When I was at a friend’s birthday party, someone started playing a music video on a computer and said it was his friend’s video. At first I was like “OK?” but I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging it was. The song is called “Stop It” by Rosie Okumra. The beat is catchy. Rosie’s pretty hot and has a good voice. The video is also decently made and styled. I’m constantly amazed at what pops up on Youtube these days.
Who is Rosie Okumura? I wonder. Rosie is HAPA, and I’m sucker for all things Asian American and independent. I was curious to see what she was all about. She’s obviously a struggling musician who works at my friend’s restaurant.
So I e-mailed her on Youtube account and asked if she would be open to answering my questions. And she got back to me! You gotta admit that her work is a cut above the rampant and sometimes embarrassingly bad stuff out there on Youtube.
FH: What's your background? Where're your from? Where did you grow up? And what are your music aspirations?
So I was born in Evanston, a small suburb of Chicago, moved to Virginia, then to Hawaii with my dad for the last year of high school, THEN to Michigan for school at MSU; but I was too obsessed with music to finish, and moved to Seattle and last year to Los Angeles!!! I guess mostly I'd say I am from Virginia, even though I lived in Chicago the longest. I miss Seattle the most out of all the places. Sorry. That took awhile.
My aspirations are to create music that everyone can like in some way or another; I want people to have fun when they listen to what I've written. It wouldn't hurt to make a butt-load of money either; I really wanna spoil my parents and friends!
FH: Right now, where are you in your career? Do you have a day job? How do you plan to move ahead with your music career?
Right now I am literally just trying to write as MUCH as possible with as many creative people I can get ahold of. Everyone always says they just "need that ONE hit", but not me; I want 50 hits. I don't settle.
My day job? I am pretty cliche, and working in a restaurant bartending and serving. I cannot wait to be on the other side, and leave someone a $5000 tip out of nowhere. I want to be able to make someone's day like that after so many people have ruined mine in that industry!
I plan to move ahead by staying true to myself; no matter what. I want to really love what I write, to be proud of it, and to be successful with sticking to that. I also want to make sure I work hard every day. Not a day goes by where I don't work on something to help further my career.
Do you identify with being Asian American? Do you feel being Asian American compliment or hamper you as an artist? Do you get inspired from being Asian American?
My Father is Japanese and from Hawaii, as are his parents so I grew up with different cultural traditions both Japanese and Hawaiian. My mom is German, but I only know how to scold the dog in German; thats what she did a lot. I dont know any Japanese either. I am probably the most non Asian-American Asian-American there is. I feel like it's super cool to be half Japanese because it’s a really rare mix, and I wanna rep who I am for sure. It's inspiring because it makes me want to pursue a career outside of the states. My dad is very passionate about my pursuing the JPop thing, and I think being Asian definitely makes a difference when it comes to reaching out to more people. I'm excited and definitely proud!!
FH: How did "Stop It" come about? It's a very polished video... and are there more songs in the pipeline. Who are you working with in terms of music?
“Stop it” was a song I wrote with some friends in Chicago with The Cassette Company production team. Sean Geyer is a song writer, and Stefan Clark is a producer/writer.
Together we were able to write and record a couple of songs in just a few days, and once I got it mastered; I wanted to do a video. Once I decided on making a video I asked around and a ton of people were supportive and proud of the song; so it wasn't too difficult to round up a team of amazing people to help make it happen! My stylist/choreographer is one of my best friends now. I was so blessed to have such amazing people around me that day. James Toth was an amazing director; he's super young and super driven - we worked really hard together!
There are CERTAINLY more songs in the making. I'm planning to go back to Chicago next month and make a hit song my Valentine this year.
Right now I am working with some friends and producers that have actually worked with some familiar names that are huge influences of mine; Bonnie McKee, Ke$ha, Miley, Katy etc. I decided to go out and find the people who helped them get their careers started so I can just make it happen. So here I am. Ive been so crazy busy lately - but in the best way ever.
FH: If you were given one wish before you die, what would it be?
To marry James Franco. Don't get me started.
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