Once again, it is time to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is musician Jay Legaspi.
Who are you?
Jay Legaspi, but Jay Leonard N. Legaspi if you want to get all govvy on me. For those curious, Jay isn't short for Jason -- given how long my full name is, I don't really think I need any extra syllables.
What are you?
Singer-songwriter, beatmaker, emcee, DJ, little brother.
Where are you?
In my room with my guitar.
Where are you from?
My birth certificate says New York, my heart says New Jersey, and my voice sometimes says things with a slight Filipino accent.
What do you do?
I always tell people that I have a full time job at a company, but more importantly, a full time passion as a musician.
What are you all about?
As a musician, I'm all about creating music that's honest, especially from a lyrical standpoint. I feel like the person I am when I write or perform is one of the purest forms of myself I can be. If I continue to write and create with that mindset, it makes me feel like I'll eventually develop into the best version of myself that I can become. The honesty also helps me connect with the audience, who I always hope will be able to relate to what I say, and will also grow with me as I get better at what I do.
What makes you angry?
As an Angry Asian Reader, I find myself getting angriest reading stories about how the Asian American community is ignored and discounted of its importance. From Filipino Vets not being recognized to the glazing over of Japanese internment to the media taking potshots at Asian Americans because they don't think they'll fight back, I find myself in disbelief.
On the other hand, I do find myself also getting angry when the Asian American community gets easy recognition, particularly in music and the arts. I think I speak for a lot of my fellow artists when I say that I'm not trying to be the best Asian singer-songwriter -- I'm trying to be the best, period.
(photo credit: Michael Lesley Violago)