Mr & Ms K-Town

Maryjane Kim

Ktown213: Give us your 30 second intro.
Maryjane Kim: Hey everyone of Ktown213! This is Maryjane from 'The Maryjane Family'. I'm a singer/songwriter based right here in Los Angeles. My style of music is a blend of old school soul with new flavor and attitude. As far as my life outside of music, besides family and church, sad to say, I have none. I wouldn't change a thing.

Kt213: How long have you been performing, and how did it all start?
MJ: Well, my music career started at the ripe age of 3. I started playing classical piano and waited until I turned 16 to retire. Practicing 6 hours a day wasn't something I wanted to continue...at least not with classical music. My interest started to shift from Beethoven to Bob Marley and so on. Reggae, Soul, Funk and R&B became my new love. See, one of my dad's best friends, John Daniels, played records of 'The Soul Movement' for me ever since I was in my mom's stomach. I think it just took 16 years to really catch up to me. I started to play and sing in local jazz and r&b bands...and here I am today! I've been writing, producing, performing and learning on a daily basis since.

Kt213: That's quite a story, tell us about your band.
MJ: My band is called 'The Maryjane Family.' I have so much to say about my music family. This group of people are not only the most talented musicians I've ever met, they are also the greatest bunch of people any friend could ask for.

Kt213: Can you give us some random facts about each of your band members?
MJ: Allen, my partner in crime, who also sings, has been my friend and partner for the past 2 years. He's a regular at Gilmok. Nilsa, the backgroundsinger, sings her "wasssup" in the key of G when she answers her phone. Robert, the lead guitarist, mouths his solos while he plays them. He also used to be a sheriff. Brad, our rasta percussionist, has been to Brazil to learn from the natives. He always wears sunglasses that cover his whole face when he performs. Teddy, the prodigy bassist, can play every instrument on stage. Abe, the drummer, who keeps it down for the whole band, plays with his eyes closed pretty much the whole time.

Kt213: You guys are an eclectic mix to say the least, correct?
MJ: We have 2 African Americans, 1 Puertorican-American, 1 Caucasian, and 3 Korean-Americans including myself in this band. There's variety and flavor. Our originals range from smooth ballads, to rumpshakin' hard hittin' club tracks. There's a little something for everyone's listening pleasure!

Kt213: Any collaboration work?
MJ: I'm working with a whole different group of talented artists. I've been producing tracks for The Far East Movement. (www.fareastmovement.com) and have also been working very closely with Carl Choi, the CEO of Climax Entertainment, whom are going to change the views of the music game. Be on the look out.

Kt213: What has been the biggest challenge for you or your band?
MJ: When people judge you by the way you look before a note comes out of your mouth, it makes you question whether this so called 'war' we fight as Asian-Americans artists is worth fighting for. I've gone into many label offices, rejected before my demo could get played. Those experiences motivate me to work harder for me and my people.

Kt213: Where can we see more of you in the upcoming weeks?
MJ: The Maryjane Family has a few appearances lined up in the next few months. We will be playing at a charity event for the Children's hospital on the 16th, The American Cancer Society early June, and the Tofu Festival in July. We will be playing local club venues in between. You can take a peek at my journal and see where we'll be playing next. http://xanga.com/maryjanie.

Kt213: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
MJ: My biggest life inspiration, hands down, has been my dad. He's been supportive from day 1 of my music career without any hesitation. He was the very first to believe in me and my passion. He's been a role model who displayed giving without expecting anything in return, unconditional forgiveness, and a daily life of sacrifice and worship to God. I love you daddy. My musical inspirations include Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, India Arie, Marvin Gaye, Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild...people who share a real story of love and pain.

Kt213: That's great that your father's been so supportive, you don't see much of that in a traditional Korean family. Any favorite places to hang out in Ktown?
MJ: I really wish I had time to just sit and relax anywhere! Music is a fulltime thing everyday! If I was to be caught anywhere in Ktown though, it would probably be at a restaurant...like, Gilmok, that nengmyun place, Yoochun, Dahmi sushi, and others. As far as hangin' out, we go to Nandarang, Home Cafe, or Intercrew to chill after a long rehearsal.

Kt213: What do you do on your free time?
MJ: On my free time, I sleep. If I'm not sleeping, I'm catching up on my sports, grabbing some coffee with a friend, playing basketball with my cousins, or brushing up on my classical piano. Pretty simple stuff.

Kt213: Your turn-on's and turn-off's?
MJ: My turn off's would be guys who are insecure, not genuine, and lazy and unmotivated. I guess I'm looking for someone who can be my best friend...someone I can laugh with, share with, and ultimately trust.

Kt213: Thank you so much for your time Maryjane, we wish you the best of luck!
MJ: Thank you! On behalf of the Maryjane Family, I would like to thank you for all the love and support. It really does mean a lot to us. And please try to remember us in your prayers. God bless you! Thank you again!