement, don’t you?
If I was Rebecca’s mentor, what would I say to her? Here are some possible pick-me-ups:
“Rebecca, remember that no matter how good you are at something, there is always someone better. In the same vein, no matter how bad you are, there will always be someone worse than you as well.”
“Becka, there is no such thing as bad publicity.”
“Becky, there’s so much more to you than music. Don’t limit yourself.”
“Bex, there are at the very least three people who love you and that’s all that matters: God, your mom, and Simon Cowell.”
“Yo, B! I haven’t been able to get your song out of my head for the past 72 hours!”
“R.B., it’s Friday. Let’s go kick it. Forget about them losers. By the way, yesterday was Thursday. Tomorrow is Saturday. In case you didn’t know.”
OK, so maybe some of these would be better left unsaid but it’s true that Rebecca could use some more love in her life right now.
In all seriousness: If you were Rebecca Black’s friend or mentor, what would you say to her?
My New Song, whispered!
I wanted to share one of my newer songs that I wrote a couple months ago here in Mexico.
It’s a kick in the butt for myself and anyone else that ever thought about making a change, either within themselves or in the world.
And in classic DK fashion, what I am posting is completely raw, unedited and unimpressive. To make matters more interesting, I am singing as softly as I can so as not to wake my son during his nap. Thank you for hearing past the warts.
Hope you like.
Yeah You Do
Hopeless lovers intertwined in
Battles spun in spools of
Mass confusion
Nameless faces interspersed through
Proverbial milk cartons
Of inaction
This sinking feeling points you the right way
Yeah you do
You say you got potential
But all you do
Is sit on your assets
Yeah you do
You say you want to change the world (what’s wrong)
But all you do
Is sit on your assets
The silence will utter the same song
History’s on repeat
With the same beat
Technological advances
Feels so good like progress
But what is progress?
How to Score a #1 Hit on the Radio (Music Monday)
It’s been a great but short trip back to California. We’ve been driving around everywhere which means that the radio is on non-stop and we’re able to get a feel for what’s on-and-poppin’ nowadays. I’ve been realizing a few trends amongst all the popular and over-played tunes and I think I figured out a formula for success.
Here’s how to get a #1 hit on the radio:
1. Autotune - yup, this is the single most important element and hands down, the most overused. I think there’s a rule now in the industry that requires you to have auto-tune in your record or it simply won’t get played. There’s a little bit of a problem with this, in my opinion, because even terrible singers can suddenly release hits. I can’t help but equate the auto-tune with cheating. They are like really annoying steroids– except their use in this case benefits nobody. T-Pain, this is all your fault.
2. Rihanna sings your hook- remember that kid in your class that would raise their hand for everything? Who wants to be hall monitor? “Oh, ME!” Who wants to erase the chalk board? “Oh, ME!” What is the theory of relativity? “I know!” Who wants to kiss my butt? “Yes, ME!” Well, that person on the radio right now is Rihanna. She’s EVERYWHERE. She has her own songs but she’s also singing everyone’s chorus. OK… maybe it’s just that one Eminem chorus but still, it seems she’s everywhere. Basically, get her on your song and you’ve got yourself a hit.
3. Think of the most simple, redundant thing to say – and make that your chorus. I promise you that 98% of the songs out there would be booed off local open mic nights if they were ever shared in spoken word form. That’s how shallow, redundant and un-artistic a lot of these songs are. Lyrical content counts for very little these days and it’s all about . . .
4. A killer beat – it doesn’t matter what your song is talking about as long as the beat can get people to shake their hips, bob their heads, and make children. After all, that’s what really sells and that’s how the Black Eyed Peas have made a living for the past decade.
I know this is not a comprehensive breakdown so i could use your help. What am I missing?
my first ever coffeehouse concert
my family and i will be returning to So Cal for the holidays and thought it would be a great opportunity to share some music in Orange County. my buddy Matt Shockley will be opening and closing the night.
It’s a weeknight so we’re hoping you will make plans now to join us by canceling whatever you have to and asking whomever you need to (for babysitting, carpooling, etc) to come!
I will be sharing songs that nobody has ever heard before (brand new!) and Matt will do his thing as usual. It is going to be a GREAT night.
Hope to see you there! I really do.
Cheers
DK
Free Song Giveaway – WATER
Introducing the unofficial
and
Partnership
According to CharityWater.org:
“Right now, almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water. That’s one in eight of us.
charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. We use 100% of public donations to directly fund sustainable water solutions in areas of greatest need. Just $20 can give one person clean water for 20 years.”
