As the Boston University Chinese Students Association held the 2011 Take Out Goodwill Benefit Concert on Friday, many emerging Asian-American student performers who have gained prominence through YouTube, brought their talents to Metcalf Hall.
The singers, songwriters and video producers performed for an audience of 1,100 students, and raised money for Goodwill Massachusetts, a nonprofit organization that aims to reduce poverty by enhancing opportunity.
“We want to redefine culture in the 21st century,” said CSA president JR Wu Chang, a School of Management senior. “By organizing a concert of this size, the Chinese Students Association has created a platform that we hope everyone can use to achieve whatever they are passionate about.”
Many of the evening’s performers said they found success through YouTube and are still getting used to their newfound popularity.
“This is a time that’s very special for the Asian-American community,” said Philip Wang, who co-founded for the independent production company, Wong Fu Productions. “I think we all realized that if we’re not helping each other, no one’s really going to get anywhere.”
Wang said many Asian-American entertainers that have been helped tremendously by YouTube. Wong Fu began making videos in 2003 and moved to YouTube after its creation in 2005. Wong Fu’s YouTube account has the 75th most subscriptions on the site.
“We just try to produce quality work,” said Ted Fu, who also works for Wong Fu productions. “Then we’re grateful for the people that let us.”
Southern Californian singer and songwriter Joseph Vincent, said he had just watched his cover of Iyaz’s “Replay” hit a million views when he was asked to appear on Ellen DeGeneres’ “Wonderful Web of Wonderment” special.
Vincent praised his fellow performers and swiftly dismissed any notion that there is competition between any of the other artists.
“We’re artists, but another key thing not to forget is that we’re AsianAmerican artists and Asian American artists aren’t really represented that well in mainstream media,” Vincent said. “We’re all chasing the dream, and why step on each other when we could help each other?”
Jason Yang, an electric violinist currently living in Los Angeles, said that many of his fellow artists live in close proximity to him in Los Angeles, fostering a communal creative process.
“I love having YouTube as a vehicle for me to be creative and have for whoever wants to see [my work], see it,” Yang said. “And it’s free for everyone so it makes it easier to reach out to people.”
David Choi, who currently has the 44th most YouTube subscribers, said that he had no long-term expectations when he uploaded his first video, a recording of an original piece called “YouTube (A Love Song)” four years ago.
As a rapidly growing fan base began to emerge, Choi said he found himself thrust into popularity, in addition to earning the label of Asian American inspiration.
“I never really saw myself that way,” Choi said. “I just feel like I’m someone who’s putting their music out and sharing it with people to see if they’ll like it.”
Choi said he is proud of the progress Asian entertainers are making.
“It’s good to see that this is the generation where Asians will be able to go into things that aren’t just doctors and lawyers,” Choi said. “If you want to do [those things], go for it, go full force. But I think it’s cool to see that Asians can show that we can do creative things as well.”
Choi’s videos were among the first that inspired Jason Chen, another Los Angeles singer and songwriter, who found success late in 2010 and is adjusting to the novelty of holding company with some of his former YouTube idols.
“I think YouTube is a place where, if you’re talented and willing to put yourself out there and work hard, you will be able to be successful,” Chen said. “You have to have the look and the talent, but hard work is [even] more important than that.”
Wang said the idea of celebrity is still new and surprising.
“It boggles my mind,” Wang said. “Every time we have an event, it boggles my mind.”
Wu Chang said he is proud of the CSA’s accomplishments.
“We went from being a typical cultural club to now a pioneering organization that can show people that if you have a dream and a passion, anything can happen,” Wu Chang said.
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