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.

How would you define your style of music?
Rap/rock or hip-hop/alternative. Everyone in the group has different backgrounds in music, and I think that really plays into the sounds we create. Everyone draws on their own experience from punk to blues to classical. It’s been a blessing and a crutch in that we can all bring something new to the table, but it also makes it more difficult to decide on our sounds.

Do you each draw from your respective cultures and ethnicities?
Our cultures and ethnicities definitely help shape the music we create and the type of band that we’ve become. However, it doesn’t define us in anyway. What I mean by that, and I think a lot of other Asian American musicians (or even those in other fields) would agree, is that there are obvious influences in what we do and the songs we create. We will never sell our selves on just being an Asian-fronted group. We want to produce great music first and let that speak for the band. This way, the music can be more accessible to as wide an audience as possible.

None of the songs are about being Asian. However, we agree that the reception from the community has been very positive and we’ve been able to meet some amazing contacts and play a lot of great shows that are culturally based, which has allowed us to reach new audiences we wouldn’t otherwise been able to meet.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
We draw inspiration from other like bands, such as Linkin Park, Gym Class Heroes, and Flobots. I usually listen to groups like this before we play a show or before we write new music. It works out for me, because I listened to music like this before the band, so I was already prepared with the type of sounds we wanted to create.

What makes you all good role models?
Are we good role models? [laughs] I’m not sure if we’re the best role models, but I do think that we work very hard at what we do and there may be a lesson somewhere in that. On the Asian American level, I know that there are very few Asian Americans in the limelight (whether it be actors, politicians, or musicians). We could go on and on about socially and culturally why this doesn’t happen, but simply, it’s good to have people out there with similar cultural backgrounds representing.

What are your thoughts about the Asian representation in the music industry here in the US?
We’ve talked about this before with some other artists and the biggest issue of what’s holding us back is our own community. Because our community is so segmented — Korean, Filipino, Chinese, Cambodian — we find that oftentimes it’s difficult to bring everyone together to support everyone else as a whole. We’re too involved in what our own segmented community is doing that we can’t see the greater good in coming together to support as a whole. I think that this is changing, though, with everyone mixing and mingling in younger generations, and that by the time our children are teenagers, race won’t be as much of an issue.

Stay tuned for afterschoolspecial’s next big project — they’ve promised to keep us in the loop about their upcoming album!

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Mochi: How did the Google job come along?

Jess: I had expected all along that I would be a software engineer, so those were the jobs I was looking at. I planned to join Intuit, which makes tax and accounting software, when I got an email from a Google recruiter.

Mochi: What was the journey like getting hired by Google?

Jess: The interview process at Google was a lot longer and more chaotic than at other tech companies. I did about 11 interviews, but they were all casual and really friendly.

Mochi: Speaking of casual, I have to ask about the lava lamps and beanbag chairs… Is it true?

Jess: Yes, lots of lava lamps, beanbags, and colorful bouncy balls. I remember I was in the middle of an interview in this room with a floor-to-ceiling glass window that faced the hall, and all of the sudden a huge red ball (the kind you see at the gym) rolled past our room. I stopped mid-sentence and was like “What was that?” and my interviewer waved his hand and said “Oh, don’t worry, that happens all the time.”

Mochi: What’s a typical day like at Google?

Jess: It’s a lot of meetings with my engineers and then some time making mockups of ideas and then designing new features. Of course, punctuated by an amazing lunch/dinner/breakfast at Google’s great cafes. The point of the Associate Program Manager program that I joined was to train young people fresh out of college and to teach them to be product managers. Google just kind of threw you into it and expected you to hit the ground running. Sink or swim.

Mochi: What projects were you working on at Google?

Jess: There is this feature of Google Maps called My Maps, which lets people create their own maps by dragging and dropping pins and plotting lines on the map. In the beginning, we decided we wanted to create a feature that allows people to make their own maps, so we could have a more complete map of the world. I got together with a group of engineers who were also interested, and we got a user interface designer and a usability researcher. It was our little team.

Mochi: So all these people are in different branches of Google?

Jess: Well we’re all generally assigned to Google Maps already, but yes, this was a specific team out of that group. We also got some volunteer help from people in other teams/departments unrelated to Google Maps.

Mochi: Does everyone have time to do everything?

