Interviews

Interviews: Mike Park from Asian Man Records

Mike Park is the founder of Asian Man Records (www.asianmanrecords.com). He has played in such bands as Skankin Pickle, Bruce Lee Band, and most recently The Chinkees. His label is host to many bands, including Mu330, Less Than Jake, Slow Gherkin, along with quite a few others, and growing. He recently went on a nation wide tour called Ska Against Racism (SAR) in which he promoted unity between the different races and cultures in America.

Smother: So, was Ska Against Racism a success?

Mike Park: I'd like to think so! I know I did my best and my intentions were in the right place. Plus I learned a lot for next year!

Smother: I had the opportunity to attend SAR at JMU and I really enjoyed myself. The bands were all great, and the purpose was well presented. Do you think that most of the kids out for the show really got into what SAR was all about?

MP: I think a majority were into the cause, but I realize a lot of people were there just to see the music. Next year I want to make the event more politically driving! I'll be doing a lot more research to get each community involved!

Smother: A lot of the bands on the tour were from your own label, Asian Man Records, or have at least released something on the label. Did you approach the bands or did the bands approach you or a little of both?

MP: I approached them. All the bands on the tour were friends of mine.

Smother: What's it really like to own a record company and run it out of your house? Is it something that occupies most of your time?

MP: It does occupy a lot of time, but I'm taking steps on relieving the amount of stress that runs through my body! I think it's great to have the label from my parents house. I just feel comfortable here. Plus I have no rent.

Smother: What do you do with your spare time?

MP: I play basketball, collect toys, skateboard, drink slurpees, play guitar, play saxaphone, watch Degrassi Jr. High and Seinfeld, go to movies, eat, sleep, and hang with friends.

Smother: About how many orders for stuff do you get a week?

MP: Mailorder-I get around 150 orders a week.

Smother: Was it hard to get Asian Man started?

MP: Not really, things just kind of took off from the beginning!

Smother: I recently got The Chinkees Are Coming, and Jesse, another reviewer for Smother, noticed that most of the songs are performed by other musicians. Could you please explain who does what and who everybody is on this album?

MP: Yes, the Chinkees album was a concept of mine for a long time! I actually recorded the record way before a band ever exhisted. Most of the music was recorded by the band Tuesday. Currently we have myself, Miya-on bass, greg on guitar, no drummer and no keyboards.

Smother: What would you do if you met a guy named CaRBoMB?

MP: I guess I would say HI, what's up with your name?

Smother: Who is the most influential person in your life?

MP: My parents! Just to see how much they love me. It's really touching. I've grown so close to them over the last few years. I feel very lucky to have the kind of relationship that I do!

Smother: The staff at your company, particularly Miya(who I've dealt with in the past in receiving promo items for review), are very friendly and very helpful. Could you go into your relationship with the people who work with you, and how you got them to go into the company with you?

MP: First I got Tony who I met while I was working at a college radio station. He asked if I needed help and I said yes!! He worked for free at first. He does mailorder. He's great and I trust him very much. We go to shows together, but we don't hang out besides at work and shows. I met Miya through the bandSlow Gherkin whom are on my label. Anyways, she goes out with Phil, the saxaphone player. And she asked if I needed help at the label and that was that! She's a real cool person. Very nice and easy to get along with! She goes way out of her way to help out!

Smother: Are you planning on taking any of your side projects (Bruce Lee Band, Chinkees, etc.) on the road anytime soon?

MP: Yes, I want to take the Chinkees out! Maybe next year sometime?

Smother: How did you get hooked up with the guys from Less Than Jake? You're on opposite sides of the country.

MP: When I was in Skankin' Pickle, we played in Florida and they gave me a tape of their band. The rest is history!

Smother: What's coming up with Asian Man?

MP: So many new releases-Knowledge, Alkaline Trio, Slow Gherkin, and the Blue Meanies all have full lengths coming out in September and October! Plus a bunch of 7 inches will be released.

Smother: What's the most interesting thing that's happened in your travels that you're at liberty to discuss?

MP: The most interesting! Uggh! This is a tough question. There's so many things that have happened. You have to remember, I toured non-stop from 1990 to 96. Over 1,000 shows during that time! I could write novels about touring! Let's just say I've seen everything and done everything!

Smother: Do you have anything to say to the readers?

MP: Thanks for supporting what I've done. It truly means the world to me.

- Jimmy