Orange County natives Chris Pham (vocals, acoustic guitar), Joshua Baek (bass), Nathan Park (electric guitar), and Philip Park (drums and viola) of the all-Asian American band Seriously are young, idealistic and seriously excited about their new self-titled EP, despite the recent departure of their original electric guitarist. With songs that cover the familiar ground of lost loves and

longing, the group is out to prove that an all-Asian American pop rock band can be taken, well, seriously.

 

What’s your music style?

Chris: We’re still kind of figuring out our stand. I guess from our first EP, we’re [leaning] more toward a Maroon 5 kind of sound. Kind of a K-pop, Brit pop, American rock mixture.

 

Nathan, how is it being the new guy in the band?

I play the bass, my favorite instrument, but I’m learning and adapting to electric. It’s a really different role, and all these guys are really talented.

 

What’s the story behind your song “Dare I Say”?

Josh: It’s about a girl I was in love with, but things didn’t work out. She’s going away for school in New York so that prompted me to express myself in sad song form.

 

Does she know the song is about her?

I don’t think she’s heard it. Thank God.

 

So why form an all-Asian band?

Josh: Why not? Hopefully we’re going to break a lot of stereotypes and open avenues for Asians. We have plenty of lawyers and doctors and whatnot. We’re trying to encourage people to expand their options.

 

What do your parents think?

Phillip: Since I go to college in San Diego, it’s hard to manage. I’m pre-med and at the same time I have a girlfriend and I’m doing this band thing. I have to drive all the way to Santa Monica. It’s just really difficult and of course my parents say, “Are you focusing on school, or is music distracting you?”

 

Is mainstream America ready for an Asian American band?

Josh: Ready or not, we’re gonna do it.