Something special…



Posted on September 8th, 2009

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090709ISAISA was last night. It was our 3rd show in the past year since we first started this ISA thing (never thinking it was going to turn into a concert series). Over 1400 fans and supporters packed the theater, sold out. There was an energy about this show that I haven’t felt in the past. As the show kicked off, everything was going smoothly. The audience was showing their love and support with huge applause and deafening screams. Not to sound arrogant, but it was everything I was anticipating and expecting (just based on past events we’ve done). But then, something very special happened when David Choi took the stage in the second half of the show. Something that caught me by surprise, and made me realize that these are amazing times we’re living in, and these are amazing things we’re doing…

David’s first song of his set was “Won’t Even Start”, the song that we made a music video for. As he began to sing, the audience began to sing along as well. I’m not talking about a handful of kids singing out…it literally sounded like hundreds in the theater, all knowing the words by heart and singing with David. I was on the side of the stage and when I heard this, I was speechless. To me, this was a big deal. I’ve been to “mainstream artists” concerts in the past, and this is what the fans do at those shows. The last concert I went to was John Legend’s, and he would just stop playing, and the audience would keep singing. In my head, when you can get THAT many people to know your music THAT well, that says something…not really just about the song, but more about the support.

It happened again at the end of the show, when FM took the stage and started with their song “Millionaire” (we’ve pushed this song heavily in our past videos as well). The music started playing, and immediately the crowd went wild. Keep in mind, this is a song that has no radio play, no mainstream release, and yet, the response it received was on a mainstream level, just like with David’s song. How is that possible? I believe, it’s because these truly are extraordinary times, where big changes are happening…and I feel so lucky and honored to be in a position to make some of these changes and help push it. 

Mainstream, without mainstream.
Whenever we walk on stage and hear all those cheers and screams for us, it just doesn’t make sense to me. Though we are incredibly grateful, we can’t help but wonder, “Why do we have fans??” They react to us and our work the same way they would to a mainstream “celebrity” and that just boggles my mind. But I guess that’s what’s amazing about this new generation. I may not get it, because I didn’t grow up with prominent Asian figures to look up to (except for Jackie Chan and Jet Li), but I think that’s just a testament to how much seeing Asian Americans in the arts and media means to them. And now, it’s as if we are creating our own industry to a demographic that has always existed, but has never been harnessed in the past because it was too difficult. Now it’s finally happening. To a point where we are receiving mainstream responses, yet mainstream had nothing to do it. I find this incredibly empowering, we did it on our own. With so little, we’ve been able to do so much, thanks to unity and community… and this could just be the beginning.

For the past and for the future.
Another constant thought that all of us artists are always thinking is…”what are we really doing?” It’s a little bit of fear, mixed with uncertainty. (yeah, we’re human too) However, events like ISA sorta give me a reminder. A reminder that we are actually playing a role in the memories of our fans. A reminder that we’re influencing their youth, and their future. This honestly puts a lot of pressure on us, because we don’t take that responsibility lightly, but it does encourage us. People always say that we inspire them…but the reality is that the fans and supporters inspire US. Though we’re not always positive about where we’re going to end up, mainstream or not, movies or not…all that doesn’t really matter. We just want to keep making good things, doing good things, and helping others do the same.

PLEASE watch the video of David’s performance HERE to see what I’m talking about.

I talked to David after the show and asked him, “do you realize what just happened?” referring to the audience singing along. He said he was really surprised when everyone started singing and that he was about to cry. Man, that moves me. Watch the video and you’ll see. I get trembly each time I play it…I feel like I’ve never seen anything like that before. Hope it’s not the last time.

I know we say this all the time… but we literally can’t say it enough. Thank you. Even if you weren’t in the audience last night singing, your support from wherever you are has an equal impact on us. thank you.




44 Responses to “Something special…”

  1. Lisa says:
    September 13, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    congratss on another successful ISA concert! :)

    Reply
  2. Vicky says:
    September 10, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    I read this post right when you posted it…and everything you’ve mentioned has been on my mind lately (I know it’s only been two days but I think I’m going to be pondering about it for a while now). Just want to let you know that even by one blog post that you’re doing, you’re making a difference.

    Just like how I didn’t even know about David Choi until you guys stopped by UCD and talked about him. Heck, I didn’t even know who Wonder Girls were either until someone requested you to dance…lol.

