"We Belong '21" by Magnetic North & Taiyo Na (feat. Ann One)

"...but we're still here; And we're going strong; And we're getting tired of proving we belong."



I'm proud to share "We Belong '21," the new track from Magnetic North & Taiyo Na, featuring Ann One.

Back in 2010, Magnetic North & Taiyo Na's "We Belong" was a rallying cry for humanity and belonging amidst the AAPI community's experiences with erasure, exclusion and absurdity. Sampling Asian American folk pioneer Chris Iijima's "Asian Song" on the chorus, the song was part of a larger thematic album Home:Word, where homeland and refuge were explored from an Asian American migrant perspective.

Unless you've been actively putting your head in the sand -- and let's face it, this is entirely possible -- you know that there's been a near-daily deluge of reports of attacks on Asian Americans. Upon hearing the details of yet another violent assault, in which the attacker told the victim, "You don't belong here," I was reminded of Iijima's lyrics: "...but we're still here; And we're going strong; And we're getting tired of proving we belong."

I begged Theresa, Derek and Taiyo to get back on the mic to record an updated version of "We Belong." It just felt like we needed it. Turns out, they were already thinking about revisiting the song in light of recent events, particularly the mass shootings in Atlanta and Indianapolis. And they have delivered.

"We Belong '21" adds layers of urgency and relevance to the original track, delving deeper into experiences of a community being appropriated and othered while pointing towards the possibilities of solidarity and action to bring us forward. The soulful Ann One lends her voice to sing Iijima's timeless words.

Listen here:

JANM Summer Night Concerts featuring Magnetic North & Taiyo Na, Marie Digby and Priska

FREE! Thursday, July 30 on the JANM Plaza



If you're in Los Angeles, and wanna get down with some good tunes on a Thursday night, head over to Little Tokyo for the Japanese American National Museum's new free summer evening concert series, JANM Summer Night Concerts featuring Magnetic North & Taiyo Na, Marie Digby and Priska. There will also be food trucks and stuff. It's happening Thursday, July 30 on the JANM Plaza.

Here are the details:

East Meets Words 10th Anniversary Open Mic

Featuring Magnetic North & Taiyo Na, Friday, March 13 at East Meets Words Bookstore



Heads up, Boston. East Meets Words is the longest-running Asian American/Pacific Islander open mic series in the East Coast. This week, they're celebrating a decade of creative expression and community with an evening featuring Magnetic North and Taiyo Na. It's happening Friday, March 13 at East Meets West Bookstore.

Here are some more details about the event:

Home for the HOLLA'DAYS LA, December 19

Featuring Magnetic North & Taiyo Na, DAN aka DAN, The Blazing Rays of the Sun and More



Hey, Southern California! I want to see you at the Los Angeles edition of Home for the Holla'Days, a holiday benefit show featuring Magnetic North & Taiyo Na, with Vudoo Soul, DAN aka DAN with CREWLOVE, The Blazing Rays of the Sun, Ruth + the Library. All proceeds will go towards 27 Million, a nonprofit organization that networks and resources grassroots organizations fighting human trafficking.

It's happening Friday, December 19 at Art Share-LA. Here are some more details about the show:

music video: "I got my" by magnetic north & taiyo na feat. jin

With appearances by just about anybody and everybody they could get in front of a camera.


Epic. That's really the only way to describe this. You must watch the music video for "I Got My" by Magnetic North and Taiyo Na featuring Jin, with appearances by just about anybody and everybody they could get in front of a camera -- entertainers, activists, teachers, students, actors, designers, dancers, writers, poets, bloggers, community organizers. It's pretty damn awesome. Check it out: