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.”

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. Comic/Graphic Novel: The Mask of Haliya. LOVE this new series from an all-Asian American team of women!

5. Skincare: good light is an incredible skincare and beauty brand from my friend David Yi. Everything from good light is the best!¹

6. 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!

7. Comedy: Watch The Intruder, my friend Atsuko Okatsuka’s HBO comedy special, and Helen Hong’s Well Hong on Amazon Prime.

---

THE YELLOW PAGES is a resource to my younger self and all of you. Products linked through this post may earn a commission. Please consider further supporting by leaving a comment, ❤️ing this post, upgrading to a paid subscription, or gifting one to a friend. And check out my other Substack newsletter: GEN X TASTE (weekly fashion/beauty/lifestyle posts).

1. Also recommended by ISSUE 05 guest SuChin Pak!