Eugene Cho

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 • 12:01 am 31

your favorite “not yet discovered” musicians?

As you know, I’m a fan of music. In some ways, it’s hard to come across people that don’t like music. And while I wish I had more time to enjoy and invest, I very much love being a small-time music promoter in Seattle through Q Cafe. This past year, we’ve had another super year at the Q and look forward to another exciting year in 2011.

While we all have our list of big time favorite bands or artists,

who are some of your “not yet really discovered” musicians?

Here’s my two contributions for “not yet discovered” musicians. Check them out and thank me later. And make sure you share your contributions… Read the rest of this entry »

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Friday, October 22, 2010 • 10:59 am 16

my first album! new cho: state of mind

I’m pleased to announce to the world my first album!

I’m producing my first album where all the songs will be about me. Yes, that’s right. Songs about me.  From here on out, I’d like to be called by my hip-hop street name:

Minister Sinister

Seriously, the incredible Quest staff threw me a surprise birthday party yesterday and showered me with words, prayer, food, an iPad, and one of our staff wrote and record this song.

Much love and kudos to Tony Nabors aka Altar Ego. Beth Freitas for singing the hook. Angela Nabors for the album cover.

  • The song will be availabe on iTunes soon. $1.29/download.
  • We’re raising funds to shoot the music video.
  • We’re going on tour in 2011.
  • And this is all a farce.

But here’s the song. Read the rest of this entry »

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010 • 12:01 am Comments Off

introducing my first album!

I wish I was good enough to be a musician – or a good musician but I have to be content with my shower singing and my G – C – D guitar progression.

But having said that, I have some very exciting news to share with everyone:

We’re releasing our first album today!

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Friday, June 4, 2010 • 12:02 am 15

epic album covers

I dig music. And wished I had more time to enjoy it. Regardless, I’m very excited about the first ODW compilation album we’re releasing later this month (and then a LIVE CD album for Q Cafe early next year).

I’m very encouraged by how the ODW compilation came together and how artists are beginning to partner with ODW as part of our “artists for a cause.”  One example is Rocky Votolato who is donating 10% of the royalties of his new album, True Devotion, to the movement of ODW. Check out this video and song he created for us: Read the rest of this entry »

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Thursday, March 11, 2010 • 12:01 am 17

the concert you want to go to in 2010?

In light of a few intense days in Haiti (I’ll share another post tomorrow), I’m sort of emotionally exhausted so let’s do a community post today. Chime in and join the blog community. This is the post you can rip on each other’s answers and no one will be offended – I think! I’ve asked a similar question but I’m in the mood for music and I want to share one of my new favorite musical “groups.”

If you could go to one concert in 2010, who would it be and why?

I asked a similar question last year and my answer was U2 and guess what, I got a chance to go hear them twice (free tix)- once in Soldier Field (nosebleed section) and once in Vancouver, BC (basically the front row from the side). The show in Vancouver was amazing as the sound was unlike anything I’ve heard before especially this video where they go from singing Amazing Grace into Where the Streets Have No Name. We were so close that Bono did the unforgivable: he blew a kiss at my wife. No joke: Read the rest of this entry »

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Saturday, October 31, 2009 • 7:41 am 4

black eyed peas opens for u2

As most of you know, Minhee and I had the joy and gift of soaking in the U2 concert this past week.

After hearing all the hype and elevation of U2 and blah blah blah, I became a believer this past week. I’ve always enjoyed their music but I became a fan this week – even despite Bono blowing kisses at my wife. Jerk.

Anyways, the venue wasn’t as packed when the Black Eyed Peas opened for U2. It’s not fair to compare these two but the BEP just seemed off or that I’m not familiar with their music. In fact, I’ve only heard one of their songs prior to the show.  But then again, maybe it’s because they weren’t playing “their” show to their primary audience. What was fascinating was to be so close to stage and to able to see the precision of everything they were doing – or at least attempting to do.

Any Black Eyed Peas fans amongst my readers?

Here’s one of the videos I captured: Read the rest of this entry »

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Thursday, October 29, 2009 • 6:00 am 29

dear bono: i admire your work but please stop blowing kisses at my wife

Minhee and I – representing One Day’s Wages – made our way to Vancouver, BC to soak in the U2 concert. We were there as guests of ONE and have very much enjoyed learning from them when we visited ONE’s headquarters over the summer in Washington DC and are excited about some possibilities of collaboration in the future.  For those that are don’t know much about ONE:

ONE is a grassroots campaign and advocacy organization backed by more than 2 million people who are committed to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. Cofounded by Bono and other campaigners, ONE is nonpartisan and works closely with African policy makers and activists.

Minhee’s never been to a stadium sized concert and I’ve only been to two in my life and the 2nd was couple months ago in Chicago when U2 kicked off their tour (nosebleed seats).

But wow. I don’t know if we’ll ever get these kind of backstage seats again in our lifetime. Hey, fighting extreme global poverty has some perks!

