[Taiya]

Mod Edit: Sorry, no bueno!

[MzMadHatter]

Quote

Derp.

Yeah, it does say that.

This post has been edited by RenegadePocky: 10 April 2009 - 01:33 AM

[Simon Young]

vo., on Jan 13 2009, 09:37 AM, said:

---->UN<---- IMPRESSED WITH THE MUSICAL GUEST I loved last years musical guest PEELanderZ I hung out with them and they at least are Japanese the slants don't even have a [working] home web page The slants hmm never heard of them I looked them up and they are defiantly not from Japan and or no Japanese lineage ["The Slants are an Asian dance/rock group from Portland, Oregon." there music is good though http://en.wikipedia....wiki/The_Slants] not even going to say any thing about VOICE ACTOR MARK Hildreth

Hi,

I wrote a similiar reply to a similiar statement under a different topic ("Bring The Slants to ACEN...posted by Jumping Bean). Anyway, here you go.

I just wanted to add a few things on here to help clear anything up that attendees might think about The Slants. For those of you who don't know, I play bass in the band and I'm pretty involved at many levels - from talking to attendees at conventions across the country (or online via forums), to helping staff members promote/run logistics, to talking to students about ethnic issues at conferences.

While most people are very receptive of having an Asian band at their convention, some don't quite feel the same. This happens for a number of reasons.

Probably the biggest complaint is that we are not Japanese. It is true, we are not from Japan. The band consists of a pan-Asian background and we celebrate all types of Asian culture. We perform at many anime conventions because most celebrate "Asian" pop culture and fandom, not just the Japanese culture exclusively. In fact, our line up has featured members from Vietnam, China, Korea, Taiwan, the Phillipines, and yes even Japan - many of you don't know it, but racism between different Asian cultures is exceptionally strong even today. But our band wanted to bring together different cultures to unite together and be proud.

Not everything at a convention has to be directly tied with Anime - that's why events feature video games or dress up in Star Wars outfits or talk about South Park. It's about the fandom experience and people enjoying all aspects of that.

For us, it's about playing a great high-energy show, spending time with fans in person, and addressing many issues in the Asian and Asian American community. I love performing a concert as much as I love addressing stereotypes that people have about Asians. I spend as much time writing music as I do studying pressing Asian issues and finding a way to make a difference. I think all of tehse things have to do with anime conventions and what they stand for.

As the ACen mission states, "ACen brings fans together with guests from the Japanese and US sectors of the anime and manga industry, as well as gaming, cinema, and Asian culture personalities."

Regards,
Simon

[daegan]

Simon Young, on Apr 29 2009, 08:29 PM, said:

(OWNAGE)

I don't know anything about your band, but I'm going to check you guys out this year because I like the cut of your jib.

[urbanfaerie]

daegan, on Apr 29 2009, 07:49 PM, said:

I don't know anything about your band, but I'm going to check you guys out this year because I like the cut of your jib.

This exactly!

Simon, I like that you are a diverse group who make music and are striving to fight stereotypes.

It doesn't hurt that your promo pictures are pretty cute.

[Yumeko Sama]

Well spoken Simon. Can I get a hug from you at Con?

[Ohki]

WIN, Simon, just epic WIN. I believe there's a place for all things Asian and even all things nerdy at a con. Who cares if one of the bands isn't completely Japanese? And yeah, I've seen the racism between different Asian groups (me being a Hetalia fan, I saw S. Korea's reaction. Wasn't pretty) and I think the concept of The Slants is awesome. I wasn't completely sure on going to the concert at first, but now I'll try to make it~

[Shay]

Simon Young, on Apr 29 2009, 03:29 PM, said:

For us, it's about playing a great high-energy show, spending time with fans in person, and addressing many issues in the Asian and Asian American community. I love performing a concert as much as I love addressing stereotypes that people have about Asians. I spend as much time writing music as I do studying pressing Asian issues and finding a way to make a difference. I think all of tehse things have to do with anime conventions and what they stand for.

Well said Simon... this and everything else. *hugs* I've heard good things about the group from a friend who lives in Portland but I never knew much besides that. Your message makes me glad that I'll get a chance to meet you at ACen.

[Simon Young]

Thank you for the kind words and encouragement, it is always appreciated.

I understand that we aren't your "conventional" convention band (even though I believe at this point we've performed at more conventions than any other musical guest in the con circuit) and some of the things about the band are considered controversial (like our name), but I think its great that people are able to open up their hearts and minds to new ideas. That's what it is all about!

I look forward to meeting all of you at the Acen, be it at the concert or at our various panels.

<3

[cactusmomma]

Isn't this about what cons are about though? We get to meet new people, see new things...see old friends and familiar faces... Mix all of these together and that's a chunk of the experience you'll take away, right?

Simon, I can't wait to meet you all next week!

[SyaoranFan85]

Indeed, well said Simon... and I also look forward to meeting you next week!

[Simon Young]

RenegadePocky, on Apr 30 2009, 02:52 AM, said:

Isn't this about what cons are about though? We get to meet new people, see new things...see old friends and familiar faces...

Indeed it is; its a safe and welcoming environment for people to explore and share their fandom.

Anyway, just gotta say that I love the avatar. I'm a huge Tom Petty fan

[Epic_Fail_Guy]

Are all the guests announced then? Only four international guests?

[Ketsueki Raven]

o.o

supreme ownage, Simon. I look forward to seeing The Slants perform :]

[Voxx]

I will be rockin to m.o.v.e. XD

[cactusmomma]

Simon Young, on Apr 30 2009, 05:52 PM, said:

Indeed it is; its a safe and welcoming environment for people to explore and share their fandom.

Anyway, just gotta say that I love the avatar. I'm a huge Tom Petty fan

He is indeed, the god of hats. That is all.

