Possessing arguably the best male voice by a Cambodian American singer, David Soeun, or V8 in music circles, got his passion in singing on track by straying from his affiliation with gangs and teenage deviance when he was 18.

Through his involvement with a local grassroot organization funded by the city of Stockton, V8 has kept his life in line and his sights sharp on his singing aspirations. His first single “Said and Done” was released while he was still learning the art of music production. The song was well received and is a testament to his talent as a song writer.

Now at 23, and having already opened for Jagged Edge, Tyrese, performed at numerous events and shows throughout California, V8 is set to release his first album in early 2009.

Like many solo or independent artists, V8 has a music page on Myspace.com, Myspace.com/v8music, where you can listen to tracks that he has worked on and learn a little bit about the man behind the music. 

Upon visiting his page, you’ll see a nicely designed splash image of V8, and then all of a sudden you’ll hear a steady beat with a soulful voice that sings with a gentle intimacy and a sound that’s very personal in the track “When I’m alone”.  As you listen to the second track, “Not Ready For Love” you can hear the power and control in V8’s voice that signifies a talented singer. The feel of the song harkens back to the 90’s R & B and has a hypnotic affect as it tends to make the listener want to just sit there and think while memories of teenage love is evoked (at least for me anway).

Overall, we can hear the immense talent in V8 and I’m excited about his first album release due out next year.  He will definitely make a name for himself and inspire countless Cambodian kids worldwide. 

Questions and Answers:

Q: How long have you been involved in the music industry?

A. I've been involved in the music industry since I was 15 years old. But I didn't get too involved until I was 21 years old. That's when I starting working on writing and producing my own stuff.

Q. Who are some of your greatest influences?

A. I grew up listening to Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Tevin Campbell, Silk, and majority of the 90's R&B artists. I still do listen to them right now. Their sounds are still influential and the artists today can't compare to them. 

Q. If you could perform with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

A. I would love the opportunity to perform with Boyz II Men. I'm a huge fan of theirs. I have all their albums, watched their videos, studied their performances, and have been to their concerts. It would be such a honor.

Q. What advice would you give to those who'd like to get into the business?

A. My advice is to work hard, play hard, be consistent of what you do, perfect the craft, and let influences motivate and it will take you a long way. It's also important to take all criticisms-positive or negative- and let it be your insecurity. it will help you improve in every aspect of being an artist. "Success can only be weighed down by a big ego, so be humble and loyal to yourself." V8

Q. Do you think being asian/khmer helps or hinders your work?

A. I'd say that being Khmer hinders me because of the small market we have in the R&B music business. Not too many asians have made it out there. But the upside to this as being an asian/khmer talented artist differentiates me from the artists already out there. 

Q. How do you think your music influences your listeners?

A.. My music is based on personal experiences which relates to relationships out there. My fans feels more connection because everyone has gone through what I have been through. 

Q. Does your culture influence your work?

A. No and yes. No because my music reflects an R&B style but yes because I've learned to do runs and riffs from the traditional Cambodian artists. I studied both american style and cambodian style (both are very different) which helps me focus on my style. 

Q. What are your expectations for yourself in the future?

A. I hope to be a sucessful independent/solo artist, learn more of the business (every aspect of it) and be known and remembered as the first Khmer/Asian R&B in the music industry. I want my music to influence and motivate other khmer/asian R&B artists to keep trying to put themselves out there as well.

Q. Any last words you would like to add?

A. I love doing what I'm doing with a passion with or without the money. I'll still remain in the game without a doubt. I currently have 200 tracks in the library and I am working on finally releasing an album early next year. It took me this long to work on the album because the first 2 years was just learning the game and promoting myself with performances. There will be new songs in addition to the old favorites on the album.