This A-Profiler we bring you Kevin So, vocalist and musician. Catch a glimpse into one of the hottest young Asian American musicians today. Find out what influences his music, who influences his music, and why he would never turn down a small red envelope at any time of the year.

Your site URL:
http://www.kevinso.com
http://www.myspace.com/kevinsoandmidnightsnack

How would you describe yourself?
A nice person who loves music, dim sum, and freshly steamed lotus seed buns.

Can you tell our viewers what it was like growing up in the Boston area as a Chinese American?
In a nutshell, pretty good. A lot of different scenes going on around me. Punk, skateboarders, hip hoppers, yuppies, Asian Americans of all backgrounds, and all these cultural influences mixing together more often than not. That was what I was most attracted to at least when I was walking all around Boston – from downtown crossing, through Back Bay, onto Central Square and Harvard Square, into Watertown, and back to Allston and Brighton where I grew up. My best friends were Chinese American, black, Greek American, “Wasp”, and Irish American. So that alone was kind of cool – especially when we all got together and went out to see a movie or the mall.

When did you first know you could sing?
I used to sing along to Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder songs on the living room radio. I felt, in my mind at least, that I could imitate their voices well ever since I was around 7 years old.

What musical individuals had an influence on your music?
There are so many. Big influences are Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Keith Jarrett, James Taylor, Herbie Hancock, and also a few of my friends who still play gigs with me from time to time. My bandmates especially in the past 7-8 years have had a tremendous influence on the way I approach, compose, perform, and most importantly – listen to music.

Have you sung any songs in a different language? Would you like to?
I’ve recorded a couple songs in Spanish - “Til The Morning Comes” (Individual 1997) and “Mi Casa Es Su Casa” (Leaving The Lights On 2003) and sung some words in Cantonese on a couple other songs – “The Great Wall” (Along The Way 1999) and“If It Were Up To Me” (Leaving The Lights On 2003). I recorded my song “Crush On You” entirely in Mandarin but haven’t released it. I’m always open to learning and singing songs in any language that feels comfortable and honest.

Have you competed in a karaoke competition anonymously? If so how did you do?
I once judged a karaoke contest a few years ago. A lot of contestants were singing “My Heart Will Go On” because that was the big hit song at the time.

What is it about music that you enjoy so much?
I like the fact that music is something you can’t hold physically in your hand. It’s an aesthetic thing, yet its value is so great. It cures so many and has a power beyond words.

If you could choose only 3 albums to bring on a desert island which albums would those be?
This is the toughest question to answer. But for now...

In no particular order:
Stevie Wonder “Songs In The Key Of Life”
Miles Davis “My Funny Valentine”
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band “Hammersmith Odeon 1975”

I’m cheating a little bit coz a couple of them are double CDs. Sorry. I’m greedy sometimes. But you did say “albums” right ?

If you weren’t creating and making music what would you be doing?
I’d probably be wishing I could get off my couch, get up and make some music.

Is music a full time job or do you ever have any days off?
I give myself at least one day off per week. It’s tough to do anything non-music related because it’s such a big part of my existence. James Taylor once called it “food for the soul” – which I completely understand.

Which album was the most enjoyable to create and which album was the most challenging to make?
I think sometimes the most challenging is the most enjoyable. When you are challenged with something and can overcome it, that’s gratifying. I felt that my latest album was the most challenging because I’m always trying to better myself in all aspects of life. This CD is just a result and a document of that process. The process is a never ending challenge.

What are you currently working on? What do you have lined up for the future?
I’m currently on the piano working on a live version of what I call “The Victor Woo Medley.” It’s a medley of 8-10 songs from my “Leaving The Lights On” album that gives the audience a synopsis of “A Day In The Life of Victor Woo.” Musically it’s very challenging in that I have to piece certain songs together and also try to incorporate some of the themes from other songs on the CD that aren’t in the medley. Once I can get that down, I want to learn it on the guitar – without a capo.

Is there any current musician or singing you would like to collaborate with?
Keith Jarrett, Branford Marsalis, Pete Townshend, Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Kurt Elling, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, John Legend, Amos Lee, Keb’ Mo’, and James Taylor – to name a few.

Are Asian Americans well represented in your musical circle?
Well, on my latest CD “A Brighter Day” I’ve got soul artists Heather Park and Vudoo Soul, rapper Taiyo, DJ Malicious, and up-and-coming singer Anita Cheung on many tracks. All Asian Americans. I wanted to have Chan, Jin, and Far East Movement on the hip hop track “The New Sensation a.k.a. Sexy Asian Man” but it just didn’t happen unfortunately. Next CD hopefully!

In New York and Boston at least, I’m seeing more and more Asian Americans pursuing music no longer as a hobby, but as a career. That’s very exciting for me.

Would you change anything with what you have done with your music career?
There may be things that I would change for whatever reason, but it wouldn’t lead me to where I am today. That’s okay. I’m just looking forward and living in the moment. Just answering these questions is very therapeutic.

Would you ever retire from music?
I won’t ever stop listening to or making music. I may take a break from it to pursue other endeavors one day. I’d like to actually. I’d like to get into film making.

Chinese New Year has come and gone, do you still follow any New Year traditions?
If you’re offering a small red envelope with money in it, I’d never turn it down no matter what time of year it is.

But seriously, I just to make it a point to visit my family members as often as I can, when I’m either on the road or not. Chinese New Year is definitely a good reason to have the entire family, cousins, nieces and nephews included, together.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with AArisings, do you have some words you want to leave your fans with?
Please check me out on My Space!
http://www.myspace.com/kevinsoandmidnightsnack

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Ray Lam. Special thanks to Kevin So.

Photos by John Mazlish. Used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).