Jess: Google has this thing called 20 percent time where anyone can work on any other project in 20 percent of their time so we had our own group of “20 percenters” who helped out. We started designing the feature with lots of brainstorm sessions, writing on whiteboards, coming up with mockups, building a working prototype. The usability researcher tests it in the lab where people from outside Google come in and play with the feature. We’re on a side of a one-way mirror, watching people interact with the prototype.

Mochi: This sounds like a costly process – innovative yet pricey – how do you think Google is doing now in the recession?

Jess: Well, I left Google in 2007 before the economy tanked, but Google is pretty well positioned because it makes a product that people love to use and it has a strong monetization model that works. With online advertising through Google, you know exactly what you’re getting back for your money.

Mochi: So I guess the only question left is, why did you leave?

Jess: I wasn’t looking to leave, but I had gotten a little restless.

Mochi: And then Polyvore popped up?

Jess: I fell in love with this fashion online community, but the small technical stuff bothered me. So I wrote a long email to the CEO and bam, got offered a job.

Mochi: In this new and upcoming industry … are there a lot of Asians?

Jess: In tech companies? Yes. Especially at Google, promotion of innovation and new ideas is ubiquitous. There’s an open mailing list that anyone can join to mail in ideas and get feedback. In general, tech companies are open company cultures. And, following the liberal feel, Google is race-blind and all kinds of people work there. Google even spoke out against Prop 8 here in California.

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Q: You were born and raised in New York, like all the girls on Gossip Girl. Tell us about your experience growing up in New York.

A: There were lots of cliques in my high school. I had my own clique — I’m the type of person who’s okay with a close group of friends. I don’t need 20 million friends; I’m good with five or six close friends. A lot of Asians, when they grow up in a predominantly white neighborhood, feel the pressure of wanting to look Caucasian. I think I had that a little bit early on in high school or late middle school. But now that I’m older, I embrace my culture. I definitely felt at times that all the kids that were popular also happened to be white. Every kid just wants to fit in.

Q: After high school, you decided to pursue a career as an actress. What was the audition process for the role of Nelly Yuki?

A: Actually, her name was originally Sally Yuki. The audition was for all Asian girls, and even some mixed Asian and Caucasian girls. Since there are hardly any Asian roles out there, all the Asians try out for whatever roles they can get. I was really nervous because my mom was like, “If you don’t get this, you’re going to have to start thinking about a real job.” I wanted to prove to my mom that I could last a little bit longer in the industry. I got a callback, and on the second day, I met with the producer, the director, and the casting director. I didn’t show I was nervous at all – I went in and did my thing. It took a week and a half to find out that I got it, and during that week and a half, I could not sleep or breathe. I wasn’t even too aware of the show. I just went in thinking, a job is a job. Sally’s description was that she was going to be Blair Waldorf’s academic rival. That’s all the information I knew.

Q: How did you find out that the character had changed from a popular girl to a nerd?

A: I had already gotten the role, before knowing it was going to be a nerd. I went in to get my clothes fitted, and the costume designer said, “These glasses would be SO cute with this outfit.” And I said, “Glasses? What do you mean glasses?” Apparently, the producers decided to change it up and made her a nerdy Asian. I’ve never played a nerd before, so I thought it’d be fun to stretch my acting range. Of course there are stereotypes, like the whole glasses thing, but I think it just has to be one step at a time, especially in America. Asians having roles and chances in the industry is hard to come by already. I’m not going to complain about the character. I was able to get the job, so I’m really grateful.

Q: Do you think Nelly Yuki is a good role model?

A: In the beginning, I thought she was a great role model, because she was really into her books and she minded her own business. But then throughout the show, they wanted to create more drama and developed my character a bit more, making her surprisingly manipulative and conniving. As an actor, I thought that was really fun to play. It just adds more levels and range to the character. But I have two younger sisters, and of course I wouldn’t want either of them to be conniving or manipulative. But as an actor, I was glad that she was getting some color.

Q: What’s the fashion like on Gossip Girl?

A: We showcase a wide variety of up-and-coming fashion designers and well-known designers. In the beginning, Eric Daman wanted Nelly Yuki to look subtle with neutral brown colors, and then as she started conforming to the group, he added colors like orange and pink. It’s very intelligent of him. It’s a subtle way of showing that she’s becoming a part of Blair’s group.

Q: How often do you hang out with the cast and crew off-set?

