After guiding New York to a seemingly improbable 7-game win streak, the mania surrounding the new starting point guard for the New York Knicks reached fever pitch. It wasn’t just the win streak, but it was the way Jeremy accomplished the feat as a team player, while making the highlight reels with his heroics. It was also the humble way he has accepted his success and the generosity in which he dishes out credit to his coach and teammates.

But in Asia, what captivates the imaginations of basketball fans the most, is how Jeremy Lin has broken the mold and shattered the barrier that many have perceived with Asian athletes. It has raised the hopes of many young men across a continent, who can now dream of having their shot in the NBA.

Ever since the winning streak began, newspapers and television stations from Taiwan, to China, Singapore, and Hong Kong have covered Jeremy almost religiously. Born from parent of Taiwanese descent, his coverage is especially intense, where Jeremy mania is covered around the clock on the TV news.

With the Knicks first loss with Lin as the starter against the Hornets, perhaps the craziness may start dying down. Lin is sure to pick himself up and learn from his mistakes, pushing himself and his teammates to start a new winning streak, and possibly the playoffs. But the dreams of his captivated fans in Asia are not going to die down anytime soon.

For more information on Jeremy Lin, click here to visit his Fan Page at FanAccess.com.

Kari Kimmel’s song, “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps,” will be broadcast during the ballroom dance scene in the September 1st episode of Burn Notice, which airs 10 pm EST on the USA Network.

UPCOMING: You can hear Kari Kimmel singing with Blake Shelton on the title track “Footloose” for the upcoming film Footloose. She is also singing on the upcoming show “Mobbed” hosted by Howie Mandel. And, the new album “Go” is almost here – The release date for the new album is: Sept 27th!

PAST MONTH: Other songs of Kari Kimmel that have aired on tv shows this past month include: The Lying Game (ABC Family), Big Girl’s Club (MTV), and Keeping Up with Kardashians (MTV)! Also check out the theme song she co-wrote for the show “Big Rich Texas” now airing on the Style Network.

For more information on Kari Kimmel, visit her page on FanAccess.com.

Kari Kimmel released her new music video for her single, “Go.” The video release comes ahead of the release of her new album, also titled, “Go,” scheduled for August 2, 2011.

This has been an active summer for the singer/songwriter, who released the following schedule of songs in films and TV shows:

6/15 – The World According to Paris (Oxygen)
6/13 – Carnal Innocence (Lifetime)
6/14 – Nine Lives of Chloe King (ABC Family)
6/15 – The World According to Paris (Oxygen)
6/22 - The World According to Paris (Oxygen)
6/29 - The World According to Paris (Oxygen)
7/06 – The World According to Paris (Oxygen)

For more information on Kari Kimmel, visit her page on FanAccess.com.

Kari Kimmel, the prolific singer and songwriters, released a new album yesterday entitled, “From the Vault.” The new release shares music she created for film and television. You can find Kari’s songs from previous albums in over 125 TV shows, movies and commercials.

This album features the songs: “Didn’t See This Coming” (from “What Chili Wants” on VH1), “Finally Free” (from “The World According to Paris”), “Save Me” (from the Lifetime movie “Reviving Ophelia”), “I Got You” (from “Space Dogs 3D”), “Watching Over You” (“Space Dogs 3D”), “Holdin’ On” (“The World According to Paris”), “The Last Goodbye” (“What Chili Wants’) and “Number One” (from “America’s Funniest Home Videos” on ABC). There are also two new songs, “Hang On” and “On Your Side.”

“From the Vault” is now available on iTunes.

For more information on Kari Kimmel, visit her page on FanAccess.com.

The last installment of Harry Potter movies, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is scheduled to hit theaters around the world on July 15th, 2011. As British actress Emma Watson of the Harry Potter movie series wrapped up her 10 year career portraying the character Hermione in the movie, she has started her transition into a new chapter of her career.

She was recently interviewed by Rhadika Jones of Time Magazine, who posed 10 questions to her from her fans. You can view this interview by watching the YouTube video above.

