1. How would you define the movement the Good Asian Drivers are creating?

Our movement is two-fold: visibility and accessibility. We want to be visible as queer people of color. The way we see it, if we don't step up and speak out, then we cease to exist. We've dedicated our lives to creating art, passing on our stories, and making sure that our voices are heard. The other part of that is accessibility. If a young gay Asian kid in Alabama cannot get to our show, we have to bring the show to him. We're constantly thinking of ways to reach our audience wherever they may be, using viral technology, the media, fan management, and creative marketing. Hopefully our work will inspire an entire generation of people to continue the movement and live proudly and openly.

2. What started you on this path? Do you see yourself as pioneers in regards to the originality of your concept?

M: Growing up, especially on the East Coast, I didn't see any queer Asian representation in the media or in my community, so for me I felt a bit isolated and spent a great part of my teens battling internalized racism. Since then, there have emerged more leaders and activists addressing similar issues revolving around being queer and Asian-American. Our originality doesn't necessarily come from the messages we're conveying; it comes from having a unique genre and sound, blending spoken word and music. I think we are also pioneers because together we represent feminism and trans pride, which historically hadn't always gone well together.
K: We're a bit crazy which is how we started on this path, but we've both been creating the moment we could, I started writing poetry around 5 or 6 and Melissa has been playing music even longer than that. But we decided to hit the road together with a blind faith that we could make the world a better place by making art and telling stories. Is music and spoken word original? Hardly, you and I both know this art form has existed in many cultures for centuries, but what is original I think is our positive approach to making art and having fun as activists. I agree with Melissa on having a unique sound that I think many people enjoy listening to, which makes it easier for us to perform on topics that are important to us.

3. What do you love the most about this movement?

The sense of community. We love being able to connect with real people around the world (literally) who appreciate our art and messages. Getting the sense that what we're doing is touching lives and moving hearts really brings meaning to our work which, while it looks somewhat glamorous (being full-time performers), can be draining. I also love the sense that we are adding to a much larger movement. People have been battling homophobia and racism for years and years, and what we're doing is just a small part of the greater challenge. It's a great feeling to know that we're doing our part and contributing to the work that came before us.

4. We love your name how did it come to be?

We wanted a name that captures the essence of who we are as people and performers. In our work, we tackle serious subjects, but when we're on stage, we really like to have a good time above all else. "Good Asian Drivers" expresses this sense of fun. At the same time it expresses a kind of resistance to the negative stereotypes that are constantly weighing us down.

5. From where do you draw inspiration for your work?

M: I draw inspiration from events in my life. A lot of my work revolves around family, race, and relationships that have affected me. I also find a lot of inspiration in listening to other people's work and trying to find new genres in which to express myself. Lately, I've been in a jazz mood, so have been working on pieces that bring out that side of me.
K: Inspiration is everywhere, and sometimes my mind latches onto some random event like a cell phone breaking and it becomes something funny in a poem, but I also take mostly from my personal life, those around me, and the issues that affect us. My home also shapes my work, Hawaii is a very laid back place where people are constantly laughing, joking, and smiling so I can't help but be happy or throw somehting in light even in poems that tackle very serious topics.

6. What are your upcoming projects/ Events?

We're dropping a new album in June. Pre-sales start in April. We're really psyched about this CD because it will encompass work that defines our tour, as well as some new pieces and new arrangements of old pieces. In a sense, this album is a gift to those who have supported us through our first cross-country tour and wanted to capture that moment in time. This is also our very first Good Asian Drivers studio album!

7. Could you tell us a little more about your touring for 2009? We know that you are booking shows left and right.....

In 2009 we will be all over New England in April. In May we're in New York City and San Francisco hoping to do some fundraisers and community building events. From June through August, we're on a cross-country tour again, doing shows in the East Coast, the West Coast, and all over the Midwest. It's called the Good Asian Drivers Recession Tour '09! It's all about celebrating what we have instead of worrying about what we don't have.

8. How can the people support your movement?

If you're an artist, keep doing your thing! Keep speaking out, keep performing, keep spreading your messages. If you're not an artist yourself, please keep supporting the artists you love. Lots of performers are struggling right now, but we think that art is not expendable and art is especially important during tough times, so keep going out to shows, keep buying music, and keep pitching in.

9. How can CLINK! support your movement?

I think we could use all the help we can get to reach fans across the United States, especially those who really need to hear our work. I think together with CLINK we can inspire a generation of people to join the cause and work towards eliminating a lot of the injustices that affect lives on a daily basis.

10. Where can people purchase your poetry/music and/or get in contact with you?

For more information about our work, please visit goodasiandrivers.com. There's a link to media samples, an online store, and contact information. In addition, we are all over the web. You can find us on TWITTER,MYSPACE, YOUTUBE, VIMEO and SONICBIDS.

11. Why do you want to be a part of CLINK!?

CLINK is a women-run collective of entertainment industry professionals. Who wouldn't want to be a part of CLINK? Web-savvy and cutting edge, CLINK has a clear vision of artists connecting, collaborating, and producing events together. I think this is very important to developing artists: to have a family that helps them get the resources and connections they need