I will readily admit that I was at first interested in Priscilla Ahn because of her undoubtedly Korean last name. Korean American musicians were rare at the time (of course, still rare now, Far East Movement notwithstanding), and so I bought her album mostly as a gesture of cultural support. It turns out, however, that she is a talented folk-pop singer-songwriter with a voice from the angels, so although I'm still a bit embarrassed by my patronizing gesture back then, I am so excited to nominate her to our Kimchi Mama Honor Roll!
In an interview with Koream Magazine, she credited her own Kimchi Mama for introducing her to singing:
Kay Hartranft [Priscilla's mother] sang regularly in choir and encouraged Priscilla to participate in a Christmastime recital.
“It was fun,” Priscilla recalls. “It was my first time singing in front of people, and I remember liking it a lot. I was 8 years old, and I was like, ‘I can sing! People like my voice!’“
Well, time has passed since then, and her debut album, A Good Day, has earned high acclaim and the lead single, "Dream," has appeared on various movies and TV shows. I even heard it playing at a quirky little sweet shop at Shibuya Station when I was in Tokyo a couple years ago. Here's my favorite version of the song, played live and shot beautifully by La Blogotheque. It really showcases the sweetness of her voice and her musical chops:
Split Series Priscilla Ahn - Dream
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Now it's time for album #2, coming out in May. In the fanciful, charmingly-produced title track, Ms. Ahn asks the question moms everywhere have asked of their children: "When you grow up, what kind of person will you be?" You can listen to the whole track here, and even download it for free!
Priscilla Ahn's official website
Shout out to Angry Asian Man for the heads-up on the new single! I think he has a crush on her...;)
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