The Chinkees

An all-Asian ska-punk band featuring Skankin' Pickle alum Mike Park, the Chinkees debuted in 1998 with the album The Chinkees Are Coming! The following year the group -- which also comprised bassist/vocalist Miya Zane Osaki, guitarist/vocalist/drummer Greg Alesandro, guitarist Jason Thinh, and keyboardist Steve Choi -- released Peace Through Music; both albums were issued through Park's own label, Asian Man Records. The band's name was not intended to be a racial slur, as in fact it was hoping to be just the opposite by raising awareness of racial discrimination. Just like Asian Man, the group was all about spreading positivity and addressing issues (without being aggressively political in fear of alienating people) important to improving the future. A split with the Lawrence Arms entitled Present Day Memories appeared in May 2001 before the Chinkees' next full-length, Searching for a Brighter Future, was released one year later. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi