This A-Profiler we bring you Katana, a writer and performer of thought provoking poems and hip hop lyrics with her own outlook on culture, racism, and sexism. Find out how Katana describes the current state of hip hop, how she approaches writing, and her biggest weakness.

Your site URL:
www.katanamusic.com

Can you describe yourself using the poetry form Haiku?
Inner voices chime/ Such to ease the heart and mind/ Rhythm lotus rhymes
LOL. Sorry, I have not written a Haiku since I was in grade school =)

Do you believe poetry and music lyrics are one in the same?
There are lyrics that are very poetic, and there are poems that can be crafted into a song, but the product of the two crafts are different from each other. Lyrics tend to be much more simple and have the color, tone and tempo of the music to carry out the intended feeling of the writer; while a poet can only rely on painting a picture through how an audience may interoperate the meaning of a word, and the presentation of an arrangement of words.

What spoken word artist do you enjoy listening to?
As a part Native Hawaiian who was born and raised in Hawaii, I am very fond of the ancient orations of the Hawaiian culture. The Hawaiian people had no written language. Growing up, I had the opportunity to hear family members recite "oli" or "chants" which were passed down through the generations by memory. They would then teach me the "kaona" or hidden poetic meanings of these chants. So, when you ask who my favorite "spoken word" artists are, I would have to say that it would be those who perpetuate the Hawaiian and other indigenous languages and cultures. They may not fit into a category of what has become the spoken word genre, but I believe the indigenous cultures of the world have produced and perfected the art of spoken word. There is so much to learn by listening to these orations.

How would you describe the state of Hip Hop today?
There are many interpretations of Hip Hop, what it is, and what it should be. I think that when you are a true artist, you are passionate about your art, you can't, not matter how much you try, avoid your destiny to contribute to that art, and that all art and artists grow and change. I was raised with Hip Hop. It was a way for my part African American family members to find an outlet for the feelings of hurt, and outrage as a result of the discrimination they inured while being raised in the State of Hawaii where Asians are the majority. Needless to say, the interpretation of Hip Hop that I fell in love with was Hip Hop as a revolution, and the medium for voicing ones inner truth... no matter how unpretty that may be. The word Hip Hop today coincides with a formula for businessmen to make money. They have marketed an image of Hip Hop in order to make money. In my opinion, to each his own, however, this commercialized image that is being marketed to the mainstream audience rarely shows the beauty, intelligence and artistic sophistication of people of color. I believe that there are entities which use Hip Hop as a modern day tool for doing the old work of Jim Crow. They have made the Hip Hop artist into a degrading caricature. In my opinion, in its current commercial state, Hip Hop has been manipulated to work against its original purpose to elevate and empower. However, Hip Hop as a revolution continues to touch and inspire by showing the masses that identifying your inner truth will lead to a path of inner freedom.

Do you have any other artistic talents besides poetry and music?
I am a dancer and choreographer

What is your ethnic background? Do you speak any languages?
I am Japanese, Italian, Polynesian and African. Growing up, Japanese, and Hawaiian were spoken in my home. I can understand both languages better than I speak them.

Do you think Asian Pacific Americans are well represented in the music industry?
No, but the ones who have made it into the public eye are phenomenal.

How did your family react when you told them you wanted to be a musical artist?
I have composed songs, and poetry from when I was in diapers. My family always new that I needed to do my art as an outlet and were always very supportive.

How has music changed your life? Where do you think it will take you?
Music has always and continues to enhance my life. I tend to take on the mood of a song. Music is needed for me to get psyched into doing daily tasks. I don't watch TV, but am always listening to my radio or boom box. Music can take me from feeling empty, to completely fulfilled.

Do you ever experience writers block? How do you get out of that funk?
I never write, just because. There is always a strong feeling that compels me. This used to be a problem for me as a composer because I would be asked to write on a certain topic, or for someone else. The pressure used to get to me and then I'd experience writers block. Now, I have learned that stepping back and writing without restriction for a length of time will help me get back in touch with my raw emotions. I also never edit my work.

Finish this sentence: Time doesn't move when I'm...
Expressing myself with pure intent

Favorite movie star, singer, and super model?
Wow.. hmm... Ernie Reyes Jr. , Chaka Khan, and Zoolander

Do you own a Japanese sword? Do you know how to use a Katana?
I own several Katana. Yes.

Do you agree that guys with dirty greasy hair are a turn off?
I like to rub my fingers through my man's hair... so I would say yes.

When you're stuck in traffic what do you listen to?
In my car I always keep Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and Chaka Khan

What was the toughest struggle you had to over come in your life?
While making this album, I found out that the father I had not seen since I was 14 was dyeing of cancer and wanted to see me. I had just recorded a song called "Never Understand the Man" where I put my father on blast. If you listen to my work, I have written a lot of songs which depict abusive domestic relationships. Until that point in my life, I was caught in a cycle of picking partners who abused me on many levels. I think on some level I was recreating a loathing for myself that I had because I thought I was not worth much because I felt my father thought I wasn't worth much. It took me several days to decide that I would face my father who was already in stage 4 of his cancer. When I finally walked through the doors to see my father, his expression of love for me filled a void in me that up until that time, I did not recognize that I had. From that day on, I no longer allowed myself to be degraded by an ex-boyfriend who did not deserve me. Though he did not now it, my father helped me to close that horrible chapter in my life, and I have moved on to a place where all of my relationships and friendships are filled with a mutual love and respect.

What food item is your biggest weakness?
Peanut butter

What 80's movie do you hope Hollywood would remake?
Hmm. Beverly Hills Cop??? As long as they leave alone Fast Times at Ridgemont High...Timeless!!

What's the one thing you can't live with out?
Peanut butter.

Thanks for doing this interview; do you have any words you like to leave your fans?
Thank you for interviewing me =) I sincerely appreciate the support shown for my album Keatika which is released on itunes. Making this album was a dream come true for me. Please come visit me and get free downloads at www.katanamusic.com

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Ray Lam.
Special thanks to Katana.

Photos used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).