Entertainment, Hsu-Li

Text Box: By Trinh thi Tuyen SEATTLE, WA - “I remember being told to be quiet and obedient. I remember being told to be a virgin till I got married. I remember patriarchal scenes where my father dominated the family. “I remember Mah-Jong tournaments - the clack, clack, clack of the tiles, and big food laden banquets with rooms full of old Chinese men and women gambling. They were sharp voiced and extremely crafty and gambling for big bucks! “I remember not liking Chinese food and only wanting spaghetti or American food; until I grew up and Asian foods became preferred. I remember the first time I stood up to my father and told him to stop hitting me. He actually stopped, believe it or not! He told me that in China children didn't dare talk back to their parents.” So began the life of Magdalen Hsu-Li, an internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, painter, cultural activist and the first well-known, openly bisexual, Asian American in the music industry. Hsu-Li is hugely popular within the college, folk, grassroots and the Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transgender music circuit. Often compared to Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan, Hsu-Li is poised to become America’s next crossover artist. Magdalen Hsu-Li was born in rural Martinsville, VA, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. George Tze-Ching Li. Growing up in the ‘70s while living in a small southern town was not especially kind to the young girl.

The Next Sarah McLachlan?

Text Box: Hsu-Li acknowledged artists who influenced her music. “I loved Peter Gabriel. He was the reason I became an artist. I discerned that I was an artist from listening to his music. “Later I loved Tori Amos. Listening to her music was so gripping for me. I wanted more than anything to be able to be as free and expressive as she seemed to be through music. “One of my role models is Stevie Wonder. He is so (expletive) brilliant, as a songwriter, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger, and performer and his songs are full of fierce joy, love and universality. “I love Lauren Hill and Bruce Hornsby. Lauren is so phat! She is the only African-American woman in music who is truly making great art. Bruce is a musical genius and one of the best pianists in the world!” Hsu-Li’s talent led her to a second album the following year. “Evolution” was released in 1998 to resounding accolades: "One of the better new folk songwriters in town, with a postmodern edge." The Seattle Times "Musically, Hsu-Li withholds nothing. Confrontational as all hell, she shows her piano no mercy, taking intolerance and every "ism" in the book prisoner with a rare and relentless fury, an approach that earns her infinite comparisons to Tori Amos and Ani DiFranco." Susan Moll, Rockrgrl Magazine "Magdalen represents an emerging rebellious Asian generation. She seduces you with her voice and captures you with her words. It's great to see Asian women fighting like this. Blow em away Hsu-Li!" Doualy Xaykaothao, WBAI Radio, NYC, NY “Blow em away! Magdalen represents an emerging rebellious Asian generation seducing you with her voice & capturing you with words.” WBAI FM New York City “Monkeygirl” from her critically acclaimed 1998 album garnered a GLAMA (Gay and Lesbian American Music Award) nomination for “Best Out Song.” “I write completely from the heart,” she said, “but also from my cultural heritages and the places I’m from (the southeast, northeast, and west coast). You can hear the influence of pop, folk, country, eastern music, classical, and jazz in my songs.” “One of the problems of our society is a lack of awareness for the wealth of cultural diversity that surrounds us,” said Hsu-Li. “I intend to always be defining issues of identity, raising awareness, and bringing communities together through my music & art. My primary goal as an artist is to help break through the glass ceiling in the American music industry so that Asians and other cultural minorities become accepted as artistic and commercial forces in popular music.”

Text Box: "There were cows, cornfields, Ku Klux Klan marches, and preppy debutantes, and no Asians anywhere," she recalled. "To top it off, I had Tourette’s which immediately set me apart from others, and I was experiencing racism and bigotry on a daily basis at school." Tourette’s syndrome is a severe neurological disorder characterized by multiple facial and other body tics. She began piano lessons at the age of eight, discovering a safe place to hide from her turbulent surrounding. “You just couldn't stop the songs from coming. I was also painting, and at the time it seemed (to everyone) that was my stronger gift. But music was always the way for me to get in touch with the deepest parts of my emotional myself and confront my inner fears. “I found solace and an understanding of who I was by listening to Peter Gabriel’s music. It was through music and art that I began to shape my true identity and learn to accept myself for being different,” said Hsu-Li. After graduating high school, the teenager enrolled in Rhode Island School of Design where, in 1992, she earned a BFA in Painting (Cum Laude) and winning the coveted Oxbow Fellowship, Talbot Rantoul Scholarship and Florence Leif Scholarship for Excellence in Painting. Hsu-Li packed her bag and moved to Seattle shortly after earning her degree. It was 1992, Seattle’s music scene was legendary and the city’s embrace of alternative lifestyles was a keen draw. “I dreamt I was a musician living in Seattle, and felt utterly compelled to follow that message,” she said. She enrolled at Cornish College of the Arts and began to study voice, classical, and jazz piano. In 1995, the co-ed won the prestigious Cornish Music Scholarship. “I never regretted my decision to put music first,” she said. “I am determined to make art that connects with people on the deepest level possible, and know I am best able to accomplish that for myself and for others through music.” Her professional music career took off in 1996 when she began singing in local festivals, performing arts centers and toured the college circuit. She started her own record company, “CHICKPOP Records,” and released her debut album, “Muscle and Bone,” the following year.

