Page 19 - Vo Vo | FIX MY HEAD #10: COMPLEXITY

5. Since this zine is focused on POC, what is your experience as a POC making punk music?
I feel comfortable creating music that relates to who we are as POC in this city (Portland). I feel incred- ibly inspired by the power of the word we have. There is a need for us to have a voice and talk about our struggles, our richness, our power, our resistance. Zac and Nick are incredible musicians, human beings that have inspired me to continue creating POC punk music. The key is if you like what you do, if it has a meaning in the message, if it feels right and that’s all that matters to continue.
6. What observations (socially, politcally, creatively) have you made moving to the States and being an immigrant?
My observation has been that there are a lot of people struggling to find themselves, always looking for identities or titles, who are lost.
But I also have met powerful
people, wise and awake people
that have found themselves and are helping others do so - amazing creators. As an immigrant I have encountered racism, sexism and BS from closed minded people, but I guess they are all over the world not only here. I have seen the uprising and uplifting of suppressed people, people starting to educate themselves more about these issues, people working towards change which gives me hope for a better future. There is unity in the POC people
in Portland for sure, or at least with the small group I experience.
7. What are the wisest things that your identity and cultural history taught you?
The wisest things have been the indigenous teachings for sure. The old ways, the red road, the resistance! Through these teachings I’ve learned to find myself, empower and believe in myself.