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Interview with Koti Hu

Discover the Passions That is Behind
This Talented Asian Pacific American Christian Artist
Part 1 of 3 Pages

 

 
Koti Hu
 
ASIAN/ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN
US ASIANS: How do you describe yourself and why? (i.e. Chinese, Chinese American, Taiwanese, Asian, Asian American, Asian Pacific American, etc.)

KOTI HU: I have probably described myself using all of these terms at one point or another. Living in the US since the age of 4 has really impacted the way I view myself. On test forms in high school I always remember there being only one choice when asked my ethnicity: Asian/Pacific Islander. I grew up speaking Mandarin Chinese which also affects my self-description. Ultimately, to be accurate, I am a Taiwanese American, based strictly on order of residence.

US ASIANS: Have you met any obstacles in the United States as somebody who was born in Taiwan?

KOTI HU: There were a few times in the past where I experienced some racism towards me based only on appearances, but other than that, I would say my parents are the ones who faced more of the obstacles, and by way of example taught me through their experiences.

US ASIANS: Are there many Christian artists in Asia that had served as role models?

KOTI HU: I don’t have much familiarity with Asian artists in general.

 

ASIAN/APA CHRISTIAN ARTISTS
US ASIANS: What do you feel is the state of Asian Pacific American Christian music ministries?

KOTI HU: I feel there is a good amount artists who are doing great work, but I feel that these artists could still have more exposure and integration into non-Asian areas of the Church in the US.

US ASIANS: Do you feel that the Asian Pacific American churches/Christian organizations have been more or less helpful than American churches/Christian organizations of developing visionary Asian Pacific American artists?

KOTI HU: I have had only a little bit of involvement in that area so I cannot really say.

US ASIANS: What do you see as your role/participation in the Contemporary Christian Music industry as an Asian American?

KOTI HU: I see it as peripheral only. I do not have that strong of an ethnic identity and therefore don’t have too much of an agenda at all concerning that. I will let my music speak for itself. Anything that develops will be a byproduct of that.

 

 
Koti Hu was born on April 22, 1980 in Taipei, Taiwan. At the age of 4, his family immigrated to the U.S. He has one older brother who has also found a career in music, performing and writing sound tracks for multiple industries.

Koti's love for music began as he learned to play the violin at the age of 5, piano at 7 and guitar at 17. His love for singing seems to have been with him ever since he was young.

His musical inspirations have come from a wide range of artists and styles, but his love for the simple melodies is obvious in his writing. Having been trained classically in opera, broadway and Jazz, Koti developed a taste for everything from classical to country to rock & roll and hip-hop.

Koti pursued musical training all throughout high school (Lake Washington High School; Kirkland, WA) and participated in every theatrical and musical production available. He received numerous awards in both fields. As a result, he graduated from high school with dual honors in both the theater, and choral department. He was voted "most musical" by his graduating class (1998).

It was during the fall quarter of his sophomore year in college that he began to realize the passion that had invaded his heart. He felt compelled to pursue a career in music as a means of fulfilling the purpose for his life.

"I recall that pursuing this career began with just an overwhelming revelation of how passing our lives here on earth are, and feeling that I simply must, at least, actively look for opportunities to present themselves to me. This pursuit is based in prayer and sacrifice, and will continue to be so as long as it is given to me."

ASIAN AMERICAN CHRISTIAN CONCERTS
US ASIANS: What were the circumstances behind Mount Herman’s staff extending an invitation to perform/minister at their Christian camp environment?

KOTI HU: I had a friend on staff there whom I had met earlier that year.

US ASIANS: What other Christian camps have you ministered to?

KOTI HU: Oh, an handful say 10 in all. I can’t really remember the names.

US ASIANS: Within your website, all your upcoming performances appear to be church-related events? Is this by design, or do you plan to have secular events included within your touring schedule?

KOTI HU: I constantly have a few different musical performance projects I’m working on. My website is currently pertaining to my ministry events exclusively. I have gathered that people are easily confused if you advertise too many different types of events, especially between Christian and secular events.

US ASIANS: How did you get involved with the “Audience of One” compilation?

KOTI HU: That’s an interesting story actually. I was at a restaurant near my house and I felt like I should meet some guys sitting at a table next to me. So I introduced myself and it turned out they were. We exchanged information and soon after, I met some friends of theirs who were doing a compilation and there you have it.

 

FAMILY BACKGROUND
US ASIANS: What prompted your family to immigrate to the United States in 1984?

KOTI HU: More opportunities in work for my parents, the threat of war with Communist China, more opportunities for my brother and I growing up. Those are just a few off the top of my head, I’m sure there were more reasons.

US ASIANS: Did your parents live in other places before residing in the Seattle area?

KOTI HU: We lived in California for a little over a year, as well as New York, before we moved up to the Seattle area.

US ASIANS: How many brothers and sisters do you have in your family?

KOTI HU: I have one older brother and no sisters.

US ASIANS: Tell us about your older brother. I understand that he already as a career in performing music and writing soundtracks for various industries. Is he pursuing his career in Taiwan and/or in the United States?

KOTI HU: He has contracted mainly with US companies. A few video games, a made for TV movie, that kind of thing. He’s really, really good. Kochun Hu. Shameless plug.

US ASIANS: It appears that your parents didn’t have any major objections to their children pursuing a music career? Could you share the reasons behind this rare situation?

KOTI HU: They actually did object quite a bit, to my ambition especially. It was a point of division for a quite a long time between us. I’m not too sure if they objected to my brother’s career much. I have always been a dreamer. My parents, like a lot of Chinese parents were just scared I would waste my time in something that I might not really succeed in.

 

 
Click HERE to continue
     
   
Read about Koti Hu's views on these subjects
 
    Part 1: Views on Being Asian Pacific American
  Part 2: Asian Pacific American Christian Music Ministries
  Part 3: Asian American Christian Concerts
  Part 4: Christian Lifestyle
  Part 5: Family Background
  Part 6: Music Training
  Part 7: Role of the Arts
  Part 7: CCM (Contemporary Christian Music)
  Part 9: Music Career Decisions
  Part 10: Mission Statement
  Part 11: Purpose of the Website
  Part 12: Biography
  Part 13: Reviews and Misc.
  Part 14: Audience of One

 

 

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