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Social Encore: David Choi returns to Hawaii

BY JERMEL-LYNN QUILLOPO / Special to the Star-Advertiser

YouTube has become a website people can rely on as a resource for tutorials, product reviews, inspiration for a DIY project or even just watch for entertainment purposes. It’s an international website that has taken the Internet by storm and has even helped people like Korean-American singer and songwriter, David Choi, obtain fame. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, fans will be serenaded by the YouTube star at Fresh Cafe.

The 26-year old said his interest in music started when he was 16 years old, when a classmate brought in a CD he made. His curiosity of creating his own music seemed foreign to him at first, but he was willing to give it a shot.

“I realized that I’ve always heard melodies in my head,” said Choi. “I went home that night and created my first piano instrumental.”

Inspired by the world around him, Choi continued to practice his writing skills by focusing on capturing relationships and people through song. Wanting to spread happiness by the mass, Choi decided to write a funny song in 2007. Little did he know, the song would help him create a profile the rest of the world would later embrace.

“I was bored one day and decided to write a funny song about YouTube,” he said. “I uploaded it and the rest is history.”

His first video, “YouTube A Love Song,” is his most-watched video with more than 2 million views. Today Choi has more than 930,000 subscribers and more than 117 million video views.

Still astonished of how crazy his YouTube fame has become, Choi said he is thankful for social networking sites because they helped him find a career he truly loves.

“I am amazed every day and thankful that these social platforms have enabled me to perform all over the world,” said Choi.

Not only has YouTube changed his career path, he credits the site for helping him on a personal level.

“YouTube changed everything,” he said. “It made me a stronger person and helped me to realize that music can make a difference in people’s lives.”

This will be Choi’s second time performing in Hawaii. The first time around, he performed at the Hard Rock Cafe in Waikiki.

“I’m excited this time around because it’ll be in a more intimate setting and I’ll also have a full band,” Choi said. He admitted that Hawaii is his favorite place on earth; besides meeting the people, every time he visits Hawaii, Choi said he has to have an Acai bowl.

While here, Choi will shoot a music video using the FaceShop at Ward Centre along with Oahu’s North Shore as his backdrop. Choi said the concept of the video is a cute love story and subscribers can expect the video to be released just in time for Valentine’s Day.

If you want to take pictures and meet with Choi, he will be at the FaceShop on Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m.

Choi said his music has a hint of jazz, folk, and country, but what also helps bring his songs to life are the storyline videos often produced by Wong Fu Productions. Choi first partnered with the company in 2008 to produce a music video for the song “Won’t Even Start.”

One of my favorite collaborations from the duo is the video for “Lucky Guy.” The story starts off with heartbreak but ends in love. They casted a real life elderly couple, Jerry and Betty Wesley, who stay true to the video’s concept of still being in love after so many years.

When I asked Choi what was his favorite video, he said he just couldn’t choose and that all of them were his favorites.

Thankful for his success, Choi said that without his fans he wouldn’t be the musician he is today.

“When people email or tweet me telling me how my music has affected their lives in a positive way, it gives me purpose,” said Choi.

According to social media updates, pre-sale tickets for this weekend’s show are sold out. A limited amount of tickets will be sold at the door.
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Jermel-Lynn Quillopo is a multi-faceted, energetic individual with experience in both print and broadcast journalism. “Social Encore” aims to tell diverse stories about Hawaii’s food, events and people; share your tips with Jermel via email or follow her on Twitter.

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