2008: Say Bok Gwai

CD Release celebration performance for “Chink in the Armor”

True to their roots of musical experimentation and paying homage to their hometown, the first release show will be in San Francisco as part of the Edgetone New Music Summit.

San Francisco’s first Chinese American hardcore band, Say Bok Gwai melds two distinct cultures into a completely unique sound. Say Bok Gwai’s original compositions are rooted in American punk/thrash/ hardcore music and sung primarily in Cantonese. The subject matter ranges from Chinese American identity to grappling with traditional Chinese values and down with “the man” aesthetics. Say Bok Gwai is a Chinese American band that pushes the envelope of musical, social, and political extremes. Say Bok Gwai shows a new face of Chinese American music and is not for the timid or easily offended. Frontman Alex Yeung is a long time San Franciscan musician who has worked in both the local rock and experimental music scenes. Alex serves as the songwriter and guitarist for Say Bok Gwai, as well as playing guitar for the instrumental group Fear of Math. Drummer Andre Custodio has been an integral part of the Bay Area experimental music scene for over 10 years and is also part of the experimantal trio, Tri-Cornered Tent Show. Say Bok Gwai has released their self-titled debut CD on Monkey King Reccords. This CD has also been released in Hong Kong on Global Chinese Rock Records. Say Bok Gwai has been featured in festivals such as NoisePop, Pinoise Pop, Tidal Wave, and Rock On (Hong Kong). Say Bok Gwai has also been a monthly participant of the only series to feature Asian American musicians called Asian American Musician’s Showcase (AAMS) in San Francisco. Guest artists performing will be saxophonist David Slusser and Val Mih on keyboard.

Artist (photo by Photographer)