TuneIn's Interview
TuneIn AKA Shao-lyn AKA The Man of the Hour AKA Elvis "Elfy" Thao ethnos asiatic, based in Milwaukee, WI, USA..
Elvis Thao, stage name "Elfy", as most of you know, is a member of the rap group RARE of Shaolin Entertainment based out of Milwaukee, WI. His group, a rap trio, are the most recognized icons and has ran the most successful Hip Hop recording studio in the Hmong industry nationally, and has been on the road traveling and touring, performing, building their careers and pushing through to the mainstream for many years. They've worked alongside many big name Industry artists. Truly possessing the essence of Hip Hop entertainment, thus enhancing the music revolution for the Asian community. They’ve built their own business and are future young entrepreneurs. After 10 years, 3 albums, managing 2 other artists with 3 other albums, selling thousands on the road, and currently star cast in the Warner Bros. movie “Gran Torino” with legendary Clint Eastwood under his belt; Elvis is content to expanding his horizons and has gained experience through the long journey. He also sponsors teams and is involved in a lot of recreation. He is a very athletic individual. He is also an activist who works with the community and small organizations. Community involvement and social advocate. Public speaker, outreach and workshop/event coordinator, organizer, plus presenter. Has appeared at many Universities across the states. He has appeared in many publications, radio stations and television news/media. I.E. - Shepherd Express, CCN Magazine, New American Media, Hmong Today, Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, Milwaukee Magazine, Fox News, NBC news, CBS news, WMSE radio, V100-Clear Channel, Kiss FM, APEX, CHAT Radio, etc. and was also nominated Hmong Wisconsin man of the year in 2009 and won the 2010 Midwest Urban Empowerment Awards for Asian American Leadership. He is continuing developing knowledge of community/non-profits also products, promotions, competitors, technology and market trends. Self-determination, strength, passion, initiative, empowerment, knowledge learning skills and enhancement. YOU design yourself. Let’s start the movement. Here’s Elvis.
Why this name?
I'm just a normal person, in this normal life. Nice, easy + outgiong, and simple. I just happen to have a talent. That's all. It doesn't make me a god, nor does it make me any more superior than you or the next. I'm just a human being who possesses a talent. I'm no idol. I'm just ME. Get to know me. SCUM of the Universe. Created from the same dirt my God made you from. We're all just SCUM in his eyes. I used to think rap was so much about hype, the cool things in life and material wealth. When in reality, it's just a beautiful culture and way of living. If you understand Hip Hop, you will know the difference between business and music, culture and corporate, artistry and industry. This is non-egotistical. My name is SCUM.
Do you play live?
I have a group by the name of RARE. We play everywhere. Big clubs, big scenery, big market, big openers. We're a mainstream group. The go-getter type. I'm just so always overwhelmed by it all. I hate the attention and sometimes wonder, "what am I still doing here?" For myself, I enjoy a smaller atmosphere. My CD has now been pressed up, so I'm doing a lot. I do a few shows quietly. More smaller community events, non-profit organizations, cafes and halls. Real laid back and sociable. Intimate. A gathering and live show more than anything, not quite a party. I like people who show up to pay attention and actually be there to see a show. Not just show up to party and never acknowledge the artist. I want to be around folks who WANT to see me. I'm tired of having to impress people. It just gets old. Now pay attention or leave. Thank you.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Nope. I love my independence. I don't want any mainstream or commercial labels representing me. Plus, my Corporate label (Shaolin) is going to break through anyhow. Soon enough. So no worrys. I can do music MY way now. And no one can say a thing about. One secret, I might consider Rawkus Records. Or, maybe, RhymeSayers? That's a possibility. Sshhhh.........................
Shaolin Entertainment
1243 S. Cesar E. Chavez St.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
Executive Producer: MoJoe
For more info Contact:
Elfy (414) 698-4946
the_elfmeister@yahoo.com
Distributed by The People, for The People. No rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of this recording is ADVISED by The Movement and subject to loyalty. PLEASE BURN THIS ALBUM!!!
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Dedication, shout outs, and regards:
In Loving Memory - Farewell: Joyce Khang Yang (Gone – 9/9/07)
John LUKEY Yang (September 13, 1991 - April 22, 2008)
This is for you. Everything. This is ALL of me. It’s time. We gon’ make it. The future looks good. The world will know. Together. In memory. I will join you soon. It’s time to rekindle that which is lost. The fight for goodness. Long live!
Dear friends and family. I love you all. Let’s move along. This album HAD to come out. Leave it behind now. The baggage is gone. Let go. Set free. It’s time for laughter & smiles. Time to be happy. Satisfied. The magnificent release. I’m SO ready. This is my story. My immortal. A new chapter is born. Until next time. Carpe Diem: Seize the Day
CREDITS - Contains Uncopywritten material by the following:
Documentaries/Movies/Clips - Ncu Txug Txaj Ntstig Moob, Fact Finding Commission, Tupac: Resurrection, Viva Fidel, GTV (Graffiti Television), August Rush, I’m Not There, Hendrix, Pay It Forward, Bambaataa (Live @ The Rave), You Tube, American History X, Silent Hill, 8 Mile, Zeitgeist, Freedom to Fascism.
Music/Production - The Beatles, Rufus Wainwright, Otis Redding, Coldplay, Passion of the Christ, Hmong Artists, Tupac, V.S., System of a Down, Nas, Dead Prez, Bob Dylan.
One love to: Rare, Telo, Khang Vang, (Lil) Tou Vang, DJ Shortround & D Wood - for your participation.
Your influences?
