THERE is a common misconception among show producers that artists are special individuals who love their work so much they are always willing do it for free. This is especially true in the case of artists opening for more popular Philippine-based acts.

THE New York Times recently published an article about the struggles of Asian -American artists to crack the jackpotin pop music.
In an article entitled, ‘Trying to Crack the Hot 100’ some industry people opined that Asian-American artists don’t get signed by major labels because of how they look and how they are perceived to be. Likewise, they talk about how unprepared the American audience is to accept a chinky-eyed version of Justin Timberlake.

The article is somewhat true given the fact that in America, Asian-Americans are always perceived as either nerds or Kung-Fu kings rather than pop gods and Billboard top notchers. The truth is, there are many Asian Americans here that are more than the Mathematics and the Flying Eagle Kung-Fu Attack.

These Asian-Americans are very talented and can easily end the careers of such talent-less ‘stars’ like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, who, in the first place, are in the limelight not because of their gifts, but because of their goods.

But we could care less. What’s so great with being as famous as Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake anyway? Do you want to get hounded daily by paparazzi’s and let them take snapshots at your treasures while you're getting out of a car?

And besides, the credibility of the music that you make doesn’t depend on it being on Billboard. Your music could get the respect that it deserves even if it only exists on Myspace.

Listen to what’s on the radio nowadays. Do you hear anything life-changing? Matter of fact, the music on air today sucks. And these are all from signed artists.

The thing is, being signed by a major label does not guarantee that you will make music that could change lives. It only guarantees wider distribution and some TV and media time.

Now, the problem with some of these talented Asian Americans is they worry too much about making it. Sure, it feels great to be in the same league as, say, Prince or pick up a Grammy here and there. But it is much better if they should zero in first on what really matters: The fun of making music. Because once you find the happiness in making your own music, and getting it out there in your own little way, everything else would be mere bonuses. A record deal would be mere formality. And even if you never get signed, and retire as an indie, you still made great music and enjoyed every second of playing it even just for a niche crowd. With or without a major label, the music has to go on.

The Times article added that record executives have no ready answer to why there aren’t many Asian Americans out there reigning over the hit charts. These execs even deny that the race card is ever at play. They just can’t see anyone worth signing. And to them, the reason why is as mysterious as the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Why do major lables hesitate in signing Asian American artists, who have worked very hard to get into people’s consciousness? Moreover, how else can  labels get artists that are so full of talent, so good with square roots, so good with making steamed rice and noodles, and packs a wicked roundhouse kick?