BOCHAN MUSIC

Cambodian-American Singer Fuses Khmer Classics with Oakland Beats

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:50:54 -0400

Cambodian-American Singer Fuses Khmer Classics with Oakland Beats

lprnyc: Check out some of Mark Shelby Perry’s fantastic photos...

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:10:54 -0400

Check out some of Mark Shelby Perry’s fantastic photos of Dengue Fever and Bochan’s packed show at LPR earlier this month. It was a blast!

“RockStar” wardrobe number 2 of 3 … Collar...

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 05:44:54 -0400

“RockStar” wardrobe number 2 of 3 … Collar neck piece by me!! … And yes, that’s a purple penguin! ; )

sareypheap: I just wanted to thank everyone who has been...

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:59:52 -0400

sareypheap:

I just wanted to thank everyone who has been keeping me on my feet and helping me reach towards my dreams. I cannot thank you all enough. All I really have left to offer to say thank you are my dance moves. I hope you enjoy!

For those who don’t know, I am working on raising money to fund my volunteer trip to Cambodia with the Cambodian Assistance Foundation. I have always dreamed of working with youth in Cambodia and making positive changes in that specific country because that’s where my family is from. My family left their homeland over thirty years ago to escape the Khmer Rouge. And since that time, Cambodia has never been the same. The youth of this generation and all the generations following all have the potential to bring great changes to Cambodia to us all back on the right road, whether we are here in the America or in Cambodia. We all have the ability to help our country grow.

I am planning on working with students in Takeo for the month of December, but I will not be able to go unless I have enough funds. :( Please, please, please help me out! Any donation big or small will go a long way! Whether it’s one dollar or just sharing my link. Anything and everything is appreciated!

http://www.gofundme.com/missioncambodia
http://www.facebook.com/Amandangeth

Love,
Peanutt

Last night I attended the screening of “Lost Loves” a film...

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:28:00 -0400

Last night I attended the screening of “Lost Loves” a film written, produced, and directed by a Cambodian filmmaker, Chhay Bora. Unlike other “Khmer Rouge war” films, this one was different; it was created by Cambodians who experienced and survived the war and rather than having the main plot of the story be about the war itself, this film told a different perspective. It is a heart-wrenching movie about a mother’s resiliency and perseverance to keep her children and herself alive during the horrific Khmer Rouge regime. It most definitely struck a chord among not just war survivors, but among Cambodian youths (living in the motherland and those living aboard). While “I love you’s” and affectionate gestures are not the norm in most Cambodian households, this movie reminded us that though unspoken, the love of a parent for his/her children is a bond that no one can strip away. Even when faced with unimaginable torture and unbearable losses, it was hope that kept them fighting. Hope that one day their children will live to experience a world of love and peace.

Most of my extended family were executed during the war. For as long as I can remember, it was always just the five of us – it was the five of us that my parents fought to keep alive, and when we took our first steps off the plane onto American soil in 1981, it was just the five of us (my parents and my two siblings). Growing up, I was always aware of why there was just the five of us and so the value of family and community was not a hard one to grasp. I was very fortunate that in my household, dialogue about the war, my parents’ losses, and experiences, was something we talked about often. My father wanted us to know and to never forget our story, to be empowered by being refugees of the war (as we were no longer victims, but survivors). It is a past that makes us unique among our American peers. My father was quite an exception to the typical Asian male – as my siblings and I spent many Saturday mornings watching cartoon in our parents’ bed all the way up to our teen years. He would tell us that he loved us and that we could accomplish anything we put our minds to. In us he embedded strength and courage (a message I carry with me and echo in my song Believe - “We survived. We made it here alive. Believe in you!”). Him and my mother had beaten the odds and fought long and hard to provide for us the opportunity to live in a free country, a country where one can overcome hardships and succeed… they fought hard so that we can live “The American Dream.” Coincidentally, It was just a few days ago that I was in New York City listening to my NPR piece on my father’s legacy and the dream he dreamt for me. All my thoughts and emotions began to intersect and I find myself at a place of reflection and gratitude.

Though I knew about the plight of our people, it wasn’t until after watching this film that I truly felt the pain, the suffering, the bravery, the resiliency of my parents along with so many other Cambodians all over the world. I felt more than ever, a deep pride for what it means to be Cambodian American. After spending a couple hours in thought, I went to bed with a sense of peace. If you are Cambodian and you are standing today, you are a symbol of hope and peace - an inspiration, a light that shines endlessly.

Thank you to my mother and father for giving me the chance to live out my dream. As a Cambodian American artist paving my way in this world, it is your reflection that shines through and for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you to Chhay Bora and his team for shedding light and sharing our story with the world. Love and light, Bochan

Bochan: a Cambodian-American Idol - Studio 360

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:16:00 -0400

Bochan: a Cambodian-American Idol - Studio 360: I spent last week out East. I got to visit D.C. for...

seachampa: SEACHAMPA’S Public Relation interns with Ms....

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 19:47:21 -0400

seachampa:

SEACHAMPA’S Public Relation interns with Ms. Bochan!

