ISSUE 06: Nick Cho (Your Korean Dad)
And new (to me) music.
THE YELLOW PAGES is a newsletter recommending Asian and AAPI films, music, writing, and other inspiration — all the artsy things I wished for growing up!
This week, I wanted to share music I’ve recently discovered. Some have been around for a long time, some are just getting started. What Asian and AAPI artists are you listening to? I’m starting a Spotify playlist and will be adding more.
🥁 Fanny - I cannot believe I’ve never heard of this band! I was a Music and Women’s studies double major in college, a time when I was immersed in all things classic rock. I did my thesis on Fanny Mendelssohn when I should have been doing it on this Fanny instead! But I had no idea they even existed. They’re a band of mostly Filipino women, formed in the early 70’s, and were the first all-female rock band signed to a major record label (with a multi-album deal). It took a documentary about them (Fanny: The Right to Rock) for me to finally learn about their journey, and I’m so glad I did.
👩🏻🚀 Sobs - Every tune off this Singaporean indie pop band’s new album Air Guitar sounds like every song I loved in the 90’s. Only the lead singer kinda looks like me when I wear a wig and the rest of the band reminds me of cousin, who I tutored in math. Sobs is Celine Autumn, Jared Lim, and Raphael Ong and I’m dying to see them when they finally tour the USA.
🎸 NoSo - My husband Abe actually introduced me to NoSo’s debut album Stay Proud of Me this summer. I loved every single song, and the deeper I dove, the more I loved NoSo themself. Check out their NPR Tiny Desk and this essay they wrote: “My Midwest Childhood as a Trans Korean-American.”
🐑 JEN Z - Over the pandemic, YouTube served me a steady algorithm diet of young, Asian-American content creators (list is coming, don’t worry) and that included JENerationDIY, aka Jen Z. I really enjoy seeing her room makeovers, but also, I love watching her BTS music videos.
📓 NIKI - My friend Melanie Maras grew up in Jakarta so originally, NIKI’s song “High School in Jakarta” was just a funny link in our group chat. But the more I listened to this Indonesian singer/songwriter (whose full name is Nicole Zenfanya) I started becoming a serious fan. My favorite song by her right now is “Keeping Tabs” which I would definitely run to (if I actually exercised).
Follow Nick at YourKoreanDad.com.
Name/Pronouns:
Nick Cho (he/him).
What do you do?
Content creator.
How do you identify?
Korean American. Also, East Coast American (I only live in California!).
Do you identify as “yellow?”
I think it’s important to understand changes in our culture, including terms like “Asian American” and “yellow” to describe an ethno-political coalition. I remember in high school I was told that “oriental” wasn’t cool to say to describe East Asians anymore and I was annoyed that a change like that seemed to be completely out of my control. But I learned the reasons why and ultimately saw that our community had come to some consensus. So I’m not fond of “yellow” as an identity description for a number of reasons, but if that’s what our community adopts, then I’ll call myself “yellow.”
Books: Year of the Tiger by Alice Wong. My dear friend Alice is the fiercest warrior for disability justice I know. Year of the Tiger is her memoir and in it she reveals so much that everyone should read and know.
Bands: 악단광칠 (Ak Dan Gwang Chil, or ADG7). I dreamt that there might be a group that combines contemporary musical styles with Korean folk music, and then I came across ADG7 and my dream came true. Korean folk music is one of the most soulful music there is, and I’m so happy there’s a movement of musicians breathing new life into it for new generations.
Clothing Designers: I’m so excited to see Korean American streetwear brands that have launched out there. I’ve just launched a collab with The Joseon, and I’m also a big fan of Antibrand, Kore Limited, Sundae School, and Seoul Athletic Club. Also love IISE from Korea too!
Comic/Graphic Novel: The Mask of Haliya. LOVE this new series from an all-Asian American team of women!
Skincare: good light is an incredible skincare and beauty brand from my friend David Yi. Everything from good light is the best!1
My Favorite Korean Mom (aside from my own): Jane Park (@janeparkang) is a good friend and incredible content creator. Follow her on all socials if you don’t already!
Comedy: Watch The Intruder, my friend Atsuko Okatsuka’s HBO comedy special, and Helen Hong’s Well Hong on Amazon Prime.
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Also recommended by ISSUE 05 guest SuChin Pak!
Really cool to read this newsletter and Nick's nuanced take on "yellow"! Loving the newsletter, keep up the good work!
Why does this thing say error?