A: Outside the set, we go to parties together. Leighton is really sweet and gracious – she always tells the girls to get ready at her place. I’ve gone to her place several times just to chill before the whole party thing. The cast members are all great. We all get along quite well. You work there so much, it becomes a second home. It’s always really great to get along with your castmates; it just makes everything so much easier and enjoyable.

Q: What about the Leighton and Blake rumors?

A: So false. They get along very well. They always joke around… I don’t see where those rumors come from.

Q: What do you do in your free time when you’re not filming?

A: I’m taking classes part-time right now at Hunter College. I got in during the regular high school process, and in the beginning, I was juggling full-time classes with auditions and filming. It was hectic because teachers weren’t happy I was absent, but I wanted to further my career. I was filming a lot for season two, and I had to skip class a lot. And I learned not to overload myself with so many classes. I don’t have to technically be in school, but I would love a degree or two. Also, my parents would be happy. [laughs] Now, I take classes on the weekend. I’m double majoring in creative writing and media.

Q: What was your parents’ role in making sure you get a degree?

A: The whole deal was that if I wanted to do acting, I had to be in school. I had to have something under my belt in case nothing came out of the acting thing.

Q: Do you see yourself staying on the acting path?

A: My dream is to be a working actress. I just want to do the best that I can do, and I’d be really happy with that. Thrilled.

Q: What’s next for you, now that Gossip Girl is between seasons?

A: I’ve been busy going to events. I was asked to be a guest judge for an Asian organization called Kollaboration. It has a great mission: bringing more Asian American entertainers into the American industry. I would love to support them. I really hope that if I do become successful that I can make a difference–-not only by participating in charities and events, but by helping open more doors for Asians.

Interview has been edited for clarity.

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Hong Kong celebrity make-up artist Gary Chung is the make-up director of Portfolio HK School of Professional Make-Up. He has glammed up models for everything from magazine covers to catwalks, and has worked at fashion shows, corporate events and weddings. You can find out more about Gary and his work by visiting http://www.portfoliohk.com/gary.php.

What eye shadow color palette works best on Asian skin tones and why?
Different shades are useful to achieve various looks and functions:

• For de-puffing: shades of bronzes and grays work best for Asian eyes.
• To combat a fatigued look: use shimmery lilacs and silvers to brighten tired, smaller eyes.
• For versatility: browns are usually the most wearable color, but be careful because dark and matte browns can easily make the eye area look dirty and accentuate dark circles, if not applied properly.
• For fun colors: I only use bright blues and greens for editorials and fashion shows and not so much on a daily basis.

What is one of your biggest secrets for Asian make-up application?
My biggest secret for Asian make-up application is using a thin eyeliner. A thick eyeline can make Asian eyes look smaller. To define Asian eyes, I recommend using a super fine-tipped eyeline brush, like Bobbi Brown’s Gel Liner in Ink. It makes a clean, bright line that accentuates eyes nicely.

What is the biggest mistake most Asian girls make when applying make-up?
The biggest mistake I’ve seen is when girls use the wrong shades of concealer. To cover dark circles naturally, one should use a moisturizing product. When using concealer around the eye area, always remember to apply it to the darkest area first, then blend gently to the lash line and slowly outward until the concealer creates a perfect blended emulsion with the foundation. Finally, set it with a loose powder using a soft eyeshadow brush in a pressing motion.

What’s your favorite product dedicated to Asian features?
Japanese-made “liquid” compact; it looks like a compact powder and works like a creamy liquid foundation. It’s easy to use, covers well even without concealer, and usually has high SPF protection.

Any other advice to add?
Using the Japanese-made “eyelid glue” can make droopy and small eyes appear larger and well-rested. Please refer to the video below for further information on this eyelid glue. (Note: the demonstrator speaks in Japanese but the video itself is self-explanatory) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojj51av3mJU&feature=related

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At 25-years-old, Brooklyn-based poet Tao Lin toes the fine line between the sublime and the just plain ridiculous.

From his book titles ["eeeee eee eeee" - the sound dolphins make] to his books’ contents [one of the poems: "some of my happiest moments in life occur on AOL instant messenger"], Lin’s quirky and oft bizarre works invoke a deadpan, absurdist aesthetic. Inspired by “boredom and loneliness,” his poems are akin to empty thoughts on crack. Yet their sheer audacity is pretty hilarious.