Emma Watson has countless fans throughout Asia and Taiwan, so we wanted to find the questions that Taiwanese fans wanted to ask. Taiwan is a democratic island where young people are commonly exposed to Western movies and culture, so the Harry Potter movies has a strong following. FanAccess searched for a representative fan to take on a role as a FanAccess reporter to pose questions for Emma Watson ahead of the screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on the island in July. FanAccess searched Taiwan and found Emma’s biggest (self-proclaimed) fan, Godric Wu.

Godric Wu isn’t just a typical Emma Watson fan. He lives and breathes the world of Harry Potter, and there isn’t a day when classmates don’t hear about him fawning over Emma. He is an avid student of the English language and enjoys Western culture, with plans to study in England. Godric is an outstanding student high school sophomore at the prestigious Kang Ming Senior High School in Tainan, Taiwan.

Godric took his opportunity to be a reporter seriously, and prepared 10 Questions for Emma Watson from Fans in Taiwan:

1. Would you like to learn the Chinese language?
2. If there were an 8th Harry Potter movie, would you want to play a role in it?
3. When you get married in your real life, would you like to get married in Hogwarts?
4. If the magic spells in the books and movie were real, which one would you like to know how to use?
5. Would you like to work with your brother in a future movie project?
6. Would it be possible for you to have an Asian boyfriend?
7. If quiddich were a real sport, which position would you want to play?
8. Which member of your family influences you the most and why?
9. Would you like to come to Taiwan for the premier of Harry Potter in Asia?
10. How old were you when you had your first kiss?

FanAccess and Godric hopes and waits for a response from Emma Watson. If she responds to us, we will translate her answers into Chinese and make them available for the many Chinese-speaking fans he has around the world.

International pop sensation Justin Bieber is scheduled to perform for his fans in Taiwan on Saturday, May 15th, 2011. The concert is set to begin at 7:30 pm at Taipei Arena. The blockbuster concert is sure to be sold out, as most seats are already sold.

Justin Bieber has throngs of fans, young and old, throughout Asia. Taiwan is a democratic island where young people are commonly exposed to Western music and culture, so Biebermania is going strong. FanAccess wanted to know what the Taiwanese fans wanted to know from Justin Bieber. We looked for a representative fan to take on a role as a FanAccess reporter to pose questions for Justin Bieber ahead of his visit to the island. FanAccess searched Taiwan to find a deserving young fan and found Cathy Jiang.

Cathy Jiang is a typical Justin Bieber fan. She is an avid student of the English language and enjoys Western music and culture. She loves Justin Bieber for his music, his stylish expression and his mature, caring attitude for people all over the world. Cathy is an outstanding student high school sophomore at the prestigious Kang Ming Senior High School in Tainan, Taiwan.

Cathy Jiang, a Justin Bieber fan and reporter for FanAccess.

She took her opportunity to be a reporter seriously, and prepared 10 Questions for Justin Bieber from Fans in Taiwan:

1. Would you consider trying to sing some songs in Chinese language?
2. Taiwan has a wide varity of famous delicacies, and food is very important to Taiwanese people. Which dish would you want to try the most?
3. Can you tell us your most memorable crazy moment that you have had?
4. If you were in front of a girl you really liked, which song would you sing to her?
5. If one of your fans had a chance to go out on a date with you, where would you take her?
6. I know your fans must mean a lot to you. What would you like them to do for you?
7. Which performer influences you the most and why?
8. Which member of your family influences you the most and why?
9. Do you have any goals for your future that you would like to share with us?
10. I am sure this is a question most girls care about… What kind of girl can catch your attention?

FanAccess and Cathy Jiang hopes and waits for a response from Justin Bieber. If he responds to us, we will translate his answers into Chinese and make them available for the many Chinese-speaking fans he has around the world.

Freddy Lim of Chthonic has no fears in expressing his feelings on human rights issues.