I couldn't necessarily pick a certain influence. I love people who make a difference. I have many heroes. I love the ambitious mind. If you're a part of the future, you're my hero. Oh, and I salute to single mothers.
People I truly adore: Jay-Z, Jim Carey, Brett Favre, Tavis Smiley, Tupac, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Bruce Lee, Chai Vang, Zong Khang, Gen. Vang Pao, Marcus Garbey, Dr. Martin Luther King, Che Gueverra, Mohatma K. Ghandi, Al Capone and Peter Jennings - they are beautifully human!
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Anthropologist
"Psychotherapists talk about how each of us has a false self and an authentic self. When we're in the grip of the false one, we don't love ourselves unless other people love us. We're addicted to status and other superficial standards of success, and we chase after all sorts of meaningless desires that can't possibly bring any lasting gratification. When we're anchored in our authentic self, on the other hand, our motivations are rooted in a love of life. We pursue our dreams because they're interesting and exciting, not in order to impress anyone but to fulfill ourselves. There will be a showdown between your false self and your authentic self, but your authentic self must prevail."
"In order to discover who you are, first learn who everybody else is. You're what's left."
Favorite spot?
Definitely Milwaukee. We're SO free-spirited. I've never met such an intelligent, creative, unique, and independent group of people my whole life traveling. We hate the control. We love our individuality. And this is the "City of Festivities". It's so colorful here.
Equipment used:
Fully-loaded. Industry-grade. Professional quality. Shaolin Entertainment. STUDIO & RECORDING - "KORG TRITON EXTREME": 160 MB of wave ROM, sampled at 48 kHz. SHURE KSM32/SL w/SHOCKMOUNT "STUDIO COND. MIC" KSM32. "ROLAND VS-2480 WORKSTATION" The VS-2480CD 24-track Digital Studio Workstation is the first self-contained recording workstation to offer 24-track/24-bit digital recording with 64-channel digital mixing, onboard effects processing and onboard CD burning. "FINALIZER 96K" TC Electronic. And so on........
Anything else...?
Do as your heart desires. Keyword: PASSION!
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Here are a few more testimonials, to finish things off. Enjoy:
Elfy,
Tonight I decided to sit down and listen to your cd(s). So around 10:30pm or so I put my head phones on and made myself comfortable and I listened to the entire album, disc 1 and disc 2, straight through. And I listened to every song, I wasn't doing anything other than listening to what you had to say in that album. I remember that night at Karma you told me about your albumn, and how you really poured yourself into it, and how there are some negative things but overall the message is positive. But after listening to it you wouldn't have had to tell me any of that. Your albumn said it all. I could tell that you put a lot of work into it, and I'm sure you already know that you are truly talented. I have to admit, I was wondering if I would stay intrested through-out both discs, a lot of music either repeats itself so much you feel like you are listening to the same thing, or it just seems to loose it's energy. But you are so talented I was brought into the lyrics of each song because each song was unique. It made me laugh (especially "The Riot"... "i can't feel my music....." that was that was very clever and funny, but also very true..... so throughout listening to the albumn it made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me think about life and myself. Thank you for sharing your music with me, I'm sure I will listen to the albumn again and again (maybe not all in one sitting), and each time I listen I will understand where you are coming from a little more. I have to say that your music is the kind that I feel like I really have to listen to...I really liked the "Instrumental", that was powerful, I admire the time you must have put into it. I hope that you continue doing what you love to do... you have inspired me to keep in touch with what is real...
Talk to you soon!
- AnnaLee Hanson (Minnesota)
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: community, hip hop, growing as a person
Hi Elfy, Elvis
your music and community involvement are awesome. You may have only seen
a small part of the difference they make to the lives of others, but it's
out there, like the ripples travelling across the surface of a pond. Keep
going mate! My sister says people are just like trees, that we grow tall
in the shelter of one another. I'm on the other side of the world
(Canberra, Australia) and you've been a teacher and an inspiration to me.
Thanks.
Hip hop is so often about egos, and little else, but it has the potential
to be a very powerful force for change, education, and growth. Hmong
History X is a masterpiece and an example of that! Thanks for changing
the way I see the world, and helping me to understand a very special
family a little bit better.
You don't need to reply, I just want to say thanks and give something back.
Bill Lording
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Hey Elfy,
Most of my ancestors came to Australia from Europe, especially Ireland
and Britain, about 150 years ago. Many came from Ireland during the
famine (some have called it a genocide) of 1845-1852. In 2004 I met a
Hmong family in Sydney, Australia, the Yangs. They told me a bit
about their past, but I could see it was a painful subject so I
stopped asking questions and started reading stuff on the internet.
The details are very different, but what I read about the Hmong
reminded me of my family escaping the famine. Both families came to
Australia in search of a safe, fair and peaceful way of life. Both
journeys were dangerous and uncertain, and people were lost and left
behind. It took courage. We have what they earned.
I think I was trying to teach myself a few Hmong words when I found
Hmong History X on Youtube around the middle of last year. I get
into almost every form of music and expression, but hip hop is
probably the most powerful artform of all when it's done well.
Anyway, Hmong History X is more than just good hip hop. You used the
word universal in your email and I think it fits here. That track
tied together a bunch of things I had been reading, and a whole lot of
internal stuff, and it helped me understand the Yangs. The struggle
goes on... Everybody has their struggle. That track helps keep mine
in perspective. It helps me remember how lucky I am and reminds me
that I can overcome the things holding me down.
Let me know if there is anything I can ever do to help, however big or small.
Even an Ally needs allies, right? I think your music rocks and your
community work shows you have a big heart.
I'll be waving from the crowd when you tour (AUSTRALIA)
Official Website: http://www.elvisthao.com/