This A-Profiler we bring you Yên, a soulful R&B vocalist who has surprised many people with his vocal prowess. Find out more about Yên, what his parents reaction was when he told them he wanted to be a musician, who his favorite Vietnamese vocalist is, and where he will go next.

Your site URL:
www.yenmusic.net

Hey Yên, how many times have people mispronounced your name?
Hmmm...Let me see. I think you probably should have asked me how many times a day people mispronounce my name (LOL). It’s all good. I’m pretty used to it by now though. I can see how people could easily mispronounce my name. Often people pronounce it as what they see. In the Vietnamese language, the pronunciations are often based on where the accent marks are located in a word. My name has a roof over the e of Yên, so my name is pronounced Ian.

Can you describe yourself in seven words?
Quiet, Loud, Humble, Funny, Serious, Happy and Blessed

Was there a prominent Asian population in Michigan?
The Asian population was rather small when I was growing up. I remember growing up and there were only 3 or 4 other Asian families in my community. I think most of the Asian population was my family!

Is there a difference between Asian from the West Coast versus the East Coast?
The big difference is that there are way more Asians on the west coast. I do not know if they work together more. It just seems that there is more of a united movement in the West Coast.

How did your parent react when you told them you wanted to be a musician?
Let’s just say there was no reaction. Since I was 11 years old, I believe my parents were in denial. Most Asian parents want their children to become doctors, lawyers, and engineers. These are great paying jobs and that’s OK for them to want that. However, I feel that as long as their child is happy and enjoying what they do, that should come first. My parents began to accept what I do as I got older. Before my father passed a way, he told me to continue with my music. That was a great feeling to know that my father accepted it, and the song “My Calling” on my album was a tribute to him.

If you could only bring 3 albums to listen to on a deserted island which albums would you take?
Wow that’s a tough one. I would certainly bring Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder. James Ingram’s CD The Power Of Great Music would have to be next on my list. You know I would have to bring one of mine. I was told to always carry one around. You never know who you will run into.

Do you know if there is a Yên fan club?
I do have my fans that I am thankful for, but I do not know if there is a fan club. Let me know if you find out and let me know what kind of cut I get. LOL!

Is there a good Pho restaurant in Atlanta? Are you a master pho chef?
My favorite place to eat Pho would be at home. I can’t say that I ever tried cooking Pho on my own.

Are people surprised that you can sing so well for an Asian guy?
Yeah, I still get an occasional jaw drop or two anytime I perform. It is still a surprising event to see an Asian guy sing Soul music. Hopefully that changes someday.

Do you feel accepted amongst your peers?
I do not know if I feel accepted more than respected. I believe every music community has it’s own click and people who they feel comfortable dealing with. I just continue to do my thing and to not worry if I fit in.

Do you have a favorite musical Vietnamese artist?
Yeah, my wife (Bien B. Nguyen) has to be my favorite Vietnamese artist. She’s a strong writer and [has] a beautiful voice.

What are you currently working on?
I have been performing quite a bit and still trying to push the album. I am working on getting back to writing and coming up with more music in the near future.

Do you think Vietnamese artist are well represented in the music industry?
The Vietnamese artists are represented well in their own community; however, there are not a lot of Vietnamese represented outside of that. I feel there needs to be more support for Vietnamese artists trying to do something different.

Where do you see your music career taking you?
I see God taking me more than my music career. I believe as an artist in the music industry you need faith. There are so many ups and downs in this business that you need to prepare yourself for you to last in the game. I am at a point that I try to do as much as I can to be able to support my family with my music, but always seek God for the next step.

Can you describe what it’s like performing in front of a live audience?
There are no words to describe this experience. All I can say that it is a time when people really stop and listen to what I’m really saying. How often does that happen? Then to have them sing the lyrics with me, means that they are really relating to what I’m going through. That to me is the greatest feeling.

Who got you interested in music and singing?
My 9 brothers and sisters played an important role in my love for music. I was introduced to a wide variety of genres at a young age. I grew fond of Soul music when I first heard the sounds of Motown.

Do you think you would have made the final cut on Diddy’s show “Making the Band?”
No, I would not have made it to the finals. I don't fit the mold Diddy is looking for and I don't dance! I guess I fit in the Old School Crooners who pride themselves in their singing more than dancing.

Thanks for taking the time to do this A-Profile; do you have any words for your fans?
Continue to keep an eye out for Asian American Artists. We need the support from our own community most of all. I’d like to thank everyone at AArisings selecting me for an interview letting me share my thoughts. Check out www.yenmusic.net for more information about me, my upcoming performances, and the various places to purchase my album, Introducing The Sound of AsiansoulRnB!

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

Photos used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).