Mike Park

Mike Park's journey into the music world began in the fall of 1985, when his first band, Psychiatric Disorder, set out to play blistering punk rock influenced by the likes of Black Flag, 7 Seconds, Minor Threat, and the Minuteman. That journey has culminated with his independent record label, Asian Man records, which now supports 50 independent bands and has sold over one million albums.

Following a successful stint with the band Skankin' Pickle, which released five full-length records and toured fourteen countries, Park founded Asian Man Records in 1996. Modeling the company after the successful Dischord Records in Washington, DC, Park hoped he could create an equal counterpart on the West Coast that stayed true to the spirit of punk ideas and practices. Despite being run from his parents' garage, Asian Man Records represents musical heavyweights such as Alkaline Trio and The Lawrence Arms.

Park is also a strong advocate of racial unity and community activism. He uses his music to reveal insights into his Korean background, tackle important issues that plague the Asian American community, and comment on social and political issues that he takes takes to heart. Park's band, The Chinkees, whose members are all Asian American, focuses on similar issues with the hope of raising awareness and sensitizing people to these important subjects. Explains Park, "The Chinkees name is not meant to be a racial slur, but just the opposite! It's meant to be a direct look at racism and the reality of its presence!"

In his ongoing efforts to promote ideas of peace through the powers of music, Park founded the Plea for Peace Foundation in 1999. The group opened its first youth center in December 2008, which aims to provide a safe, creative atmosphere in a drug and alcohol-free environment.

Park released his first solo record, For the Love of Music, in November 2003. His latest album, North Hangook Falling, was released in August 2005. Featuring lyrics about politics, race, war and his everyday experiences, the album is a breath of fresh air in an industry void of substance. Park hopes to continue spreading his ideas and music whenever and wherever possible.