Meet WeAreKass | Musicians

We had the good fortune of connecting with WeAreKass and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi WeAreKass, how do you think about risk?
When we think of the idea of risk, it’s not just one thing that we put on the line.

The idea of taking a risk can often hold us back, but we have realized that taking risks is part of growing and becoming our truest selves. We push ourselves to find out more about who we are and our art. Sometimes that means being more vulnerable. Vulnerability can be a bit challenging when coming from a family that does not express themselves in general. It can be hard at times to feel proud of the art created. There is also the risk of sounding too similar or too different from music that has already been created. No matter what it may be, it’s been up to us to push ourselves through and step into realms of uncertainty. Through that we continue to find confidence as individuals and each other. We continue to expand our sound and the message of our songs and allow ourselves the flexibility when creating.

As musicians and proud children of immigrant parents, a few that come to mind are risks from cultural/ generational norms, systemic oppression, artistic value and worth, what it means to be successful, and simply following your passions.

Our families came to the states to seek better opportunities for themselves and for the families they were building. Growing up, a set career was always identified as a way of financial stability. Financial stability equates to success, that was the mentality we grew up with. Whether that meant following a career in the medical field, becoming a lawyer, taking on a family business, or even staying in school to receive the highest degrees possible. The arts and following your passion are rarely seen as a career goal.

When we first started making music together we had no idea where this would lead us- in fact, we honestly still don’t. Nonetheless, that’s one aspect of a risk we want to continue to take. We embrace the risks that come with being an artist and channel that into our music while redefining what it means to be a successful Asian-American, a successful Latino, and successful children of immigrant parents.

We are so grateful to be growing up during this time where our generation and others are beginning to rethink what success means to us and take those risks.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We write, produce and sing pop music. Our music influences come from everywhere! As artists, we know inspiration comes in multiple forms and sounds. If there’s anything we’ve learned from music, it’s that Pop music is not made of just one thing, it’s influenced by many genres.

It’s been such a treat working together because of our different tastes in music. From electronic, experimental, jazz, classical, country to R&B, the variety of music styles and genres we enjoy help us create what we feel sounds like us. Our sounds have a lot of synth influences, but we always try to incorporate live instruments when we can. When we create music, it really becomes an adventure, we never really know where one song will go but that’s what keeps it exciting. We feel that our songs are never too similar to each other but we know the music still represents who we are.

One of our biggest accomplishments was completing our first EP and actually being at a place where we were happy to release it. It’s one of those moments where a fun idea turned into a reality and gave us that spark where we thought, “You know, we could do this for real!”

It may not be what sets us apart from others but there’s truly something special about being able to be creative with your best friend. It feels like there are no limits to finding our sound. The support we have for each other pushes us to keep growing in our music, as a duo and as individuals. After seven years of friendship, we are always learning something new about each other and are able to incorporate that into the music we make.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As best friends ourselves, we can share what we love to do together in LA. We love taking drives up PCH or to Palos Verdes and enjoy the views over the city or the beach. We’re regulars at any arcade, you’ll definitely find us at the claw machines! We’re always on the lookout for themed places like restaurants or even car washes. Sawtelle is our spot, you can find us there any day of the week. When on Sawtelle, we always stop by the Japanese market, grab boba, enjoy revolving sushi, and grab dessert like Taiyaki or cream puffs. If we’re not getting food on Sawtelle, we’re definitely hitting up the taco trucks. This may not be in the city but just about 2 hours out, we love visiting Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree has been a place for us to enjoy moments just outside the city and explore the desert views and its clear night skies.

No matter where you go in the city, it can always be the best time with the positive and authentic energy. Valuing who you’re with and enjoying all that comes with the adventure (good or bad) makes for a fun and interesting time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thank you to all our friends and families who support us while we continue to learn who we are as musicians

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearekass

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearekass/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxosxKUfY2dsJrsRLvXib4w

Other: Spotify and all other streaming platforms @WeAreKass

Image Credits
Theo Rasmussen | @theo_rasmussen_