I really enjoy u2′s music and have even hosted a debate on this blog if they are the greatest band ever. I’m also a huge fan of BONO for the way he leverages his fame to be a voice for the voiceless but: Read the rest of this entry »

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009 • 12:01 am 24

one show…who do you go see?

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I flew out to Chicago to meet some old friends, make some new friends, share a short chat on Human Life & Dignity and enjoyed the perks of some generous friends who took a couple of us to the U2 360 World Tour. Coincidentally, their tour launched in Chicago (the night before).

My family and I really don’t have the luxury to go to big concerts… In fact, this is only the 2nd “big” show I’ve ever been to [The first being my sophomore year in high school].

Anyone care to guess who I went to see for my First Concert?

Anyway, U2 was Read the rest of this entry »

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Tuesday, April 21, 2009 • 1:35 am 21

the story behind the choir of PS22

PS22 Choir

By now, you’ve heard of the sensational story of Susan Boyle. If you haven’t, it might be time to learn about this new invention called the internet.  Her story is certainly captivating and worthy of much attention.

But the video below – while not seen as often as Susan Boyle’s audition on Britain’s Got Talent (over 100 million views) – is worth watching.

This is a great story because this isn’t about one person.  It’s not about a big production.  It’s not about a big marketing campaign.  For me, I love the story of these 5th grades in the choir at PS22 of NYC because it reminds me about the following things:

  • Music and art is a true joy and should be made available to all children and kids. We should never cut the arts from our public schools. Never. Rather, we should be investing. Public schools are important folks.  Very important.
  • Teachers are Read the rest of this entry »

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009 • 12:48 am 33

my favorite music – right now

songwriterIn response to last week’s post about the Greatest Rock/Pop Band of all time and the numerous contributions and push back regarding my suggestion that U2 be considered as the greatest band, I’ll put it out there and share with you my personal 9 favorite artists – currently.

Why 9?  Because you can you contribute #10.

Who are you really enjoying now?  Who should I add to my playlist?  Or who’s an artist you enjoy that’s still un-discovered?

I feel like I have a pretty eclectic taste in music.  If I had any talent as a musician, I’d learn to somehow bring the sounds of my current favorites into one sound.  And to be honest, I don’t listen to alot of new stuff because I don’t listen to any radio. I come across new artists when folks recommend them my way.  Anyway, here’s my list in no particular order. Critique away… Read the rest of this entry »

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009 • 4:25 pm 61

greatest rock, pop, and roll?

It’s been an intense week so let’s lighten things up with a question in hopes that many people contribute.  The question is simple:  

Who’s the greatest band/musical artist of all time?

I grew up as a huge Elvis Presley fan and he’s still up there for me.  But, the more and more I listen to U2, I wonder if we’re possibly listening to the ‘Greatest Band of All Time.’  Clearly, it’s not the most creative answer since there are zillions of fans but  they are good in so many ways:  talent, charisma, content, convictions, performance and something we don’t appreciate enough:  longevity.  To be able to do it year in and year out over a course of decades is very rare.  

Update: Here are my Top 7. Clearly, I’m a little biased… Read the rest of this entry »

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Monday, February 16, 2009 • 2:14 am 11

the acoustic ninja & your favorite indie musician?

tracebundy

Quest had the joy of hosting the Acoustic Ninja – Trace Bundy – for couple of his songs yesterday.  If you’ve never heard his music, do yourself a favor and check him out.  He does things with the guitar that is unbelievable.  I first heard Trace when he played a show at Q Cafe several years ago.  Since then, I’ve been following his career from afar.  By chance, I emailed him to ask him if he’d be willing to stop by Quest the next time he was  in Seattle and he graciously obliged.  While I certainly appreciate his gifts as a guitarist, it’s the story behind his gifts and music that resonate with me.

Question:  Who’s an indie musician you’ve been enjoying and following?  Share their website if you’ve got it…

Trace has a show in Seattle at the Triple Door on March 5 for those who are interested.  My favorite is a song entitled ‘Missile Bell‘ which I couldn’t find on YouTube but it’s a beautiful redemptive story of a village in El Salvador that comes back to their war torn land with hopes of rebuilding their lives.  The first thing they do is to build a church.   As they near the completion of building a church with scraps and pieces of stuff, they realize they don’t have a bell for the church.   They eventually decide to use a missile shell for a bell for the church.  It’s a beautiful image of the possibility of redemption…

Another one that he played yesterday was ‘Long Song’: Read the rest of this entry »

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Thursday, May 15, 2008 • 12:28 am 36

greatest music video ever?

Let’s have some fun here.  What’s the greatest [your favorite] music video ever?  MJ?  Duran Duran?  The Police?  or Rick Astley?

Maybe it’s because Quest is so “young” but every time I mention a band that enjoyed from the 80s, people look dazed and confused.  For example, on a car ride back from a conference, I could not believe that Jason The Intern had no idea who these folks were.  I nearly fired his arse right there but I’m a compassion, merciful, and gracious pastor and boss. Here’s my vote for Greatest Music Video – ever: Read the rest of this entry »

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