Features : NuAsia Puts Asian Representation On the Country Music Map

Seresinhe also recognized the lack of diversity in the country music scene. At 62 years old he formed NuAsia with some of the Asian-American musicians in his former cover band—lead guitarist Mark Flores, bass player Dhammika (DJ) Jayasinghe, percussionist Janesh Ruwanpathirana—and newly joining the band jazz keyboardist Isamu McGregor and lead vocalist Saint Cloud, all of Asian descent.

“It was not easy for me to find three Asian musicians who would consider coming together to play and produce a country album,” says Seresinhe. “Lo and behold Mark, lives a block away from me and has been looking for musicians to do country with. And although Saint Cloud has not done country, as soon as I heard her voice I knew that it would fit really well. And she didn't hesitate when I showed her what we were trying to produce.”

Their upcoming debut Quiet Violence outlines the story of a relationship’s journey and its fluctuations, including a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Islands in Stream,” and “My Country of Mine,” NuAsia’s take on America. The album leads with a debut title track “Quiet Violence,” which ranges from contemporary pop to country and creates a modern feel, with Saint Cloud’s powerful vocals. The band’s ages range from 20 years old to their 60s, and gives a representation of both NuAsia’s experience with an older country sound, the contemporary cadence of radio-friendly music, and the importance of awareness of inclusion and representation.

“It's been a really, really enjoyable ride. Getting really high caliber musicians to come together and love country music to put together an album,” says Seresinhe. “That's a huge void in the country in mainstream country."

Quiet Violence is set to be released in early September.