The CMJ Music Marathon doesn’t just open the doors for indie artists in the United States. It’s a week long event that opens the doors for artists all over the world. Project E.A.R. is walking into that door with one mission in mind: Southeast Asian music is ready to make some noise!
Easily one of the most surprising and most memorable moments of my CMJ Music Marathon 2012 was meeting and interviewing Project E.A.R. (East Asian Revolution). Formed from different countries in Southeast Asia – from Philippines to Malaysia – this supergroup (or family, since they don’t like being referred to as a supergroup) is a collaboration of bands with one mission in mind. The mission is to bring Southeast Asian music to the US forefront.
First of all, for a group of musicians from different genres to come together is hard enough. For a group of musicians from different countries to come together is hard and tiring. The sacrifice that each individual artist is currently making to fulfill their mission at hand is not only difficult but risky. They not only have to leave their careers behind in their respected countries, but they also have to put their family life on pause.
Project E.A.R. came into the CMJ Music Marathon with that sole mission in mind- start in New York City, make it in New York City, and continue from there. I had the pleasure of not only meeting Slapshock of the Philippines, which I’ve been a long-time fan of since I was a kid, but I also was thankfully invited to cover their show in Fontanas. The mixing of the Rock/Metal Genre and elements of Hip-Hop is naturally done well. Not one member stand out, they stand together as one during their live performance.
Think Linkin Park during its hay day. With bolstering metal sounds, turntable scratches, and Hip-Hop verses, the music that Project E.A.R. is providing listeners touches all aspects of current music now. Its a blended evolution of metal, rock, rap and everything else in between.
As a Filipino who’ve waited for artists to bridge the waters and test out the U.S. market, I’m beyond proud Project E.A.R.’s mission. #RiseofAsia
Once again, shoutout to Kimberly Anne for the photos.
John Vincent is a blogger, entrepreneur, and social media strategist. A retired sneakerhead and men’s wear aficionado, he’s currently the creative director of the up and coming clothing line, Arevalo & Co. He’s a biased 90s hip-hop head and a die hard NY Knicks fan. For his daily rants and words of wisdom, follow him on twitter at @johnvince_.
