Slants Kick It On NPR

Saturday, June 14, 2008

If you've been a regular reader of this blog you know I dig and support The Slants, and I got this sent down to me via The Slant's PR this week:

Portland, Oregon-based Asian dance-rock outfit The Slants - Simon Young (bass), Aron (vocals), Jen Cho (keyboards), Gaijin (keyboards), AC (drums), and Jonathan (guitar) ­ were featured on NPR's All Things Considered yesterday, June 11th.

You can hear the entire story at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90278746
Here's some of the transcript:

The Slants: Trading in Stereotypes
By April Baer

All Things Considered, June 11, 2008 - In the 20th century, younger members of many minority groups repurposed offensive words that had been used as slurs and insults. African Americans and gays, in particular, transformed hateful brands into badges of pride or belonging. Now, in the 21st century, a few Asian-American musicians are trying to do the same, particularly in the name they chose for their band: The Slants.

It all started as kind of a practical joke. Simon Young had been playing bass in bands for years, but what he really wanted was to front an all-Asian lineup. Now, with The Slants, he's almost done it.

Young, both Chinese and Taiwanese, met The Slants' lead singer, Vietnam-born A-Ron, and later formed the band with drummer AC and guitarist Johnny, who are both Hispanic and Filipino. "Together, they make up about one Asian," Young says with a laugh.
If you want more Slants check out an interview with Simon here.