The Trailblazer: David Choi

This is part of our cover series on Asian American YouTube stars. Check out our recent profiles on Wong Fu Productions, Dumbfoundead and Megan Lee.

Recording artist, producer
Don’t let his trademark lack of grin fool you. The great granddaddy of the Asian YouTube craze, David Choi, 24, actually has the brand of awkward humor that made Michael Cera so huge—plus a killer croon that had tweens crushing from the get-go. His “YouTube A Love Song” was featured on the YouTube homepage, went viral and presented him with legions of cyber fans and a new breed of celebrity. Even before hitting it big in front of the camera, Choi was already living his dream behind the scenes as a producer and songwriter for Warner/ Chappell Music, one of the world’s largest music-publishing companies. “I just wanted to put it up for fun,” he said, referring to the video he posted in 2006. “It was just for myself! I don’t think anyone expects to get tons of views… I was shy and nervous, but that’s why I’m doing this now. It definitely opened my eyes to the bigger picture, the whole recording process and the creative process.” Choi released his second solo album, By My Side, in May.

Story by Julie Ma
Photo courtesy of David Choi

Check out David’s music video after the jump.

David Choi’s “That Girl” official music video, produced by Wong Fu