If you saw Freddy Lim at the local 7-11 in Taipei, you may not know he was one of the most famous heavy metal performers in the world. If you were caught in the mosh pit of a Chthonic concert, you may not realize that the bare-chested vocalist who was whipping the crowd into a frenzy, was in fact a leading human rights advocate in Taiwan.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the site of the 2011 MegaPort Music Festival.

On Saturday, March 5th, Chthonic performed in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, a cosmopolitan seaport of 1.5 million people. He was one of the headliners at the 2011 MegaPort Music Festival, which took place in an area of the city that was an old seaport area converted into an arts and culture center. There were two outdoor music stages as well as an indoor music venue. I attended the concert to explore firsthand why Freddy and Chthonic are adored by young people all over Asia, Europe and the USA.

The indoor concert venue for the 2011 MegaPort Music Festival.

I interviewed a few fans who were waiting in line for the 6:30 pm performance. What was evident immediately was their loyalty and passion for the music.

Chia-hui Lin	“I’ve been a fan for two years. I travelled here from Pingtung, and always go when they are in Southern Taiwan. I love Chthonic because their music is very emotional, and their lyrics reflect Taiwanese history.”
Hao-wei Lung	“I’ve been a fan for a year, and I learned about them from KKBox. I live in Kaohsiung. I love their music because they are energetic and explosive, and their lyrics are meaningful. They aren’t more popular in Taiwan only because they sing about politically-sensitive topics.”
Mio	“I’ve been a fan for 4 years, and I learned about them through a friend. I live in Kaohsiung. I like Chthonic because they are creative, and they work hard on their dream. I am in a hip hop band, and Freddy is inspiring to me.”

During the concert, I was escorted to the press area in front of the stage, a perfect vantage point for the “Chthonic experience.” The music was loud, powerful, and emotional. At times, Freddy highlighted sorrowful messages with his bright red erhu, which is a traditional 2-stringed Taiwanese instrument. Song after song rocked the crowd into rhythmic convulsions and defiant chants. The lyrics were derived from Taiwanese Han and indigenous mythology, and expressed great injustices and sorrow. Chthonic consists of 5 talented musicians, but the leader is clearly Freddy.

Freddy Lim playing the traditional Taiwanese stringed instrument, erhu.

During the breaks, Freddy Lim addressed the crowd, getting them charged up about current social and political injustices. On this night, he addressed Taiwan’s controversial reinstatement of the death penalty, and the recent killing of 5 Taiwanese inmates by the government. When he travels, Freddy frequently promotes Taiwan to his audience as well as the importance of human rights.

The crowd thrives on the energy of Chthonic's music.

When the concert was over, and after Freddy had time to change and remove his makeup, I caught up with the man to get to know him better. Besides having an impressive resume’ as a musician on the international music scene, I learned that he is one of Taiwan’s most vocal advocates for human rights. He is also the chairman of Amnesty International in Taiwan.

FanAccess: What were you like before you became a rock star?
Freddy: As a kid, I was always the one who was never afraid to speak up. I always spoke out against things I didn’t think was fair. In junior high, when the class had to write an essay about our dreams, I wrote about my dreams to be a rock star. The teacher gave me an “F” for the essay, saying I was being unrealistic. It’s funny, but I think I am probably the only person from my class who has actually achieved their dream.

FanAccess: What influenced you to start your band?
Freddy: In high school, I enjoyed reading Nietsche and the Japanese comic series, Phoenix. This gave me a different way to think about life. I was also influenced by music, including Slayer, Anthrax and Nine Inch Nails. After I graduated from high school, I realized that 18 years, or perhaps a quarter of my life, had passed by, and I hadn’t accomplished anything. I cried very hard. At that point I decided to do what I really wanted to do with my life. I started the band.

FanAccess: How did that affect your parents?
Freddy: They didn’t like it at first. I think they finally accepted my career choice in 2003, after we won the Best Band Award at the Taiwan Golden Melodies Awards. They finally had a way to describe to their friends what I did for a living without getting embarrassed.