“I see a general thing with Asians in America. They either know themselves or they don't. They either are interested in self knowledge or they aren't.

“They are an extremely susceptible to trend culture. They are either Americanized or traditional. These are not stereotype, (they are) my observations on the Asian youth cultures (the ones) I experience hopping from city to city on my tours. They want desperately to be cool - more than anything in the world.”

Women’s rights, especially women of Asian descent, weigh heavily on Hsu-Li’s mind, “If more Asian American women artists appear and can be powerful role models for these women, it will shape the way Asian women view themselves and the way the world views them - for the better.”

“I think that is the function of the artist...to re-create themselves while reflecting culture at the same time. On (Evolution) I released a lot of anger and I think I really needed to.

“The two issues young women seem to be primarily dealing with in our society are anger and sexuality/power. What that album allowed me to do is to move through those issues into what I consider a more powerful place… joy and compassion.”

Ria Roncales Goodwin of The Asian Reporter in Portland, OR wrote, "I've been waiting for a long time for an Asian-American singer-songwriter whose music would tackle issues and experiences that I can relate to as an Asian woman in America. Hsu-Li is a natural performer. When she attacks the piano she is all woman and all knowing... the raw emotion... the personal and confessional lyrics... her impassioned performance... all wrapped up in one ferociously talented package."

Text Box: In 2001, Hsu-Li released her third album “Fire”. Songs ranging from pop to jazz to R&B brought greater recognition to the young singer. “Fire” was eventually named Best Top 12 DIY albums of 2002 by Performing Songwriter Magazine, and won “Best Producer” at the 2002 Outvoice Music Awards. Her song “As I Am” was featured in the 2003 Performing Songwriter Editors Choice Compilation CD.
Her latest album, “Smashing the Ceiling”, dropped in 2005 to resounding reviews. A Magazine noted, "Magdalen is redefining the female musician. Her blend of hard-grounded folk & sweet siren lyrics makes an enduring impression upon the American music scene. Her distinguishing factor is her cool edgy sound, independent style and, more importantly, her courage to be sensitive, tender and feminine. As she carves her own identity as an artist in an industry where Asian women are not thought of as musical powerhouses or innovators.... she is a rare force with which to reckon..." Hsu-Li recalled, "When I was writing the songs on this album, I felt I was experiencing a kind of quantum leap or personal gestalt. There were so many breakthroughs that happened to me personally, emotionally, musically, & spiritually. And I am a person that is all about breaking barriers. That's why I chose to call it "Smashing the Ceiling. “The songs felt completely inspired as I was writing them, as if I were a just a channel and they were coming from some higher source. I was so lucky to be able to work with incredibly talented musicians like Matt, Jon, Julie, Tim, and Eyvind, and co-producers within the close-knit Seattle community. In the studio there was incredible synergy because of the shared musical histories and friendships between many of us. This music was in many ways a community effort." When asked how she felt about her future, the talented artist replied, “I think the future is very, very, bright. Someday I foresee myself as a multimedia artist like Peter Gabriel - incorporating dance and movement with music and visuals. I see painting down the road after I have a career through music. I see myself as an artist in service to the universe. I have dedicated my music and art to helping those who are unable to speak for themselves and those who have been treated unfairly. I see myself as a balancer, tipping the scale in their direction and raising awareness about their lives.” So what advice does she have for young musicians? “My advice: study business.” It could have been worse. She could have said, “Go to school and become a doctor.” Her parents would have been proud. To sample her music, visit Magdalen Hsu-Li’s website at www.magdalenhsuli.com

Understanding her position as a role model, Hsu-Li often writes songs critical of stereotypes imposed on Asians and women alike, as noted in her song “Submissive” from Evolution:

i should have known
the way he talked about
his scathing views on gays and lesbians
he didn’t like em
he never had
though something told me not to fear he wasn’t really all that bad
just cynical and underpaid
like all the years had never filled some need
i really thought he was my friend
until one day he opened up and said to me

why can’t you be submissive
like you asian girls should be
said one minority to another minority
a dozen thoughts run through my head
oh god how can this be?
why can’t you be submissive
like you asian girls should be

“It’s better for Asian women, (more) than ever before. They have the "exoticized beauty" stereotype in their favor because beauty is respected and valued in our society. However, it bites them in the ass too because everyone wants an Asian girl – and it’s a thing to "have one." Asian women can have it all if they want to. Or they can be had. Their choice...