Charity Water has no idea who I am but thought I’d take this moment to highlight a need as I undergo my own short-lived and minimal hardship without water. Our lame apartment has been without H20 for 24 hours now and it absolutely stinks (literally) to not be able to cook, clean, pee, poo, shower, wash, and/or wipe. I settled for a quick baby-wipe cleansing instead of my usual shower last night. Unlike the parts of the world that suffer without any water, at least I have my 5-gallon jug of water to drink.
So… as we remember and consider our part to play in this worldwide need, I thought I’d give away one of my songs completely for FREE, right now, right here for a limited time.
Quite appropriately, it is titled “Water” and it is off my first and only EP. Please download, enjoy, pass-on, and consider life without water… even if it’s for just a day or 2. (fingers crossed the water here is activated soon!)
Download WATER (right click and save-as)
Then and Now. K-Pop
Before I kick this thing off, let me preface it by saying that I don’t listen to Korean music anymore. I went through a major phase over 14 years ago when I was obsessed with it and was even convinced that my destiny was to go to Seoul and become irreparably famous doing K-Pop. I have seen the light since then and I’m grateful for it, but I definitely won’t hate on anybody for appreciating a little bit of H.O.T., Wonder Girls or whatever is on and poppin nowadays. I tell my friends that K-Pop is like musical junk food… makes you feel good at times but it contains no real nutritional (musical) value.
Not sure if you know this but Korean music has become something of a global phenomenon– particularly throughout Asia. I was surprised during my time in Thailand to find out that most of the youth were down with K-Pop… and then I find out this is the same in places like Hong Kong, China, and Japan. Sold-out concerts in arenas by artists like Rain and Boa have been common-place. Go figure!
I’m going to highlight one person in particular. He’s the guy that started the group that started it all, the one that kicked off the modern era of the Korean pop scene. Let me (re)introduce you to Seo Taiji.
The video below is their first national debut ever on a major Korean network way back in 1992. It’s a show that allows up-and-coming groups to perform their song while the judges sit and critique their overall sound. As you watch, notice how the young crowd doesn’t utter a single peep during the performance. This I find incredibly fascinating as any current video will show you that the Korean girls these days will sacrifice every last bit of their vocal chords to express their undying love for anything remotely entertaining.
For those of you who don’t Se Habla Coreano, basically Seo Taiji and his boys do their thing on stage to an absolutely stunned audience who don’t know what to make of this revolutionary sound and dance. Immediately after, the gauntlet is thrown down by the judges who all essentially say the same thing: this type of music won’t make it, your melody needs to be worked on, I don’t get it, nice try etc. etc. They had no idea that the guy in front of them would change the face of Korean music forever. Look at the determined, stoic face that Seo Taiji carries as he’s receiving the critique of the judges. His face says “y’all don’t know %$!%! I’m gonna prove you mother @%$#@$ wrong!” in the quietest way possible. This is the musical equivalent of the Michael Jordan story… cut by his High School team for lack of size (and his coaches apparent lack of foresight. the biggest #fail in history)
Do your own youtube research if you like but since this debut video Seo Taiji has BLOWN-UP and gone on to release 8 albums in the span of 2 decades and each one has pushed the envelope and shaped not only the industry, but the very paradigm of music in Asia. He has displayed virtuosity in Rap, Hard-Core, Pop, Alternative, Classical and nearly everything in between.
So if I don’t listen to Korean music, why am I writing a post about it? Well, my wife just happened to be looking up her favorite K-Pop classics one day and showed me the video above and the videos you are about to see below. I couldn’t help but be inspired by the genius and resilience of Seo Taiji. A true musical revolutionary. We could learn a lot from this guy.
Look at how far he has come in one of his more recent music videos. The music has changed considerably and the quality of the music video is absolutely sick (and the drummer is ridiKulous):
And this is one of the most ambitious concert productions I’ve seen. He combines a Russian orchestra with a choir along with his usual set-up:
You don’t have to be impressed. Just inspired.
Can you think of other unlikely artists who have surprised you?
Then and Now. Ever hear of Katy Hudson?
Watch this video below and let me know if you recognize the singer. (You probably see who it is by the heading on the video)
Excuse me if I’m a bit late on this (or you’re welcome if you’re mind is blown like mine) but could it be?