Growing up Cambodian American isn’t always easy. Generation 1.5...

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 22:53:00 -0400

Growing up Cambodian American isn’t always easy. Generation 1.5 = not all Khmer and not all American. Sometimes it’s hard to find our place in this world - you can’t make them love you… but we can always choose to stand proudly, with our heads held high. I hope this reaches that lost soul and may it fill you up with courage and hope, as it did for me. You are not alone. This one is called “Love Me.”

Love Me

Through all of my journey,

I’ve traveled alone across the sea.

He gave me the strength to stand, proudly.

No matter what fighting words they throw at me.

I keep my head held high,

Never give them a reason.

I can’t make them love me.

What a tragedy our history,

The people, oppressed.

We deserve harmony.

If I could make a change,

I’d pray for you to be free from all the pain you’ve endured.

Let us find inspiration in this new time of peace.

Keep your head held high

Never give them a reason

I can’t make them love me

People are gonna say what they wanna say

Don’t let anyone get in the way

You can always choose to be happy

You can always choose

To love me.

Keep your head held high

Never give them a reason

I can’t make them love me

A little over 2 years of hard work = 2 single releases, 2 music...

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 16:53:47 -0400

A little over 2 years of hard work = 2 single releases, 2 music videos, and an LP album…proof that dreams do come true. Looking at my discography an taking it all in. Thanks for all your love and support - I am because of you! And if you haven’t done so, my singles, remix EP, MVs, and solo album are all available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc… Oh and New Music is on its way ; ) Sending love and light… #Believe #Gratitude #Dreams #Support Indie Artists #Accomplished (Taken with Instagram)

brokenbackbone: Belle - Bochan Huy Dear Mr. President, Where...

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:40:34 -0400

brokenbackbone:

Belle - Bochan Huy

Dear Mr. President,

Where have you been these days?
The people are angry.
They wanna know are you gonna change these ways?

You’ve got cops shooting brothers, lots of crying mothers. Metal detectors adorning schools.
Textbooks written by fools.
You say the future generation is number one,
But you’ve lost the war before it’s even begun.
How much more?
How many more must we sacrifice for you to open up your eyes?

We say Bom Ba Ra Romp Bom Bom,
Bom Ba Ra Romp Bom Bom.
Our lips are closed like your front door
Cuz we’ve said it all before.
Bom Ba Ra Romp Bom Bom,
Bom Ba Ra Romp Bom Bom.
Our lips are closed like your front door
Cuz we’ve said it all before.

One day … I pray, someday (someday)
Our daughters will be leaders,
Our sons will be fathers,
No fences between neighbors.
A world where one, where one can dream
Dream…

We say Bom Ba Ra Romp Bom Bom,
Bom Ba Ra Romp Bom Bom.
Our lips are closed like your front door
Cuz we’ve said it all before.
Bom Ba Ra Romp Bom Bom,
Bom Ba Ra Romp Bom Bom.
Our lips are closed like your front door
Cuz we’ve said it all before.

Dear Mr. President,
Where have you been these days?
The people are angry.
They wanna know are you gonna change these ways?

Daily quotes #inspiration (Taken with Instagram)

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:05:15 -0400

Daily quotes #inspiration (Taken with Instagram)

Monday morning…starting the week off properly; the key to...

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:32:31 -0400

Monday morning…starting the week off properly; the key to my sanity ; ) (Taken with Instagram)

asian-american-feminists: am-i-more-than-a-color: “Is Lighter...

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:05:15 -0400

asian-american-feminists:

am-i-more-than-a-color:

“Is Lighter Better? Colorism is defined as discriminatory treatment of individuals falling within the same ‘racial’ group on the basis of skin color. That is, some people, particularly women, are treated better or worse on account of the color of their skin relative to other people who share their same racial category. Colorism affects Asian Americans from many different backgrounds and who live in all different parts of the United States. Is Lighter Better? discusses this often-overlooked topic. Rondilla and Spickard ask important questions like: what are the colorism issues that operate in Asian American communities? Are they the same issues for all sorts of Asian Americans for women and for men, for immigrants and the American born, for Chinese, Filipinos, Koreans, Vietnamese, and all the other sorts of Asian Americans? Do they reflect a desire to look like White people, or is some other motive at work? Including numerous stories about and by people who have faced discrimination in their own lives, this book is an invaluable resource for people interested in colorism among Asian Americans.”

*Click photo for source*

Is this book good? now on my wish list.

update: thanks!

pag-asaharibon reblogged this from asian-american-feminists and added:

Read a snippet of it for my Filipino American course. I’d recommend it.

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can...

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:21:00 -0400

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.” ~Bob Marley

The bi-cultural experience isn’t by any means an easy one. And when it comes to my music, I am a firm believer of creating sincerely from within. Since day one of my musical journey, I’ve vowed to remain strong, to have the courage to overcome all obstacles, and the wisdom to make the right decisions. The right decisions…a thought that has popped into mind regarding my rendition and music video for Chnam Oun 16. “Maybe I strayed too far from the original?” This question lingers for merely a split second, as I have no regrets. All I can do is give and hope that folks will listen with an open heart and mind. The intention behind this post is not to further fuel the controversial fire, but is simply for my own therapy.