Text Box: ARLINGTON, VA – As the nation celebrates Thanksgiving, we at Asian Capital Examiner look to find the many Asian customs and cultures incorporated in this ultra-American family holiday. How did your family celebrate Thanksgiving? The discussion ensued: Fran Chin: My family always has Thanksgiving dinner. My aunt's family lives downstairs so we either pick their home or ours. The turkey isn't mandatory -- sometimes it's a glazed ham, and a few years it was an elaborate version of see yu (mandarin, hakka) and see yau (cantonese) gai (soy sauce chicken). Yentsun Tseng: First of all, for the turkey, my mom always put soy sauce in the drippings, as Fran's family does w/chicken, I suppose - For side dishes we might have fried rice, pot stickers and the usual American stuff (stuffing, potatoes). Dessert might be almond tofu, pumpkin pie, egg custard tarts, buns from China town. Melinda: My family has the usual turkey which my mom stuffs with ginger and green onions and places strips of bacon on top of the turkey. Mm, it smells wonderful when it's cooking. My favorite moment is when my dad is carving the turkey and arranging the pieces on the platter before bringing it to the table, I hover and pester till he gives me the drumstick, wing, and some of the delicious turkey skin. Mmmm yummmmm!! By then, I've had my fill of turkey before anybody else so then I can concentrate on the shark fin soup, steamed chicken, abalone over a bed of tender greens, sticky rice with bits of dried shrimp, green onions, egg, and barbecued pork (should I attempt this in English? here goes - naw mai fan - eww that was ugly), beef tongue (if I'm lucky), roast pork with the delectable crispy skin, chow mein, etc. The turkey and shark fin soup are constant year after year but the rest of the menu varies somewhat but it's always delicious!! Billy Chan: Hmmmm... we always have rice (non-fried). Because my immediate family is the only part of the family in US (most of them still in HK, lucky them) we usually gather with close family friends instead (since they're in the same situation... though they have 12 people in their family now.) And for the really lazy years, we just go out to Monterey Park/Alhambra/San Gabriel and eat at a Chinese restaurant! :) (Peking duck would be the turkey-substitute most of the time... sometimes, just a huge fish...) I remember my mom tried an American Thanksgiving dinner the second year we immigrated (I was 8-ish). The turkey ended up overcooked and the stuffing tasted like... err... never mind ! (She forgot to remove the packages inside the turkey so we got plastic) The year after that, she tried again. This time, the turkey was ok, and the stuffing ended up in our dog's bowl. (poor guy). She tried rice and seasoned/salted sausages (meat and liver variety), but the rice ended charred. She was crushed (and we were hungry). The year after that, she gave up, got a whole chicken instead, kissed stuffing good-bye and thus began our soy-chicken-turkey-substitute Of course, we always had Chinese veggies (gai lan or bak choi) and of course, no cranberry sauce (mom would flip if she served fruit for dinner. And always, Chinese soup too (not much of an American Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Text Box: Celebrating Thanksgiving Asian American Style

The Japanese American actor was born in Los Angeles, California. With the outbreak of World War II, he and his family together with 120,000 other Japanese Americans were placed behind the barbed-wire enclosures of United States internment camps. George spent most of his childhood at Camp Rohwer in the swamps of Arkansas and at wind-swept Camp Tule Lake in northern California.

Takei’s family eventually returned to his native Los Angeles, which shaped his acting career. The motion picture studios -- their magical back lot sets visible behind tall fences -- were alluring presences. Every grammar school skit, junior high drama club, and high school play became a stepping stone to realizing his not-so-secret dream of becoming an actor.

After graduating from Los Angeles High School, the actor enrolled in the University of California at Berkeley. Later, he transferred to the University of California at Los Angeles, where he received a bachelor of arts in theater in 1960 and a master of arts in theater in 1964. He attended the Shakespeare Institute at Stratford-Upon-Avon in England and Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. In Hollywood, he studied acting at the Desilu Workshop.

His 40-year acting career ranged from television roles (Scrubs, Murder She Wrote, 3rd Rock from the Sun, etc) to movies (Mulan, Return from the River Kwai, Hell to Eternity, etc) to his most famous part as “Hikaru Sulu” in the Star Trek series.

George Takei

Reveals, “I’m Gay”

Beloved Japanese American

Actor Comes Out

Text Box: LOS ANGELES, CA – George Takei, famous for his role as Mr. Sulu in Star Trek, has revealed he is gay. The 68-year-old Asian American actor said, “The world has changed from when I was a young teen feeling ashamed for being gay. The issue of gay marriage is now a political issue. That would have been unthinkable when I was young." In his teen, the actor admits, he was ashamed of his Japanese ancestry and his homosexuality. He was inspired to come out after taking the role of Dr. Martin Dysart, an angst-ridden psychologist in Equus. Takei said, “(Dysart was a) very contained but turbulently frustrated man.”

He has been with his partner/manager Brad Altman for the past 18 years. "It's more like a long, long walk through what began as a narrow corridor that starts to widen. And then some doors are open and light comes in, and there are skylights and it widens. Brad's my partner, we've been together for 18 years. So, I've been 'open,' but I have not talked to the press. In that sense, maybe that's another opening of the corridor there."

Perhaps more a sign of the time, Takei’s public announcement came and went without much fuss from fans worldwide.