Birdie – Flying High
Souphak “Birdie” Xaphakdy, like every young female singer, has always dreamed of becoming the next big thing in music, becoming that pop diva or pop princess. For Laotian vocalist, Birdie, it wasn’t only a dream – “ it also became a reality. After quitting college to pursue her singing career, Birdie has worked hard to make a name for herself in the Asian American community. She has been interviewed by the Laotian-American press, written up Minnesota’s largest published newspaper, the Star Tribune, and has been cited in other Asian American media outlets. She has even gained a place on Wikipedia. Under the Laos’ Wikipedia entry, you will find Birdie’s name, where she is labeled as one of the better-known pop princesses in Laotian-American music.
It is really no surprise why her popularity has grown – “ with such a sultry voice and mix of eclectic, musical sounds (pop, hip-hop and soul from her debut album), she has helped to create what she calls “undergound pop.” Hence, the title of her debut album, “Underground Pop: Xposed,” which was released in late 2007 when she was just 19 years old. Signed to Blood in the Water Records, the young Minnesota native will soon be releasing her new album in January 2009.
What is amazing about Birdie’s music is how emotionally charged it is, the material stemming from her own personal experiences, and the songs are hand picked and written by Birdie herself. With such big talent, it was impossible not to chat with the Laotian pop princess.
Asiance talked to Birdie about her music, the path to where she is now as a singer, and about her upcoming album, “Lovebird.”
ASIANCE: It’s such a cliché question to ask, but why did you want to follow the path to become a singer/musician? How did it all start?
Birdie: When I was younger, I would always dream about the fame and entertaining people. I realized I wanted to sing when I was about eight. I remembered seeing the music awards on TV for the first time. I wanted to be a
performer then. My dad helped me, because he too had an album and sang in different gigs.
ASIANCE: Growing up in Minnesota, who and/or what were your biggest musical influences? Did you grow up in a musical family?
Birdie: Well, my family and all my relatives were either in a band, loved music, or just always been around it. That’s Laos music of course. So I really just grew into loving all kinds music but I wanted to be the entertaining the
people.
ASIANCE: I’ve read that you have had to deal with some criticism from some people from the Laotian community, reading that they feel that your music may be a bit aggressive, in terms of lyrics. How do you react to that and what would you say to your critics?
Birdie: I tell them a little about myself. The lyrics on my song are really about love and heartbreak. Which many people can relate to. I get real creative with my ideas and words I let out. Most of the time I am creating a character in a story. Now as far as how I sing and the aggressiveness, that is my personality. I’ve always been a shy person before I got into music. I express it by creating this image in my head as if I was a character in a movie and just write, create, and dream. I feel like I can do anything when I write.
ASIANCE: So, lets talk about your music. Talk about your debut album and your upcoming album, “Lovebird,” that will be released in January 2009. How do the two albums differ? What can listeners expect on this new album?
Birdie: You don’t know how excited I am with the new album. The new songs consist of trancy, melodic, and a hip sound. The music sounds like Leona Lewis, Keri Wilson, Day 26, and Danity Kane. I have always loved trance music – “ vocal trance that is – “ and now the album will have it!
ASIANCE: It may be a bit premature to ask since you will be releasing a new album in January, but what are some other projects that you’re working on?
Birdie: Well, we have added another singer/performer in the company (Blood in the Water Records) and right now we are paying the dues, crafting, and working on setting up our Asian American, male R&B singer.
ASIANCE: How has touring been? What has been the best part of touring around the country to perform?
Birdie: The best part is the sleep. No really, rarely do I get rest when I travel. Now, the second best thing is the food! We had performed in Ohio at the Asian American Festival. Oh boy, there were different, tasty foods there. Most of all though, I love meeting the fans – “ fans who go there to see you and supported you. That’s the greatest feeling and the best thing for me.
ASIANCE: When you think back on it, do you feel you have regrets at times on deciding to follow the dream to become a singer?
Birdie: Nope. Love every bit of it. I am glad I did it. Hard decision though, because you really have to give up so much to become one. Who has to say that I have to “make it.” I don’t know when I have made it. And, how do you define that? I just keep pushing forward.
ASIANCE: How hard has it been to get to where you are today as a singer?
Birdie: Great question and one answer. Hard. It was more than I ever thought it would be. But now I have been told, I am moving faster than most musicians. I think mainly because I have a supportive Asian community and
there are not many other people who are doing it like I am.
ASIANCE: Do you think you may incorporate some Laotian musical influences in future music?
Birdie: Oh yes, of course. Melodies, melodies, melodies. And that’s the case for most Asian musicians I think. Catchy melodies. Beautiful, pretty melodies.
ASIANCE: What advice would you give to those wanting to become a musician like you?
Birdie: Take a chance. Dream big and try. Even if you think you won’t make it. You will have the best time of your life.
For more information on Birdie, visit http://myspace.com/officialbirdiepage.
You may contact Tanya at tanya.thamkruphat@gmail.com.