That was a video of a teenage KATY PERRY performing at the Glasshouse in Pomona, CA as a – *gulp* – Christian artist some 9 years ago! I had no idea until I came across this hilarious blog post from Jon Acuff.
Before she bust out on the scene with wholesome anthems like “I Kissed a Girl” and “California Gurls,” Katy real name Hudson was making her pastor parents proud by writing and performing songs about Jesus, playing out in public venues, and releasing CDs to stock the shelves of Family Christian Stores the world over (although apparently she never had a successful album release in this arena)
I know what kind of path a blog post like this one can take but I’m not here to bash on Katy or talk about how I wish she was still doing Christian music (I don’t), blah blah blah. I’ll leave that sentiment to the youtube hate comment brigade. Rather, I’m just simply intrigued by all this, that’s all.
It’s not just that she used to do Christian music. It’s that she used to have a real singer/songwriter vibe with some really decent acoustic guitar sensibilities and versatile vocal delivery.
It’s not just that she was small-time then and she’s big-time now. It’s the evident shift she has made from a somewhat shy, unassuming, teenage coffeehouse performer to a full-blown pop icon who commands the stage and the attention of all who would care to watch and listen.
It’s not just that her and Jesus were BFFs back in the day. It’s that today, somewhere underneath the scanty “what the heck is she wearing?!” fabric lies a woman who occasionally thinks back to the days of her Youth Group past with either disdain or nostalgia. Which is it?
It’s also intriguing to think that Katy would never have had the magnitude of influence she has right now had she stayed with the music she was doing cerca 2001. All her videos right now on youtube have an average of 20 million hits.
These are some semi-inconclusive thoughts I’m simply throwing out.
Right now, I’m simply intrigued and fascinated by the extreme conversion that Katy Hudson has gone through to become Katy Perry. Change to this degree, whether “good” or “bad,” is always worth a little investigation, a little thought.
For the record, I admit that her songs are pretty dang catchy… California Gurls. that’s my jam. Her acoustic stuff from the past are pretty cool too.
What do you think? Are you more fascinated now than before? Or could you care less?
Reflections?
Katy Perry = Katy Hudson
Latest song
Hey friends,
it’s really raw and unrefined but I invite you to take a peak at my latest song: “Greatest Story” and let me know what you think.
You can hear it HERE
you thought it was over. my album. available on iTunes. NOW
I announced last week that online sales of my album have ceased for the time being but today I bring to you this bit of news:
The First is now available on iTUNES as well as over a dozen other digital platforms!
What’s more? It is now only $5
IF you for some reason were hesitant on spending a measly few bucks on my hard-copy edition, I hope the lower-priced digital edition does the trick for you!
(For those of you who purchased the $7 + $1 for the hard copy, thank you SO much. You are one of the few with the in-print versions and hope you are proud of it!)
International folks… this means you can now purchase the album as well!
PLEASE help me spread the word. I hope that having this album online enables the EP to reach the ears of many, many people. If you like this CD, please spread the word. I will be forever grateful to you!
CLICK the image below to get to iTunes!
Vote for your favorite song on the EP
Hey Friends,
many of you have heard the new EP and now I want to know, what’s your favorite song on the project? Please just vote for one! Would also love any thoughts, reaction, or analysis you have on a specific song. ALSO, please join my FACEBOOK PAGE for all things music and choose to “like” me.
if you could also help spread the word, it would be awesome. i’m trying to move as many units as I can to help raise the needed support for our move to Mexico City on June 15!
So far, I’m amazed at the support for this project and I’m pleased to say that I’ve been sending copies to people all across the States, including Massachusetts, Virgina, Ohio, Delaware, DC, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Arizona, and more! Thank you so much!
Also, if you are in Southern California, you have one more chance to buy the album in person at Newsong Irvine this Sunday, June 13, 2010. After that point, the future of my limited edition CDs is very uncertain.
NOTE: My MUSIC is NOW available on iTunes!
And now, without further ado, the online poll. Please chime in!
My DEBUT album. Available NOW.
After years of dreaming and months of recording, my new EP is out and is available for a special pre-sale! With your purchase, you will be supporting our efforts in Mexico City for the next 2 years. Thank you for giving this album a chance and thank you for spreading the word. This CD is ONLY $8 and it includes all shipping costs (to anywhere in the United States). If you order today, the album will be mailed out to you starting on June 4, before the official release on June 6*!
