The very definition of a working-class musician, a starving artist's work is never done. Courtesy of AsianManRecords.com

Long-time Punk Man Adds A New Dimension

By Jorgio Castro

Mike Park
For the Love of Music
[Asian Man Records, Nov. 2003]

He is perhaps one of the most influential men in indie punk that you may not have heard of yet. But Mike Park's accomplishments have hardly been occurring below the radar. Formerly of the band Skankin' Pickle, Mike founded Asian Man Records -

Mike Park currently plays in both The Bruce Lee Band and The Chinkees, and now adds a solo aspect. Courtesy of AsianManRecords.com

a company which he still runs out of his parents' garage, but which is world renowned and has included bands such as Alkaline Trio and Five Iron Frenzy under its label. Together with Sub City Records, his first solo release, "For the Love of Music," hits stores November 11th with a message and purpose not often seen in today's music industry.

"For the Love of Music" is an acoustic compilation of songs with "racism, politics, and everyday life" as its theme. Through his soft and smoky voice, Mike tackles the weighty subjects not often seen in pop music today. As a long-time advocate of racial unity, these subjects are no stranger to him, nor to anyone who is familiar with his other bands, The Bruce Lee Band and The Chinkees. Perhaps one of the most poignant tracks is "From Korea," in which he sings "I don't need a racist friend... my eyes are small, but your eyes are closed." That is just a taste of the no-nonsense lyrics present throughout the 11 track set.

Stand out tracks off the CD are "Challenging Me" and "Hey You!" Both acoustic numbers have great melodies, and heartfelt lyrics to boot. The first track, "Supposed To Be There Too," is also sure to be a favorite of those who give this CD a spin. All of Mike's numbers here make you think and provoke some kind of feeling, which turns this simple disc from just entertainment into art.

Mike pictured here with his ska band-mates, The Chinkees Courtesy of AsianManRecords.com

A portion of all sales of the album will go to the Plea for Peace Foundation, an organization which Park founded in 1999 with the simple overriding idea of promoting peace through music. The organization has performed numerous tours in the U.S and Japan, and its hope is to be able to open a year-round teen center in the San Francisco Bay Area, where teens can learn more about music and the arts. As a long-time community activist and leader in the Asian-American community, Mike continues to work to bring about unity and peace in the music community and all those who he can reach through his music.

For much, much more check out MikeParkmusic.com or asianmanrecords.com, and check back with APA for an interview with the man himself, Mike Park, in the November 21st Issue.

November 7, 2003