[Simon Young]

RenegadePocky, on May 2 2009, 10:08 PM, said:

He is indeed, the god of hats. That is all.

Lemmy from Motorhead also has quite the collection too. And a giant wart.

But I think overall, Tom Petty is a better songwriter.

[Valencia Crowe]

Simon Young, on May 3 2009, 11:57 AM, said:

Lemmy from Motorhead also has quite the collection too. And a giant wart.

But I think overall, Tom Petty is a better songwriter.

Haha! What you say is very true.

You are so cool Simon!

[Simon Young]

Valencia Crowe, on May 3 2009, 11:32 AM, said:

Haha! What you say is very true.

You are so cool Simon!

Are you a fan of Motorhead AND Tom Petty?
Because that would just be awesome.

[Valencia Crowe]

Simon Young, on May 3 2009, 01:38 PM, said:

Are you a fan of Motorhead AND Tom Petty?
Because that would just be awesome.

Why yes I am.

[Simon Young]

Valencia Crowe, on May 3 2009, 11:52 AM, said:

Why yes I am.

Rare to find in this world of anime fandom; what other acts are you into?

[Valencia Crowe]

Simon Young, on May 3 2009, 01:56 PM, said:

Rare to find in this world of anime fandom; what other acts are you into?

Without having to go through the list of bands, I will say, I am into oldies rock, 80s synth pop and rock, well, 80s music in general, all types of metal, all music from Japan, China and Korea, be it rap, rock, pop, etc. etc. I love all kinds of music, but oldies rock steals my heart.

[Simon Young]

Valencia Crowe, on May 3 2009, 12:00 PM, said:

Without having to go through the list of bands, I will say, I am into oldies rock, 80s synth pop and rock, well, 80s music in general, all types of metal, all music from Japan, China and Korea, be it rap, rock, pop, etc. etc. I love all kinds of music, but oldies rock steals my heart.

Then you must love The Slants (since we're pretty much a modern version of 80's synth pop).

When I was growing up, my parents used to pay me $2 to memorize oldies songs and sing it back to them as a way to better learn English and to appreciate the music they listened to when they moved to America. They never actually gave me the money though, now that I think of it... but at least I know a ton of oldies!

[Valencia Crowe]

Simon Young, on May 3 2009, 02:12 PM, said:

Then you must love The Slants (since we're pretty much a modern version of 80's synth pop).

When I was growing up, my parents used to pay me $2 to memorize oldies songs and sing it back to them as a way to better learn English and to appreciate the music they listened to when they moved to America. They never actually gave me the money though, now that I think of it... but at least I know a ton of oldies!

I actually have your Slanted Eyes, Slanted Hearts CD right next to me. I have been listening to you guys since February when my friend showed me the CD. I was sad I missed you at AnimeSTL. I was not there for very long due to family stuff.

Wow! That is pretty neat! That is a pretty neat way of learning English.

[Simon Young]

Valencia Crowe, on May 3 2009, 12:27 PM, said:

I actually have your Slanted Eyes, Slanted Hearts CD right next to me. I have been listening to you guys since February when my friend showed me the CD. I was sad I missed you at AnimeSTL. I was not there for very long due to family stuff.

Wow! That is pretty neat! That is a pretty neat way of learning English.

Awesome, well I look forward to meeting you at the convention then. We'll have a table in the Exhibitor's Hall so drop by and say hello; when we aren't there, we'll be at the concerts and at our various panels (Asian in America, Q&A, etc)

[Valencia Crowe]

Simon Young, on May 3 2009, 02:39 PM, said:

Awesome, well I look forward to meeting you at the convention then. We'll have a table in the Exhibitor's Hall so drop by and say hello; when we aren't there, we'll be at the concerts and at our various panels (Asian in America, Q&A, etc)

I will definitely make one of your panels and go to your table in the E-Hall and I am for sure going to one of your concerts. I am really excited to meet you now!

[Voxx]

I've actually never heard of the Slants till acen announced them that they were coming! I havent found any of their music though ;__; and I listen to alooot of music XD I think that is the only band I've never heard of that acen has announced. Before I heard The Pillows, High and Mighty Color, Move, and the other musical guests *Just naming my favs ♥* But im always open to listen to new music!

[Simon Young]

Sa-chan, on May 3 2009, 12:50 PM, said:

I've actually never heard of the Slants till acen announced them that they were coming! I havent found any of their music though ;__; and I listen to alooot of music XD I think that is the only band I've never heard of that acen has announced. Before I heard The Pillows, High and Mighty Color, Move, and the other musical guests *Just naming my favs ♥* But im always open to listen to new music!

Hi,
You can find our music at our Myspace page, on our You Tube channel or pick up the album in any number of typical places - ITunes, Amazon, Borders, Tower Records, bestbuy.com, etc.

Hope to meet you all in Chicago soon!

[gookachu]

Simon Young, on May 3 2009, 01:39 PM, said:

Awesome, well I look forward to meeting you at the convention then. We'll have a table in the Exhibitor's Hall so drop by and say hello; when we aren't there, we'll be at the concerts and at our various panels (Asian in America, Q&A, etc)

i missed seeing the slants concert last year at NDK, so i'm glad you're going to be in the dealers room (we're dealers ourselves, so we'll be there all day).

as a fellow asian-american musician (drummer), i might have to pick you brains about your experience in the music industry, as the band i'm in just started out.

[Voxx]

Simon Young, on May 3 2009, 02:01 PM, said:

Hi,
You can find our music at our Myspace page, on our You Tube channel or pick up the album in any number of typical places - ITunes, Amazon, Borders, Tower Records, bestbuy.com, etc.

Hope to meet you all in Chicago soon!

Thanks

Chicago is a blast! Enjoy ♥