*NOTE: If you live in Southern California, the EP will be made available for purchase at Newsong Irvine during all three services on June 6, 2010. You can make your purchase in person for $7 without worrying about shipping. If you place your order online, the album will be mailed to you and you won’t be able to pick it up in person*
NOTE: Online sales have closed but look below for the link to iTUNES!
All songs were written, produced, and performed by me with the help of many of my amazingly talented friends. I don’t know if I would feel comfortable asking people to pay for something I didn’t believe in so I can confidently say that this is an inspired project. No “filler” tracks and no wasted time– just FIVE loaded tunes with words and sounds inspired from our Newsong journey. I hope it is an encouragement to you!
The Tracks (click on the player to hear a sample of each song!):
1. Heart Transformer
2. You’re Everything (feat. Sadie Kim)
3. Unleash Your Beauty (acoustic version)
4. Water
5. Hey
BONUS: For chords and lyrics click HERE
CLICK BELOW TO PURCHASE ON iTUNES NOW!
a dream come true
Hey Friends!
It is with great joy and virtual tears that I share with you the news of the upcoming release of my first studio project. This is something I’ve wanted to do since I was in my teens and at the tender age of 29, it has finally come to pass!
This project was made possible by many different people and seriously, the divine hand of God! I’m so amazed at how everything came together at the right time with the right people. I feel so lucky to have worked with such great talent.
After a few private releases, this CD will be available for purchase here on this blog starting on June 7 for a limited time. Please send me a note if you want to reserve a copy before the official release.
I am extremely pleased with the results of this project and I have a sense that you’ll enjoy it immensely as well. I hope it is an encouragement to you all.
my first song upon the return from BKK
i randomly came across this video when i was browing youtube. forgot it was uploaded. it was the first song i wrote along with my friend Caleb Whang in 2007 and it’s called “Miracles”. Can’t believe it’s been over 2 years since this one.
i believe 2010 is the year of miracles.
in light of slavery prevention month
i shared my song “Unleash Your Beauty” on this blog a couple months ago and at the time it was performed acoustically at the Conference we hosted at Newsong.
As President Obama has declared this month the “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month”, i thought i’d post the live full-band version of this song from a couple weeks ago. As always, I have to apologize for the sound-mix and would like to ask you to listen with grace. I was also having a bad-hair day (or bad hair life rather) and i assure you that i’m a little more handsome in person 
.
this is a song about what happens when we lay down our lives for the poor and the enslaved. enjoy!
my latest song: “Hey”
hey dudes…
please do me a favor and pump this up on your head phones. reason being, the quality SUCKS and you’re just gonna dismiss this song in the first few seconds unless you stick it out with some headphones turned up! (also, i need a haircut and i look like a bum so you may be better off minimizing the window as well when you listen.)
another favor… if you like the tune, please feel free to spread it AND let me know what you think below. as you know, i don’t get paid for my songs so the only “currency” that flows in this economy are words. yours are precious to me. THANKS!
(on another note, if you do want to support me financially, there’s a donate option to the right on my sidebar… thanks)
wrote this one on 11.12.09. Thanks for giving the ghetto-fab production a chance! just doing the best with what i got!
“Unleash Your Beauty” – the complete song
hey friends,
almost 2 weeks ago, i shared my song in progress “Unleash Your Beauty”. At the time it was just the chorus and bridge but at the bidding of my friend Sam Song, I finished the tune in the next couple days and shared it that same week at Newsong on Sunday. here’s the live, complete version– acoustic style. hope you like. excited to share my process and progress with you. thanks for listening.
latest song: “Lost Time”
i wrote this song this morning and it was one of those times where everything flowed out and i was able to have 2 verses, chorus and bridge happen in 1 hour… a (relatively) complete song.
i recorded this RIGHT after i thought i finished it so it’s raw, shaky, and even a plane flies by in the middle of the song. hope you can envision this song at its best despite the quality and performance!
a song about the longing we all have to know and be known by our father (both senses of the word).
my notes on song selection and setlist formation
i’ve been helping to facilitate a worship leader’s class at Newsong Irvine which takes place every 2 weeks on Tuesday nights. (Worship leaders, for you non-church folk, are generally people who are the “lead singers” for the musical band at a church.)
it’s been incredible fun and I love the people who make up this group! the first 5 weeks were spent on building theological backing for why we do what we do and the final couple sessions will be focused on practical, hands-on type of learning.
here’re my notes for song selection and setlist formation. these lists are obviously not exhaustive and could use your input as well! please feel free to ask for clarification or add your own thoughts in the comments field below! hope this could be a resource to some of you. thanks!
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