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Mike Park Music Player
Avg 3.04 / 5
Total of 96 votes
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Last update: 18 Nov 2009 06:49 PM
Account: AltPremium
Location: United States
Signed up: 01/03/05 17:10:00
Members: Mike Park
Genre:
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AltSounds URL:http://www.altsounds.com/mikepark
Website: http://www.mikeparkmusic.com/
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Biography
As a member of the (now defuct) band Skankin' Pickle, Mike Park was able to put out five full length records, tour four countries, and make his mark in the independent music world. Currently Park keeps himself busy running his own record company, Asian Man Records, and has spent the last few years touring the U.S., Europe, Mexico, Japan and South Korea with his bands The B.Lee Band and The Chinkees. He has also been working on writing and recording a new set of acoustic songs, and he will begin playing again, this time solo, with the release of his debut album this fall.
Despite having sold over 500,000 albums (a commendable feat for any small label), Mike Park has remained true to his indie beliefs. His devotion and love of music are primary. He proudly explains that he still runs his label, now known througout world markets, including Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia, from his parent's garage, enlisting the help of just 3 employees (one of which is his mother), one phone line and two computers. Even after being offered major labels deals, Park has made clear that he will continue to operate on an independent level forever. And although he claims that he wants to the label to always "stay small", Asian Man Records now supports over 50 bands, including independent heavyweights Alkaline Trio & The Lawrence Arms, with a catalog well over 100 releases, and looks forward to celebrating its eighth year anniversary in 2004.
Mike Park has also been a strong advocate of racial unity and community activism. Through his music he has revealed insights into his Korean background--often tackling important issues that plague the Asian American community, as well as social and political issues that Park takes to heart. His band, The Chinkees, whose members are all Asian American, focuses on similar issues with the hope of raising awareness and sensitizing people to these important subjects. "The Chinkees name is not meant to be a racial slur," explains Park on the back of The Chinkees CDs, "but just the opposite! It's meant to be a direct look at racism and the reality of it's presence!" His new solo album may provide the most personal look into Mike Park to date. Lyrics about politics, race and his everyday experiences, stripped down to just his voice and guitar.
Continuing to expand upon his commitment to give back to his community of musicians, friend, fans, neighbors and youth, Mike Park founded the Plea for Peace Foundation (www.pleaforpeace.com) aimed at spreading the ideas of peace & unity. In 1999, he organized his first nationwide tour, Ska Against Racism, bringing together bands such as The Toasters, Mustard Plug, and Less Than Jake, to raise awarness about racial issues. From that tour evolved The Plea For Peace Foundation, a 501C non-profit organization that faciliates an annual tour, benefit CDs, and publications backed by a strong network of bands, labels, charities, and supporters. Last year's events included the successful Plea for Peace/Take Action Tour, which with the help of co-organizers Subcity (Hopeless) Records raised over $300,000 for charity. Park also organized the first Plea For Peace tours in both Japan and the U.K. He is already in high gear planning the next tour scheduled for Spring, 2003, which he will not only organize but also play.
Mike Park hopes that through his music, the tours, and the Plea for Peace Foundation, he can provide a fun informative outlet to reach a broad audience and raise a greater awareness of important issues, and also foster feelings of unity and camaraderie among bands and music listeners.
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