Pagnia Xiong was born and raised in Eau Claire, WI. She comes from a family of 7 children. Though Xiong has an obvious gift, she didn't discover it until about the age of 10 when she joined a local community Hmong choir. The children in the choir ranged in age from 1st graders to middle schoolers. "What was great about it was the director was incorporating Hmong music--that was amazing. That was what I remembered most." In addition to Hmong music the choir also sang Christian/Christmas music and traditional music.
Xiong said that her reason for joining the choir was simple enough, "Everyone was doing it, so why not?" she told HMONG TIMES half joking. But while there she discovered that not only did she have an ear for music but she was talented at singing solos as well.
A couple of years later the choir broke-up but Xiong and her sister (who was also in the choir) were hooked and the two began singing together at local Hmong events in WI and the Twin Cities area. A couple of years after that, "We decided to not be together. I don't remember why." So Xiong went solo and began competing.
"In 2005 I entered the Hmong Idol Competition." The competition was held in the Twin Cities and in addition to a host of sponsors was put on by Dreamix pictures and Charming Records. "I love reflecting back" Xiong said wistfully as she talked about the early stages of her career. Each would be contestant auditioned in person or sent in an audition tape. "I sent in a tape." For the finale night all 15 finalists performed 3 songs, 2 they selected and 1 the judges selected. All three judges were in the music industry from the Twin Cities and none were Hmong. "So it was great to get an outside perspective."
That night Xiong won Hmong Idol. Later she released an album as part of the competition.
During the last 4 years Xiong has graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in elementary education. She works part time as a substitute teacher and part time on her music. This summer after a 4 year break Xiong is set to release her 2nd album. This one will be a mix of Hmong and English songs and different from her first album. Xiong will be performing at the July 4th celebration, while the details on the larger concert hasn't been released yet, she will sing Sunday night at the founders Conference.
For more information on Pagnia Xiong go to her web page at www.myspace.com/pagniaxiong or www.erelabel.com. Xiong told HMONG TIMES "I am really, really excited to share my next album. It is a lot more about my experiences in the last 4 years. I want to get a real response."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source: www.hmontimes.com