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Just Passing Through: Mike Park
Asian Man Records (Alkaline Trio, Let's Go Bowling) founder/musician Mike
Park is a true renaissance man. In addition to founding one of the premier
DIY punk rock labels, Park is one of the most socially conscious and active
musicians in the business. He prides himself on working with artists that
support the idea of peace and unity, and is putting his money where his
mouth is, by donating a portion of every sale from his new record, North
Hangook Falling (SubCity), to his own non-profit, Plea for Peace
(www.pleaforpeace.com). Last year, Park embarked on a successful 'Plea for
Peace' tour with Cursive, and recently completed the 'Bike for Peace' tour
which aimed to raise $250,000 to build a new community center near his
Northern California home. Park will be heading back to Los Angeles and is
set to perform at the Knitting Factory on Oct 20th. You can find out more
about Park at: www.mikeparkmusic.com, while Plea for Peace can be found at:
www.pleaforpeace.com
TLAMS: How did the idea for 'Bike for Peace' evolve? How close are you to
raising your goal of $250,000?
Park: About a year or so a go my neighbor who at the time was in high school
came by looking for donations. He was doing a bike a thon to raise money
for the school's music program. That's when the light bulb went off. What
a good way to raise money and ride my bike. As far as the $250,000 goes.
Not even close. We sent out over 200 grant proposals and I have a stack of
letters on my desk saying "Thanks, but we can't help you at this time". OH
well. The beat goes on.
TLAMS: Tell us a little about your organization 'Plea for Peace'?
Park: So far, we've only been active in raising money for other charities,
but for the last year we've been focused on our youth center. We want to
start locally and have an outlet for the under 21 age group to have a place
to create art, play music, and be in a safe environment.
TLAMS: Any new releases upcoming on your Asian Man Records?
Park: Lots of new stuff coming out. Re-releasing the Riverdales early
records, a new Ben Weasel solo album, and some crazy Japanese punk in 2006.
Great stuff.
TLAMS: How did the craziness of world events affect the creative process of
this latest album?
Park: I don't know if it did? Perhaps indirectly. I'd like to think most
people have some sense of reality and to understand that things are fucked
up should effect their actions in one way or another.
TLAMS: What is next on the horizon for you?
Park: To play music, work on the youth center, and enjoy life.
TLAMS: Any plans for another 'Plea for Peace' tour?
Park: Of course. But it's something that I take very serious. Not to make
it an annual event just for the sake of doing it. We need to create a
reason behind our actions.
TLAMS: What were the advantages of releasing a record on Sub City as opposed
to releasing it on your own label?
Park: There's no jealousy from my bands when I have nothing to do with my
own music. They can't say "How come your record is getting such a big push
and not ours. " Though I could make a ton more money on my own label, it's
not worth the added stress. This way I can invest more time on other
ventures.
Article by: Scott Dudelson
Submitted: October, 2005
Photos: Artist's Website, Press Kit
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