Taiwanese American singer-songwriter and independent producer Dawen describes his music as “neo-soul with socially conscious lyricism” that he hopes “will further the dialogue on racism and social injustice in American society.” And sure enough, if you listen closely to his lyrics, you’ll find that it speaks directly from his personal experience as an Asian American and challenges us to reflect on issues that have shaped our collective “American” consciousness.
I recently caught up with R&B singer-songwriter Dawen in Los Angeles after his recent move from Chicago to find out what he’s been up to lately and to talk about his new CD entitled American Me. Take a moment and listen in on our brief conversation, then explore his websites to listen to more songs!
Check out this official music video for “Wake Up” from his debut full-length album American Me, which will be released in August 2009! It was directed by Matt Cozza and first screened at the 14th Chicago Asian American Showcase in 2009.
Visit Dawen’s other sites:
http://www.dawenwang.com
http://www.myspace.com/dawen
http://www.youtube.com/dawen
WIN an autographed copy of American Me! To enter the raffle, send an email to admin@taiwaneseamerican.org with the subject line “American Me” by August 2nd, and we’ll randomly select a winner! You must have a domestic US mailing address in order to receive the CD.
Ho Chie Tsai is the creator and manager of TaiwaneseAmerican.org. Like Dawen, he appreciated his time living in Chicago. His minority experience in the Midwest helped to shape his motivation for building a stronger community within Asian America.
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