Since it’s release I’ve received both praises and quite a bit of “Bochan” bashing from some of my fellow Cambodians. And as of late I learned that an interview piece containing footages of the music video was not aired in Cambodia as scheduled due to the perceived “cultural inappropriateness” of the video. I can’t say I’m surprised, but definitely disheartened - apparently, me dressed in an Apsara costume embracing my femininity and Khmer American identity (skin color and all) is viewed by some as more offensive than the advertisements for skin whitening/bleaching products and services that flood their screens and billboards. Although having whiter skin has always been a symbol of being upper class it’s a shame that we still hold onto those old classist ideals.

I’ve seen too many video comments on certain Khmer news/media sites about my being dark skinned, sounding “black” (aka “soulful”!), and how my not so typical style is destroying the culture. These comments are painful to read because it reflects a prejudice and ignorance that I wish did not exist in Khmer culture. During my recent trip to Cambodia earlier this year, I could not locate a skin product without a bleaching agent. The streets of Phnom Penh are filled with blondes and I’m not speaking of ex-pats. I recall flipping through a magazine and feeling sad to see how different today’s ideal Khmer woman is being depicted. She doesn’t look like my mother, and she doesn’t look like any of the Khmer/Khmer American women I know. The use of such products has become the norm and has not only made skin cancer a concern, but raises a fear that a whole culture will vanish completely. How do we teach our youths to think for themselves, to embrace their identity and love yourself as you are? My eyes work fine, my feet gets me from place to place, and my hands can feel everything it touches. My complexion is medium tan (which I love) and my hair is dark, traits inherited from my Angkorian ancestors. I hold onto these physical attributes as it gives me a sense of identity. When I look in the mirror, I am content….

Over the next few blog posts these ideas will be further discussed. Please stay tuned and feel free to join in and share your thoughts as well.

When I was growing up, my classmates knew nothing about how and...

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:51:00 -0400

When I was growing up, my classmates knew nothing about how and why my family and I ended up in the states. Many couldn’t even point to Cambodia on a map. Little did they know that on the other side of the globe, this tremendous atrocity had taken place taking the lives of almost 2 million people. Why should this story be of importance to Americans? In America, we fuss about our gas prices going up by 10 cents; in many other countries people fuss about not having clean water. As Americans we generally take our rights and freedoms for granted. We forget that these equalities were something we strove and fought for in order to create this nation. Teaching our students about this moment in history will help them understand how important these rights are and hopefully keep them vigilant in the fight to preserve them. It makes me feel great to see today’s youth understand that we live in a global community and that human rights should be shared by all, not just those lucky enough to be living in America.

If you are in the Bay Area, please join us tomorrow at Galileo High School, San Francisco for “Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day.” I’m honored to be presenting at this event (and hope to see many more like it). It’s free and open to the public. Hope to see you there! (See photo for details)

A year ago today, the music video for “Chnam Oun 16”...

Wed, 09 May 2012 23:48:07 -0400

A year ago today, the music video for “Chnam Oun 16” was released. I hadn’t seen it in a while so today, I re-watched it. It made me feel proud not just for the accomplishment of the video itself, but for what it represented. Many months of planning, many stories, many lives, compressed into a few minutes, but hope and light lingers. There are hundreds of thousands of my fellow Cambodians currently residing in America - who all inspired this video. And from what I can see ; ), many have yet to see it… And so I’m asking you, my supporters to help it reach them. Please take a moment and watch the video and share with your friends and families. I’d love to hear what your moms and pops, aunties and uncles, and cousins, etc.. think of this rendition. Thank you for all of your support. May it too remind you of your resiliency and beauty. Bochan

If you live outside of the US & Canada, you can watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9syflhJc38

(Photo by Dylan Maddux) Overlooking the beautiful city of Phnom...

Wed, 02 May 2012 22:42:07 -0400

(Photo by Dylan Maddux)

Overlooking the beautiful city of Phnom Penh and taking it all in. Reminding myself that “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

(with Arlen Hart and Kara Uy, Photo courtesy of Photos by...

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:06:00 -0400

(with Arlen Hart and Kara Uy, Photo courtesy of Photos by Klo)

Long Beach knows how to celebrate! After the festivities at El Dorado Park, the evening ended with an after party, red carpet… LBC style.

Last week was amazing. We jammed in San Francisco at 111 Minna...

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:00:00 -0400

Last week was amazing. We jammed in San Francisco at 111 Minna for the Mosaic Asian Heritage Artist Preview Showcase and then got into the car and drove down to Long Beach to rock out at the Khmer New Year Celebration at El Dorado Park with our Long Beach friends… It was a fun weekend indeed! Here’s a clip of “Outta My Head” live ; )

project-cambodia: Bochan Huy - Desires A Cambodian American...

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:28:39 -0400

project-cambodia:

Bochan Huy - Desires

A Cambodian American having a passion for music.