    Keep up the good work, everything little thing counts. =)

    Reply
  3. OdoubleLy says:
    September 10, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    Thank You.

    Reply
  4. Judy says:
    September 10, 2009 at 1:38 am

    I was sitting in one of the last rows and was afraid of looking like a dork for singing along to the song but as soon as I heard the WHOLE ROOM singing, I sang as loud as I could and enjoyed every second of it. I admire you guys SO MUCH for all that you do and all that you strive for. I’ve been a fan for a while and have seen you guys grow and expand and although I am merely an audience member, I feel so much pride and every time I hear of your success. Keep up the hard work!

    Reply
  5. Maryy says:
    September 9, 2009 at 11:15 am

    Keep up the great work guys! I felt the energy and love from the audience in that videoo :]]

    Reply
  6. Lingy says:
    September 9, 2009 at 10:29 am

    I would have to agree with you, it must mean a whole lot more to have a big support community behind all the things you do, especially in non-mainstream media industry. Good job you folks! I’ve heard of Asian actors who struggled to try to get their names out; but yours would be one of by far the more successful ones! You have some fans in Australia and New Zealand too! ha ha ha. Well done to all of you at the ISA for putting up a good show and good luck in your many successes to come! x

    Reply
  7. Bets! says:
    September 9, 2009 at 8:48 am

    ISA 2009 looked so amazing….really wish I could have been there…..I hope ISA gets bigger and bigger and bigger so you guys can take this concert series around the world…..keep up the great work Wong Fu!!

    Best Wishes…from Sydney, Australia.

    Reply
  8. ca'roline says:
    September 9, 2009 at 6:52 am

    YAY :’D you guys deserve everything good that’s happening. all of you guys worked so hard, should expect nothing less :D woot! wongfu&dcmf&…etcetcetc<3

    Reply
  9. Mary B says:
    September 9, 2009 at 5:24 am

    Hi Phil!

    It was a pleasure reading this blog and touching. I did not went for ISA though but I truly felt the excitement of this event from some of the DCMF who went there. Some of us were like on the phone hearing David singing and twittering saying, oh David went on stage right now, it’s That Girl..so I’m kinda feel the vibe on the other side of the world too. People like you guys are really talented and nice, I like watching every single of the videos, so keep on doing it, much success to you guys, David Choi, Kina Grannis, Gabe Bondoc + etc.

    Much supports ~
    Greetings from Malaysia.

    Reply
  10. Slinky says:
    September 9, 2009 at 3:49 am

    I really wish I coulda gone to the concert :/ but my parents won’t let me fly all the way down there without them (I live in the bay area). But I watched the video, and I guess in a way, it really is amazing how far you guys have come! But at the same time, it’s not so amazing compared to how amazing you guys are.
    It’s like you said, first gen Chinese growing up in America don’t have a lot of Chinese role models. I’m a sophomore in high school, and I know Im confused a lot of the time about who I am and who I should look up to.
    But you guys, all of you guys at ISA are an inspiration and a role model for many of us, at least for me. It’s really inspiring to me how you guys live to do what you guys want, and for this to be so beneficial to all young Asian Americans as well. You guys are truly great examples of succesful young Asian Americans. Successful not meaning wealth, but sucessful at being such great people and showing the rest of us how to as well.

    I guess basically, thanks for everything you all have ever done, because it really affects and helps us in more ways than you could ever imagine :)

    Reply
  11. Claire says:
    September 9, 2009 at 3:08 am

    Isn’t that amazing? Isn’t it more than you could ever ever hoped for, fathomed, and believed?
    You three have set out to to a noble thing, and it’s no surprise to me the successes you’re experiencing and will experience are of this magnitude. You deserve all this. Never question what you do, just know in your hearts it’s something great, and so much bigger than you. Bigger and better than any of you may have dreamed. And we love it.

    Reply
  12. Carmen Chan says:
    September 9, 2009 at 3:02 am

    phil! SO proud. srsly. :) i sang along to david too. HAHA. <3

    Reply
  13. Katie says:
    September 9, 2009 at 2:55 am

    Philip, you, Wes, and Ted are all amazing guys/individuals. This blog post touched my heart and made me tear up a little. I’m glad you guys are choosing to use media to make a positive impact in the society (especially in the Asian-American community) rather than choosing to abuse its power. I agree with you, this generation is something different. Although we’re going through rough times and I must admit the current world has its cons, more than you’ll ever know; Wong Fu Productions serves as one of the little reminders that there’s still hope for the future. There’s still room for improvement and in the words of Far East Movement last Sunday, “Anything is possible…anything.” Philip Wang, Ted Fu, and Wesley Chan, Wong Fu Productions, is living proof of that statement. Whether we realize it or not, it’s simple ideas, such as deciding to create your first “amateur” music video, that may have the power to evolve into something greater and make the biggest difference in not only your own life, but in so many other lives as well. Honestly, even though you guys probably get it ALL the time, I’m gonna remind you once again and say that all three of you inspire me. Whenever I’m in doubt or my fears start kicking in to prevent me from reaching my goals, I’ll be sure to keep Wong Fu Productions’s story in mind to encourage me to keep striving for my dreams. I wish I could get to know all three of you on a more personal level because you guys seem like great people. Unfortunately, I’ll have to leave it up to fate to decide that haha! Damn, my bad because I sound maybe corny in this and it’s a long read! But hey, your blog post was pretty long, too LOL.

    Reply
  14. May Li says:
    September 9, 2009 at 2:49 am

    Last year, I thought that I could get the tickets at the door for ISA, but it was sold out already, so I had to go home sad that I couldn’t get in. =[
    But this year I bought the tickets early online :D
    And thankgoodness i got tickets (: to see amazing people perform their talents for fans like me. I especially love “Won’t Even Start”.
    All time favorite ! :D
    Keep it up (: I hope there will be ISA next year at San Gabriel ;D
    like an annual thing ! :D

    Reply
  15. Lisa Phan says:
    September 9, 2009 at 2:35 am

    Hey that’s my picture!! haha. This year’s show was really amazing. All of the performers were AMAZING. And the new video was waaayyy amazing. “I TOLD YOU TO USE MORE EFFECTS!!” And poor Wes. First cutting off Cathy’s hair, and now telling stories about boogers… Keep up the good job guys. Hoping that I can help out next year since a lot of my friends and I couldn’t this year.
    [I'm going to hold you to your word about lunch haha.]

    Reply
  16. Michelle says:
    September 9, 2009 at 2:29 am

    It’s because we can all relate to everything you guys talk about. The things you talk about are things that we encounter in our every day lives. The other thing is that most of your material is really funny, simple yet funny. ^.^

    btw ISA was aweasome…it’s very rare to see a lot of Asian Americans together at a concert. The only times when you see that are usually when it’s the concert of a Chinese singer or Korean singer from outside the U.S. Also having these types of concerts shows everyone that hey if that person on stage could do it..I could do it too..

    :]

    thanks for having a concert like ISA :] i look forward to seeing it again next year! ^_^v

    Reply
  17. Jonathan Lam says:
    September 9, 2009 at 2:22 am

    Lmao. “The David Choi Choir”

    Reply
  18. Jonathan Lam says:
    September 9, 2009 at 2:18 am

    After watching David’s video, it sounds like we were a choir singing “Won’t Even Start”. Haha!

    Reply
  19. Peter says:
    September 9, 2009 at 1:34 am

    Hey guys to tell you guys the truth what you guys do is something special. Being around the same age as you guys and growing up in a Chinese family that immigrated to America, as well as being a first generation Chinese born American, I can totally relate to you guys saying that there was not a lot of Asian role models growing up. The stuff you guys are doing is really something special. Showing the internet world that there is some very special and talented Asians out there. Showing off to the world that us Asians can hang with all the other ethnic groups out there. When I first heard of you guys like 5 to 6 years ago I was like about freaking time someone did something like this. I just hope the best for you guys and heck you never know you guys might make it to the main stream after all, shoot you guys did end up on CNN haha. Just one request, do a ISA in Chicago, I know a lot of peeps out here who would love to check you cats out. Take care and good luck in all your future project guys.

    Peter

    Reply
  20. Linda says:
    September 9, 2009 at 12:39 am

    a few of my videos are up.
    i LOVED ISA. hopefully you guys will have it there EVERY YEAR <3 :)
    it was the best concert ever.
    no concert could beat this one.
    unless there was ANOTHER ISA.
    great job guys :D

    youtube.com/user/omglindaaa
    :D

    Reply
  21. Gladiany says:
    September 8, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    I hope it’s not the last time, either. You all are wonderful, talented people. I think you deserve that and more.

    Reply
  22. WongFu&DavidChoi Lover aka Leilani Phan says:
    September 8, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    Teehee (: I was at ISA on Sunday!! I was also singing along..cuz i kept o listening to it and watching the video and the Music premiere date video on youtube all the time!! cuz i love youu guys!!! <33 ~~

    Reply
  23. jessica says:
    September 8, 2009 at 10:33 pm

    I haven’t been able to go to an ISA concert yet, but I definitely look forward to going to one when I have the chance. =]

    It’s true, this IS a generation to remember. ^^ While growing up in America, I was dishearten to find that in the land of opportunities, somehow, there was always an overlying shadow that kept Asians in the mysterious darkness. =/

    I can’t express how much happiness it brings to me to know that the internet has begun to lift this malicious shadow and create a chance for Asians to feel the light– the limelight. =] People need heroes/idols who they can relate to. Especially I think that heroes who are just human are the ones we need the most. ;] They are the evidence that there can be a change.

    Hooray for WongFu!! Keep up the “wongDERfuL” productions. X]

    oh, by the way, are you guys going to restock your store with the adorable “ADD OIL” (girLs) shirts?? (preferably size MEDIUM?) I would like to buy one. ^^

    Reply
  24. Kathlynn says:
    September 8, 2009 at 9:49 pm

    I love you guys. (:

    Reply
  25. Melody says:
    September 8, 2009 at 9:39 pm

    You guys must be doing something right.

    Reply
  26. Anna says:
    September 8, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    I really like seeing this serious side of WongFu every once in a while.
    My whole apartment likes to sing “Won’t Even Start” and other David Choi and FM songs all the time when we study. ^^

    Reply
  27. kneesheellee says:
    September 8, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    congrats on a successful! ^.^ david choi is freaking amazing. i totally wished i was there. maybe if you come back to SF :D

    Reply
  28. Lynne says:
    September 8, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    I got chills watching the video. I love the people yelling, “where’d you go” and “shut up” too…haha! So great.

    Reply
  29. andge says:
    September 8, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    ps phil, nice pose. hahaha

    Reply
  30. andge says:
    September 8, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    david choi was freaking amazing. fm killed it. glp was fantastic. everyone was outstanding. isa made me very happy (:

    it also makes me happy to know that as you guys continue to grow bigger and bigger, you still love your fans and you reach out to them. the ticket tour was great and the meet & greet after was just the icing in the cake. thanks.

    curious question, what ever happened to bruno mars ? ):

    Reply
  31. MykaJanineee says:
    September 8, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    I sang along to David Choi’s song~!
    FM was crazy! I’m wearing their shirt right now.

    I love ISA~!<3

    Reply
  32. Mr3D says:
    September 8, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    Congrats on another successful ISA! Looking forward to those unreleased shorts…
    And I’m sure, as an equivalent to singing David Choi, WFP fans can rehearse lines to your shorts too =)
    @Jordyce … thanks for the two other clips!

    Reply
  33. carly says:
    September 8, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    you guys are so humble. :D

    and congrats on another sucessful isa concert! keep ‘em rollin.

    Reply
  34. Stacy says:
    September 8, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    September 6, 2009 will be a night i’ll never ever forget < 3
    Aha my hands still hurt from clapping so hard, and
    my voice is becoming sore, but i think it's worth it (:

    Thank you wong fu and fm for
    creating a night i will never forget ~

    Reply
  35. Diana Choe says:
    September 8, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    Hi Phil!

    That is a touching blog you wrote. I felt chills when everyone started to sing along to David’s “Won’t Even Start.” I’m one of the out-of-staters (I’m from Georgia) who flew to LA JUST so I can attend ISA & meet everyone! I must say it surpassed everything I expected! Next year, if you guys still have it at San Gabriel Playhouse, I’m gonna get PIT tickets. Sitting in the 3rd row of VIP was a fail- couldn’t get to see anyone’s lovely faces on stage! :p But I’m still happy. Beyond happy. ISA was totally worth the money / time I spent.

    THANK YOU guys for setting up ISA.
    Hope to meet you next year – ‘cuz I’m DEFINITELY planning on flying out there again!

    Much Love!

    -diana from atlanta <3

    Reply
  36. Christina says:
    September 8, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    i’m glad to say i sang along as well :) one of my favorites.

    Reply
  37. Kathlynn says:
    September 8, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    I’m going to try to make this comment worthy of you guys to read. >..< I became a fan of you guys when I first watched Break Up Back Up a couple months back and when I saw you guys at Epik High's concert. Then I started watching more of you guys on YouTube and wow. You guys are so unbelievably cool.

    All corniness aside, what you guys do is seriously inspiring. I mean, I've always been interested in making videos and what not, but I've never made the extra mile to do so. I think ISA changed that. Just watching the videos you guys post up is awesome by itself. Whenever I watch your videos I think, "they did all that with a camera? That's insane!" They really make me want to go out there and do something with a camera.

    And I know you guys are basically YouTube stars. Not celebrities on nationwide television or anything. But I've got to admit I'm more stoked to meeting you guys than let's say Beyonce. Haha, is that crazy?

    You guys are comic geniuses and it's so invigorating seeing Asian-Americans (You guys, FM, David Choi, Quest Crew, etc.) making a name out there in a society where we are slightly overlooked at times! It's all pure talent though. Every single performer that went on stage at ISA. My heart goes out to all of you guys.

    Please continue making amazing videos that put smiles to all of your viewer's faces. And oh my gosh, please have another workshop because I will for sure attend that one!

    I'm putting Far East Movement's Animal album on loop as I finish my summer reading.Then when I'm done, I'm gonna have a Wong Fu marathon. [:

    Can't wait for your next video!

    Reply
  38. mystixjj says:
    September 8, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    I wasn’t there at the show but I can totally feel the exciting vibes from the people who went. Some of us, David Choi’s fan from other parts of the world who couldn’t attended got calls from the DCMF fans that went to the show. Hearing it through the phone was FANTASTIC, it felt like I was there. I was so HAPPY!
    This leaves a bittersweet memory for me.
    Thanks Wong Fu for posting this awesome blog. =)
    I like supporting all the artist out there who aren’t mainstream, especially people like David Choi, you (Wong Fu Productions), Kina Granis etc… You are all really great, good, nice and wonderful people. I have to admit, I like you guys better than the most of the mainstream artists out there in this world.

    Thank you and keep on doing what you guys are doing! I’ll always remain one of your strong supporters. One day I will see everyone in person!

    -Cheers from Australia-

    Reply
  39. Stephanie says:
    September 8, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    I was the girl that drew everyone on the poster! haha. ISA was amazing !! I seriously couldn’t stop smiling on the way home after meeting all of you. Thank you thank you thank youu!

    Reply
  40. Herman says:
    September 8, 2009 at 12:10 pm

    That’s great! I just wish I could assist to that show. But I live in Portugal. Kinda impossible… Anyway, GOOD WORK there boys! Keep it up, keep it humble and keep keeping it REAL!!
    Congratulations for that!! :D

    Cheers!

    Reply
  41. Karen says:
    September 8, 2009 at 11:06 am

    Wow, the internet is a powerful thing when used for good and not for evil. Amazing!!!!!

    Reply
  42. Jordyce says:
    September 8, 2009 at 6:31 am

    GOOD JOB GUYS! From what I’ve seen it looked absolutely AMAZING.

    Quest did one of their ABDC sets which was tight, FM looked off the hook, Kina Grannis + David Choi = wow. Saw some funny short clips of Tom Ngo, and I’m sure the rest which I haven’t seen yet was great. I hope the JCPenney Schooled in Style Breakout Performer did really well too.

    (And special thanks to Phil for recognizing me in the live chat the night before ISA. Made my week man, thanks. Too bad you, Kev and Wes’ freestyle rap will never see the light of day)

    BTW, here’s some footage capped of you guys;
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgz5YZu8TLA
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXVX2FGGSwQ

    Reply
  43. gu3ssit says:
    September 8, 2009 at 6:10 am

    first! i was one of the people that was singing along! and this was an awesome blog. Thanks for putting together such an Awesome show! made my summer.

    Reply

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