The Far East Movement

Coming at you from Los Angeles, California is an all Asian music group that’s starting to make a ton of noise.  In a good way, of course, as always.  They are Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif, and DJ Virman of Power 106FM.  The 4 of these individuals comprise the Far East Movement, aka FM.  Their bold, lyrical, and catchy sound brings life to just about any dance floor.  When the deejay plays their music at a club and you’ll find that FM uplifts and elevates all crowds and party goers to a new high.

Fresh off their recent signing with Cherry Tree/Interscope Records this musical group is building momentum like a runaway freight train.  They’ve just completed a tour in Japan with the one and only Lady Gaga.  The Far East Movement opened up for Lady Gaga and got the crowd off to a rocking start.  If you haven’t seen them perform live yet, then you’re definitely in for a great time.

Back in 2001, Kev, J-Splif, and Prohgress were known as Emcee’s Anonymous.  They showcased their talents either through the club circuit, on line, or by various shows around LA.  Later changing their name to the Far East Movement, they released their very first album called Folk Music in 2006.  Their single “Round Round” was featured in the movie the Fast and the Furious; Tokyo Drift.  DJ-Virman joined the group in 2008 and it’s been a perfect marriage ever since.  The group had already superstar talent and now it had a superstar deejay from Power 106FM.

One hit single from FM that comes more recently to mind would be their song called Girls on the Dance Floor.  This song has been featured on many different television shows such as America’s Best Dance Crew, CSI Miami, and also on the Miss America Pageant.  You’ll hear this club banger throughout all the hot spots in Hollywood, Miami, and Vegas just to name a few cities.  I’ve even heard this song in the Philippines at a wedding of all places back in 2009.  So their music is going far East indeed.

I asked the members of FM what their greatest moment was as a group so far.  They answered unanimously, their signing with CherryTree/Interscope Records.  I’ve been fortunate enough to hear some of the work that they’ve been doing.  Let’s put it this way, I predict one of the upcoming songs will make Top 40 for sure and maybe even crack the Top 10.  I don’t know of an Asian group who has accomplished that feat yet.  And to do it would be historic and better yet, monumental.

One song that you may hear on the radio now is their next hit tune called “Like A G6.” It’s catching like wildfire all over the hottest clubs.  Even the prominent and world renowned DJ Melo-D told me last week personally that he thought the song was in his words, “Dope.” So look out for it if you haven’t heard it already.  It’s literally bringing out and keeping the all the girls on the dance floor at all the clubs that the song is being played.  I also heard that their album should be out sometime this summer so that’s something I’ll be keeping an eye out for and so should you.

Aside from their music, just getting to know the members has been a joy in itself.  You’ll soon realize that when you meet each member just how down to earth, level headed, and humble they all are.  But in keeping it real, these boys like to joke around, poke fun at each other, hang out, and have a good time.  You’ll feel just like family once you get to know them.  However, when it comes down to rocking the crowd, uh oh!  Be ready, because they put on a show with more energy than a building with the all of it’s air conditioning units on full blast during the summer in Palm Springs.  Just go see them live and you’ll know for sure.

The Far East Movement wanted to send a couple of positive messages to their fans and the readers of A-Lister Magazine.  First off, they wanted to say to their fans, “Thank You All for Your Support!  It’s because of you all that Far East is here today.”  And to the readers of the magazine, “Stay Up and Always Keep Striving.”  As far as I’m concerned, they’re living proof of a dream come true.  FM is an inspiration not only to the Asian community, but to everyone in general looking to make things happen for themselves through hard work, dedication, and tireless devotion to whatever each individual’s dreams may be.

The future looks bright for the Far East Movement.  Let’s all remember now that the Sun rises in the East.  And if that’s that the case, there’s nothing but sunny days in the future of FM because their Shine isn’t setting in the West.

By: Neil Estrada