Interview with Caroline Kang (Billie Noray)
BY JOHN LEE

Ktown213: Hey Caroline, give our viewers your 30-second intro!
Caroline Kang: Hello everyone. I am a contemporary Pop/R&B singer from Los Angeles. I say Pop/R&B but, I am heavily influenced by Soul, Blues, and Jazz music - old and contemporary. What can I say.. I guess I am one those many many dreamers out there with big aspirations to become a recording artist, songwriter, and actress. My main passion lies in singing and expressing myself through my lyrics and melodies. But I love love love to act and perform in general. Being on stage and doing what I love is the greatest thing I could ever do for myself. So far, I've performed only at small, intimate settings except for Kollaboration and Asian Elevation - where I won the place of Runner Up. Check out my performances on youtube!

Kt213: How did it all start for you? At what age did you realize "Hey, I have something here..."?
CK: Well, I do have memories of always singing throughout my childhood, as early as 4 years old. Started out at home, with a hairbrush in my hand, when I used to sing along to the artists on TV. Over the years, I just naturally got into things where I could sing and even act. I was in my church band as female lead vocalist, and I've also been part of a Christian performing arts group where I did musicals. It wasn't until about 7th grade where I realized that I could actually sing and started to think about that secretly in my head. =)

Kt213: Who or what has been your inspiration so far?
CK: Oh this question.. so many answers.. well I think I'm inspired by so many things on so many levels. I am inspired by the world surrounding me.. and by world I mean people and my life's events thus far. I am inspired by my parents as they always show me clear examples of what it is to work hard and never give up. For me, they are the definition of working hard and not being quitters. I am also inspired by other individuals I've come across - whether it be a close friend or an artist I love. The one thing they have in common that inspires me is their positivity and their ability to be strong - to be able to believe in themselves, act on their beliefs and dreams, and sticking it through, no matter the negativity in the world that tries to bring them down. It is so important to not let the negativity take over and affect you. People who are unafraid of chasing their dreams, who break barriers, take risks, and continuously evolve and improve themselves truly inspire me.

Kt213: What was your most memorable moment performing?
CK: It would have to be a tie between 2006's Asian Elevation and 2008's Kollaboration 8. I was overcoming the most horrible flu ever. I have a thing for getting sick everytime the season changes. Everytime I go on stage, it's a whole new thing or at least my nerves tell me it is. In both performances, I was worried sick I wouldn't be able to do a good job, but once I got up on stage and sang my heart out, the music took over, the audience and I connected, and to me there is no greater feeling. Then for the icing on the cake, winning Runner Up for Asian Elevation was crazy! Helped me pay my rent the following month!

Kt213: Any news or development? Where can we see you perform or learn more about what you're about?
CK: I am currently in the process of making my own music. For artists who don't have a lot of money and other resources, it is a very difficult and slow process. =) There are no current shows scheduled as they have just passed, but they are always announced on my Myspace (www.myspace.com/carolinekang) and Facebook page. Just look for Caroline Kang or Billie Noray. You can also check out my Kollaboration and Kollaboration Acoustic performances on Youtube!

Kt213: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
CK: Ooh something I ponder about every now and then.. hopefully, I'll have already made my own demo/album, performed on much more stages, have a bigger audience including those online -- all in my one big effort to get a record deal! I just want singing to be my day job, my night job, my career!

Kt213: Has your family been supportive of your goals and dreams?
CK: My parents have always told me they wanted me to live my dreams. They are some of my biggest fans. However, truth be told, it is hard for them not to be worried about the field of my interest naturally. They'll throw in their concerns a lot but mostly, they just want me to be happy, and they are a great support.

Kt213: What's it like for a female Asian-American artist trying to break through?
CK: Great question. It is hard out here for a female Korean American. Ha~ (hope somebody got that) Truthfully, I've never had any doubts from people about my talent but being female, Asian, AND not fitting into the typically accepted standard of beauty.. has been very tough on me. Those three characteristics all happen to be the underdog side of all three categories (sex, ethnicity, looks). I've been shot down a couple times based on my nationality and my shape. It's understandable of course, but it is something I crave a change for. One popular tv show I auditioned for told me to get back in shape and come back, whereas an African American girl who was heavier and sang beautifully was allowed to pass. It's a social standard I guess, but yeah.. it's hard out here for a female Korean American and I strive to change that, especially now where I think Asian Americans are making a slow but definite break through into the entertainment industry. I'm feeling quite encouraged and inspired!

Kt213: Favorite hang-out in K-town?
CK: Eek. Guilty.. I can't say I hang out in K-town a lot, though I do from time to time, as it has been my home forever. You can usually find me in Hollywood, downtown, and Santa Monica for more of a low key thing with my girlfriends. Most of the time, it's just the movies, or coffee shops and little bars for music, some chit chat, and wine.

Kt213: We thank you so much for your time Caroline, and as always, we wish you nothing but the best!
CK: Thank you for having me! Pleasure was absolutely mine.