Far East Movement moves nationwide
Far East Movement takes off with their hit single "Girls on the Dance Floor."

Known in L.A. as an energetic, homegrown hip-hop outfit, Far East Movement is taking their latest electro-tinged beats all over the nation.

Their single “Girls on the Dance floor” has generated regular airplay on top hip hop radio stations including LA’s Power 106 and is climbing dance charts across the nation. Their own Asian American music festival International Secret Agents has enjoyed consecutive sold out shows. Now the group is hitting the road with hit makers LMFAO for a nationwide, 31- city tour.

The good times just keep on rolling for the men of Far East Movement. While their previous releases featured lighthearted hip-hop-driven beats and rhymes, Far East Movement is experimenting with a faster, electro techno sound.

“We’ve been experimenting with a lot different sounds,” says MC Kevin Nishimura (a.k.a Kev Nish).  “Our biggest influences are LA’s DJ’s. When you go to the club now, it’s not weird to play electro anymore. The trend is going there, it’s more positive and carefree. It’s a recession right now, so people like to listen to positive music and have a good time, none of the depressing slow music.”

The group, made up of members Prohgress (James Roh), J-Spliff (Jae Choung) and DJ Virman Coquia, draw from their own Korean, Chinese, Japanese and Filipino backgrounds, but they are constantly looking for ways to evolve and push stereotypes. They’ve come a long way from busting beats and rhymes in their high school parking lot and performing to sparse, apathetic crowds to headlining their own sold out shows. Their music has been featured on “CSI,” “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” as well as Justin Lin’s independent comedy “Finishing the Game.”

With their latest album, “Animal,” taking notice, the quartet has released their latest single “2 is Better,” a party anthem with a surging, electro dance beat.

But no matter what heights their music career takes them, the members of Far East Movement will always remember the communities who have nurtured them. The group founded the successful International Secret Agents, the music festival featuring up and coming Asian American artists. At this year’s ISA, Far East Movement, along with viral stars Kina Grannis and David Choi, performed in front of sold out crowds.

“A long time ago when we were going after the major labels, everyone kept telling us, ‘You got to go after your backyards first. Go from there.’ The Asian American community has really supported us and has really gotten us to where we are now. Now we’re giving back. We’re representing."