US-born Birdie or Souphak Xaphakdy wants desperately to make it in the mainstream of American music and entertainment world. The 19-year old, self-made artist of Lao descent grew up in the small town of Magnolia, Minnesota. She later moved to the Twin Cities to continue her higher education. But, she told VOA, “Back in my mind, I want to become a pop singer, I want to sing, to be successful like many great pop singers like Byonce, Mariah Carey, and many others, to make it up there some day”
Birdie quit college and devoted herself fulltime to a singing career. She found a small recording company who signed
her up for her debut album “Underground Pop Xposed.” She and her producer co-wrote the songs on this album together. “Text War” is one great example of the many songs that she wrote. They’re all about her, her true story, the environment and the people around her.
Birdie is a great example of young Asian-American pioneers who try so hard to make it and live an American dream. She ignores all the negative comments and stereotyping of her music by people who judge her by her skin color and laugh at her music that they think is laced with heavy accent. But all that has not crushed Birdie or her determination. She told VOA, “I am a very positive person. I look forward. I don’t think negative. Yes, of course, I have feelings. I get emotional about those comments. People talk about how bad my music is, especially white and black people. But I never give up, I look at it very positively and I’m determined to prove them wrong. I even approached people on the streets, tried to sell my CDs to them. The Asian -American community is very supportive and helpful. I think that the reason they bought my CDs is because I am Asian just like them. I also sold my CDs to other communities like the white and African-Americans, but they did not buy as much as Asian-Americans.”
Birdie’s debut album, “Underground Pop Xposed,” was released August 31st, 2007. And she headlined at Trocaderos night club on September 22nd. She is the first Asian female to headline at this club, and is looking forward to representing her Asian heritage and community well.
Birdie's most recent performances include her own Underground Pop Xposed concert at Trocaderos in Minneapolis, ICE Open Mic - Metro State University - Minnesota, and The Seven Club in Minneapolis.
VOA will follow up and bring you updates on Birdie’s future activities. Please stay tuned.
For additional information about purchasing her CD, please contact her site directly at http://www.myspace.com/officialbirdiepage