This Taiwanese American is no stranger to online stunts either, posting on Craigslist for an “army of interns” and shamelessly promoting his endeavors through blogging and insistent e-mails. Some of his tactics have even garnered him the stink eye from other bloggers and web sites.

Love him, annoyed by him, or just plain dumbfounded by him, the merit of Lin’s work is in the eye of the reader.

His forthcoming book, entitled “Shoplifting from American Apparel,” is set to come out this fall. Mochi recently interviewed Tao Lin via e-mail.

Do you approach your writing with a philosophy or mantra? If so, what is it?

Maybe “write what I want to read.”

Tell me about your journey to becoming a writer.

I played a text-based online role-playing game called “Gemstone III” in middle school. I think that maybe increased my awareness of sentences and adjectives and things to a certain extent. Later on, I read the book version of “Fight Club” [and] then read Kurt Vonnegut after seeing his name on Chuck Palahniuk’s unofficial website. I also saw Amy Hempel’s name on the website and read everything by her … and then at some point I read “White Noise” by Don Delillo, thought it was funny and wanted to write a novel like that.

What does your name mean?

I think it means “the way.”

What is this “army of interns“ you speak of and how does one join?

I advertised for interns on Craigslist once for me and like four other people. The interns would be all of our interns. Something like 200 to 300 people responded, many of them NYU or Columbia students. Later on, I advertised for interns on my blog and people became my interns. To join you just make a blog saying you are my intern. I don’t know who is or is not currently my intern; I don’t communicate with my interns about intern things.

Tell me about your novella, “Shoplifting from American Apparel.” How did the incident that inspired it go down?

I went in American Apparel to shoplift a shirt to wear to a reading I had that night. I remember thinking that the reading was in an art gallery or something and that the shirt I was currently wearing was making me feel bad, which motivated me to want a new shirt. An undercover policeman (or security person) stopped me on the sidewalk outside. [Ed's note: In case you were wondering, Mochi doesn't endorse shoplifting, even though it can make for a fascinating book subject.]

What are you working on now?

I’m responding to e-mails mostly. I have completed my next two books. I made some graphs and posted them on my blog. I am also focused on doing things related to Muumuu House, a press I started. Its first book will come out in March, a poetry book by Ellen Kennedy.

Does your heritage influence your work?

My heritage does not influence my work, I feel, except in ways that anything else would influence my work, like having a toy poodle or having no legs.

What are your books driven by?

I feel my books are driven by me writing what I want to read, which changes often, but could be described as funny, detached, existential literature written mostly in concrete language (unless in the style of Lorrie Moore) about people being depressed or lonely or bored or hanging out.

Is there something that repeatedly inspires you?

Coffee.

How did the G-mail chat poetry come about?

I read G-mail chats and thought “haha.”

To buy Tao Lin’s books, visit his website: http://www.heheheheheheheeheheheehehe.com.

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Mochi Magazine: In “The Woman Warrior,” you wrote, “Those of us in the first American generations have had to figure out how the invisible world the emigrants built around our childhoods fits in solid America.” How did you negotiate between the Asian and American aspects of your identity? What advice do you have for girls dealing with cultural identity issues?

Maxine Hong Kingston: The main task during our youth is to build the self. We do that by creating our values and our ethics. That is, we discover clearly what we value in our inherited cultures. We multi-cultural people have much to choose from. And we make a code of ethics that helps us be brave as we negotiate society. Strong in values and ethics, we don’t distort ourselves to fit into the milieu.

We change the world – and the family – with our very presence.

MM: Both you and Amy Tan wrote extensively about mother-daughter relationships, particularly of the haunted past world the mothers left behind in China. Why was it important for you to tell your mother’s stories?

MHK: Mother represents all of the known world. Each of us needs to come to terms with our own specific mother, and all of life. One needs to understand, interact, reconcile with, and possibly transform life conditions, including one’s relationship with Mom. My own mother was the most dynamic, energetic, interesting person I’ve known. As a writer, I was lucky to have her stories.

MM: Asian American presence in American culture, media, and politics has come a long way since you first published in 1970s. Looking back, what do you think were the movements that spurred the change and what do you believe still needs to needs to be accomplished?

MHK: The Civil Rights movement. The Feminist movement. The American wars in Asia. Literary movements, such as the Beats, Modernism, and Post-Modernism. The pride movements, which led to the existential creation of Asian and Pacific Islander America. The next immediate thing to accomplish is the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States.

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