Simon Tam
Author | Musician | Founder The Slants
- Portland OR
Asian American activist & artist redefining identity, free speech, and belonging through music, storytelling, and justice.
Social
Biography
Industry Expertise
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Portland Rising Star
2014-10-21
Received a "Portland Rising Star" award from Knowledge Universe/Ignite a Fire Awards
Interview with TIME Magazine
2013-10-23
Feature/interview with TIME Magazine: http://entertainment.time.com/2013/10/23/the-slants-suit-asian-american-band-goes-to-court-over-name/
Featured on NPR's "All Things Considered"
2008-06-11
Featured on nationally syndicated program "All Things Considered" for work in social justice, music, and niche marketing.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90278746
Bestselling Non-Profit Books on Amazon.com
2012-01-01
Simon’s book, “How to Get sponsorships and Endorsements” reached #15 on Amazon.com’s bestselling books for non-profits and charities within 48 hours of its release.
Album of the Year
2007-01-01
Won multiple "Album of the Year" music awards from organizations such as the Willamette Week, Portland Music Awards, RockWired Magazine, AsiaXpress, and many more
Education
Marylhurst University
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Marketing
Received Distinguished Alumni Award (2013)
Dual concentration: marketing and non-profit management.
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science
Business Management
2008
University of California, Riverside
Bachelor of Arts
Religious Studies & Philosophy
2003
Affiliations
- marylhurst university
- Portland Center for Human Rights
- American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers
- Marylhurst University
- Oregon Environmental Council
- The Slants
- National Association for Campus Activities
- National Council for Marketing and Public Relations
- Asian American Arts Alliance
- Independent Recording Artists Community
- Asian Professionals Exchange
- Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon
- American Mensa
- Music Think Tank
- American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
- American Cancer Society
Links
Languages
- English
- Spanish
- Mandarin
Testimonials
CEO
http://www.interactcom.comInteract Communications
"Seriously loved the presentation! Simon answered the questions before I could ask. Very funny, clear, & practical. "
President
http://www.seattlefw.com/Seattle Fashion Week
I enjoyed connecting with Simon and his group, The Slants, very motivating group of guys... all about pleasing the fans and making them want more. They have a creative value to them as an indie group and more so as a soon to be major group. Simon was always communicating with me and had reliable feedback. I would love to work with him and his group again and anytime. I wish them the best in their journey to success and if my help is ever needed I will be there for them.
President/Owner
http://letitridedesign.com/Let it Ride
Simon is just a rare gem of a human being, plain and simple. I have had the pleasure of knowing him for over 15 years and have worked with him in a variety of creative projects, from music to design and everything in between. A creative guy, intelligent scholar, and a man of integrity and honesty all around. I would recommend him in any situation for anything.
Senior Director of Marketing
http://www.mtac.netMiddle Tennessee Anime Convention
Simon is dedicated to his endeavors, and brings a natural sense of marketing and promotions to his activities. A self-starter and a creative thinker, Simon has a strong talent for problem solving.
General Counsel
http://www.rumblefish.comRumblefish
Simon is a tremendously talented individual, and, given his strong leadership skills and deep knowledge base in the areas of marketing, promotion, and business development, it is not surprising that he has such a well-established track record of success.
Owner
http://www.bdcdistribution.comBurnside Distribution Corporation
I enjoy working with Simon very much. He has unique and interesting ideas in cross marketing his band on multiple levels that are very effective. He secures endorsements that work well to promote his band. Simon is a very motivated marketing and promotion oriented professional.
Vice President of Marketing
http://www.sakeone.comSakéOne
I have immense respect for the passion and drive that Simon has isn bringing his vision to life and to defend it at every turn. As a marketer he is insightful, inventive and ever in pursuit of viable channels to connect with his audience and retain that connection for the life of his brand. His leadership steers a team of creative individuals who not only share his vision but rally behind it to ensure its success. I have had many opportunities to work with Simon and have appreciated his partnership in events both here in Oregon as well as in NY, Austin and Nashville.
I look forward to every opportunity to work with Simon and the ingenuity he brings to the big picture of marketing.
Media Appearances
'The Slants' Back in Court Over Band Name Trademark Battle
NBC News tv
2015-01-09
Feature on NBC News
The Case for Allowing Offensive Trademarks
NPR/On the Media radio
2015-05-22
Extended interview about race, identity, and free speech with NPR's "On the Media"
Rocker Simon Tam's Toy Car
Sierra Club print
2014-08-01
Simon Tam is the founder and bassist of the Slants, which he calls "the world's first and only all-Asian dance rock band." His group has gotten international media attention for its hard-charging music and activism. Tam is also the marketing director for the Oregon Environmental Council. Sierra spoke to him about his work, and about the toy car that reminds him of a friend.
The Slants Frontman Fights Government To Register His Band's Name
NPR/All Things Considered radio
2015-05-08
Interview and feature on NPR's All Things Considered
Discussing Offensive Halloween Costumes
Think Out Loud on OPB radio
2015-10-30
Interview on OPB's Think Out Loud over cultural appropriation and Halloween
“The Slants” Suit: Asian-American Band Goes to Court Over Name
TIME print
2013-10-23
Interview/feature with TIME Magazine
Activist Simon Tam and a discussion about racism
North Texas Daily print
2015-10-27
Extended article about Simon Tam keynote at University of Texas' Fall Forum
An Asian-American Musician's Five-Year Battle to Get His 'Offensive' Band Name Trademarked
VICE online
2015-08-19
Exclusive feature with VICE Magazine
Is calling your Asian-American band The Slants racist?
CBC Radio Q radio
2015-08-26
Extended interview with Shad on "q" radio
‘The Slants’ music group battles the US for its name
AlJazeera America tv
2015-10-26
Feature on AlJazeera America, broadcasted in over 60 million homes
Event Appearances
The Innovation of Immigrants
TEDxFront Range Front Range, CO
2015-06-13
How to Get a TED Talk
TEDxColorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO
2015-10-17
Sample Talks
Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court
In this musical storytelling keynote presentation , Simon Tam shares a story of persistence, identity, and creativity.
Slanted is the story of an indomitable spirit who so believes in the idea of justice that he's willing to risk everything along the way for the dignity of self-identity. The story provides a raw look at our legal system with unflinching honesty and offers timely insights on freedom of speech, how to connect with others we disagree with, and the power of music.
Gripping, funny, enlightening, and ultimately uplifting, Slanted proves that no obstacle is too difficult to conquer --as long as you have a little heart and a lot of rock n' roll. It's an irrepressible story that is fresh, alive, and defines what it means to be American.
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Moderator
- Panelist
- Workshop Leader
- Author Appearance
- Corporate Training
