As part of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Finessed Media, Inc is spotlighting our community members who identify within the Asian American and/or Pacific Islander community. This week’s spotlight is on Chuefeng (she/her/hers), a rising singer and songwriter based in Twin Cities, MN - check out our brief interview with this inspiring artist!

What got you into the music industry?

Chuefeng: I’ve been singing since I was 8 and songwriting since I was 13. But the catalyst that made me really put myself out there, was losing my brother in the summer of 2020. It sounds so cliche, but losing someone so close to me was like a wake up call that life really is too short to not be living as my whole self. So that’s when I hunkered down and started taking music seriously. That’s also when I really started coming out and embracing being Transgender! 

What does it mean to you to be celebrated during AAPI month?

Chuefeng: It actually means a lot! As a Queer, Transgender, HMoob singer-songwriter, I often don’t find representation or even space for folks like me during AAPI month. Not only is HMoob an ethnic minority, but the intersection of being Queer, Trans and HMoob means a lot of folks don’t even know my people and people like me exist. So this is huge! 

Favorite part of your culture?

Chuefeng: So cliche, but the food!! OMG I love HMoob food so much. Granted a lot of it is also blended with other Southeast Asian cultures’ foods too due to being refugees of war. But yeah food! 

Name one artist who makes you feel represented?

Chuefeng: I absolutely have to name drop Jake Zyrus. Jake Zyrus is a Transgender, Filipino Singer. I’m not Filipino myself, but his identity still resonates because he is Trans, Asian, and a Singer! I actually grew up watching Jake on YouTube and was obsessed! Then it’s like fate made me “rediscover” Jake when I was transitioning, and it just felt so full circle because Jake had come out as Trans too!!! 

What is one change you are hoping to see in the industry as someone who identifies as HMoob?

Chuefeng: I really want to see more inclusivity and awareness of Asian people being complex, diverse beings. Because we are. We’re not all East Asian. And we’re not all skinny, pale, and rich. We come in all shapes, shades, forms, and are just beautifully whole in our own individual ways.

Stream “Me Nyuam HMoob” here and join Chuefeng on her journey to the top!

Follow Chuefeng:

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Bad Decisions - Brianna Knight’s Grown & Sexy Era

The Mysterines Celebrate Their Debut Album ‘Reeling’ With First North American Tour

Topfloor 414: You’ve Never Seen A Duo With More Synergy And Natural Talent