Whether you’re a “Grey’s Anatomy” fan or someone who enjoys hanging out at cafés, chances are you’ve heard Priscilla Ahn’s whimsical and soft voice. Aside from her musical style and lyrical depth, the 27-year-old’s shameless confessionals have caught the attention of many loyal fans.

While she is technically one-eighth Chinese, celebrated author Lisa See, whose novels have landed on The New York Times bestseller list, has always felt a deep connection to her Asian roots. Many of her works, such as the most recent Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (which was turned into a Hollywood movie), as well as Shanghai Girls and Dreams of Joy follow the perspectives of strong, young female characters overcoming various hardships and challenges. And through her beautifully written stories, See sheds light on the unique and fascinating aspects of Chinese culture, all while spinning compelling hook-line-and-sinker stories.

When acclaimed Korean American author Chang Rae Lee paid a visit to my western literature class back in high school, I was unfortunately ignorant of his recognition in the literary world. However, the impression that he left was immediate. Although soft-spoken in the discussion we had about J.D. Salinger’s novel Franny and Zooey and cultural assumptions in society, his words held a keen insight and profundity that naturally commanded everyone’s attention.

Who would have thought that being bored out of your mind would be the best thing that ever happened to you? While looking for something to do one day, singer-songwriter Zee Avi picked up a guitar and taught herself how to play. At the time, Avi was a college dropout living at home with her parents in Malaysia. Today, she is a rising musical star living her dreams in Brooklyn, New York.

There’s no doubt that Korean pop culture (affectionately called K-pop) has become an international phenomenon. It’s gaining popularity in American pop culture, with enthusiastic fans such as Perez Hilton. For Asian American teens, the luring quality of K-pop runs a little deeper. As Facebook and Twitter feeds run rampant with the latest buzz on SNSD, Big Bang or 2PM, Korean music and all the culture that accompanies it has traveled at lightning speed across the Pacific to influence both Korean and non-Korean American teens alike.

There are no tattoos, bold makeup or crazy costumes present as Margaret Cho sits down for our video interview. Instead, she cradles a mug and excuses herself every once in a while to cough. She’s lost her voice, she explained. While such is the case in a literal sense, Cho is far from losing her voice as a multi-talented comedian, actress, author and now musician, singer and songwriter.

Eric Yorkie doesn’t sparkle in the sunlight. He doesn’t have a thirst for blood or super senses. He isn’t immortal.

He is, however, one of Bella Swan’s close friends in “The Twilight Saga.” Played by 29-year-old Justin Chon, he’s the nerdy Asian kid who spoke to her when she first came to Forks High School and gave her the nickname “Arizona.”

On one of the rare sunny days in Seattle, Mochi got a chance to sit and sip with Kaz Nomura–a singer-songwriter, guitar shredder and music label and tour organizer–otherwise known as PWRFL Power and Half Yogurt.

No one wants to go through life known as “the Asian dude.” But for Harry Shum, Jr., it’s a dream come true. The 27-year-old plays football player and show-choir member Mike Chang on the hit show “Glee,” but he’s much better known for being “the other Asian,” a nickname dubbed by Jane Lynch’s scary cheerleading coach character, Sue Sylvester.

For Nikki SooHoo, acting isn’t just a job; it’s part of a framework through which she can use her voice to change the world.

Truth be told, Tim Ouyang has no idea what kind of long-term situation he’s in. But public opinion seems to indicate big plans for this the lead singer/songwriter of Virginia-based pop-rock quintet, Tim Be Told.

A new generation of rap rock music has hit the airwaves in the form of afterschoolspecial. Hailing from San Diego State University, Dan aka Dan (emcee), Jaimie (vocals), Brian (keyboard), Keane (guitar) and Todd (bass) first got together while at school, but soon took their talent and creativity to a professional studio. After several years of touring and recording up and down the West Coast, the group was nominated for Best Hip Hop at the San Diego Music Awards. Dan, also a coordinator for the San Diego Asian American Film Festival, shares some insight on how the band is embracing their newfound rockstar-dom while also managing to stay true to their roots.

Read our series of stories on Kollaboration NY, an Asian American talent competition taking place June 27th in New York City. Mochi is a proud media sponsor and will be attending, so let us know if you’re attending as well!

Paul “PK” Kim is a man with lofty goals and a seemingly insurmountable mission — to unite and empower Asian American communities everywhere, foster young talent and educate the mainstream public about the so-called “model minority.”

On Gossip Girl, Nelly Yuki is perhaps the most complex character in the it-girl group. We’ve seen her buried behind her books, acting in a fat suit during the school play, using the girls against one another to climb the social ladder, and, in the finale, hitting on our dream boy Dan Humphrey after one too many drinks. Mochi meets Yin Chang, the actress behind Nelly Yuki, for the scoop on what goes on behind the scenes, from the casting office to the infamous fashion closet.