M.D. Chau is a singer, songwriter and producer launching a new phase of his musical career in 2022. Throughout the mid 2000s, he recorded and performed under his given name Minh. In that time he released a string of successful albums and singles. He rubbed shoulders with heavyweights, sharing the stage with legends like Erykah Badu, The Isley Brothers, and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.
In recent years M.D. Chau has redirected his energies toward entrepreneurial pursuits. Although now a businessman and no longer seeking the limelight, he is still an artist at heart. Moved to action by the headlines of our troubled times, he recently headed back to the studio. “Stand Next to Me” is the new single from M.D. Chau, available worldwide via all major streaming services.
The track opens with the singer alone at his piano. He leans into the mic and delivers a humble plea for understanding and unity in a soft and soulful pop tenor. An ensemble of guitar, bass, drums and gospel vocals gradually enters the mix as the song builds from its initial solo meditation to powerful adult contemporary pop ballad.
Watch the powerful “Stand Next to Me” video below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. We had the opportunity to chat with M.D. Chau about the song. Read his answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links at the end of the article to connect with M.D. Chau and those working to stop AAPI hate.
8 Questions with M.D. Chau
Where are you from?
I was born in Vietnam but grew up in the Northern Virginia/DC area. I’m now living in Orange County, CA.
How long have you been making music?
I started writing songs in middle school. But I produced and released my own album in 2006 under my first name “Minh”.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
I have Monte Pittman, who was/is Madonna’s guitarist, for guitars on “Stand Next To Me”. Other musicians there also play for artists much bigger than me. Rashad Howard on piano/keys as well as choir directing. Fer Fuentes on drums. And, Dylan Wilson on bass.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Listening to Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall album on vinyl was what made me want to be a singer. After that, it ranged from Boys To Men to Michael Bolton to John Mayer and John Legend. I did get to really sing and develop when I started going to a predominantly African-American church and sang in the choir. I literally sang the “Happy Day” solo like you saw in Sister Act. I was just a 15-year-old little Asian immigrant kid at the time and they really took me in and showed me love.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Probably films. Other than music, one of my main goals in life is to make a movie of some kind. I was always fascinated with the creative process. I enjoyed “the making of” part of a DVD we grabbed from Blockbuster than the movie itself.
What inspired you to create this project?
There were so many Asian hate crimes happening that I felt like I needed to do something. As an immigrant, I grew up in a neighborhood where we were all poor – black, white, hispanic, and asians. We kinda all accepted each other. So it was hard to see the division and hate happening.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I just want to make music that’s honest. It’s crowded out there and I see a lot of artists having to be clowns just to be heard. I’m old now and definitely “aged out” as far as real industry opportunities. But, music is music and art is art. I’m just going to keep making it. Good thing is, if fame isn’t the aim, there’s nothing that can stop you from making and putting out music that’s meaningful to you.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I hope our world can heal. There’s so much craziness going on. We have one thing in common as human beings – we want our family to do well. If everyone can get around that, may be there can be enough empathy to stop all this hate.