FanAccess: You have become a well-known advocate for human rights and indigenous rights in Taiwan. You also promote the human rights efforts in other countries. You are respected for bring a musician not afraid to take a stand. How did that come about?
Freddy: I just felt that life was too short, so there is no time to deny myself from making a difference.

FanAccess: What was it like meeting his Holiness, the Dalai Lama?
Freddy: Being with him was like being around a very amazing grandpa. What I learned the most from him was not what he said, but it was his presence and attitude.

FanAccess: You are an inspiration for many young people in Taiwan and the world to keep going after their dreams. What would you tell people about that?
Freddy: My parents used to tell me I should wait until I had a career and built up my financial security before I pursued my dreams in music. I thought that it would be crazy to try to start a career in a band after I was over 40 years old. I asked my parents, “You have your career and money. Did you pursue your dream? Do you even remember what your dreams were?” That was all that was needed to be said.

Doris, the bass guitarist for Chthonic.

Jesse Liu, the guitarist of Chthonic.

At least in this case, the world is better off that someone didn’t heed their parent’s advice. As a result, the world has a young, energetic Taiwanese leader named Freddy Lim who is willing to stand up for justice and human rights, and inspire young people not be afraid to express themselves. His music contains the type of message that certain governments don’t like to hear, and even though he is banned in these countries, he has growing legions of fans there who find a way to listen to and share his musical message.

I thanked Freddy Lim for his time, as he rushed off for his 4 hour drive back to Taipei. He had a very busy schedule preparing for a trip to London to participate in a well-known heavy metal music festival.

Janet Hsieh, a model and TV travel show host on Fun Taiwan, has many fans around the world. Besides being a photogenic personality, Janet is also a noted violinist. She has been playing the violin since the age of 5. When Janet was in Middle School, she was part of the Texas Young Virtuosos, and played at the White House and in Europe. Her career has come a long way, and you can watch her performing with Jean and Mariell, both notable musicians in their own right.

National Chiang Kai-Shek Cultural Center
Taipei, Taiwan
February 12, 2011 and February 13, 2011
7:30 pm
Phone: +886 (02) 3393-9888

Musical contributors: Bob Solone (Chicago, USA); Marcia Klatt (Chicago, USA); Karena Mendoza(Chicago); Malik Worthy (Toronto, CANADA); Anne Waltner (Cleveland, USA); Glen Smith (Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA); Mariell (Chicago, USA); Chen-Zhenhang (Taipei); and Li, Zhe-Yi (Taipei)

For more about Janet Hsieh, visit her profile on FanAccess.com.

Olivia Ong of Singapore charms the audience with songs in English and Chinese.

Story and two photos by Tony Coolidge.

Tainan, Taiwan – January 1, 2011 – Singapore pop singer Olivia Ong (王俪婷) charmed the crowds of the new municipality of Tainan to ring in the New Year. Olivia was one of the headlining celebrities to light up the night at the 2011 Tainan New Year’s Eve Festival, which included stars from different countries. Known for her ability to sing in different languages, she please the crowd with two song in Mandarin Chinese, and then energized the audience with a rendition of “I Can’t Go For That” (1981: Hall and Oates).

The crowds packed the concert.

After her performance, she joined the new Tainan Mayor Ching-te Lai and other celebrities on stage to count down the final seconds of 2010, and to watch the fireworks overhead. The celebration marked a significant event in the history of the city of Tainan. With the merging of the Tainan City and County governments, the municipality of Tainan is now a global city of over 1.87 million people. The event was the first public appearance of Tainan municipality’s first mayor, who hosted the festival to ring in a new year of hope and promise.

For more on Olivia Ong, visit the Olivia Ong page on FanAccess.com.

Publicity photo provided by HIM International.

Kari Kimmel’s voice and songs have been heard in the following films and tv shows:  Dreamgirls, Shall We Dance, Nights In Rodanthe, WallE, Ella Enchanted, White Chicks, Tinkerbell, Private Practice,  The L Word, 8 Simple Rules, The Gilmore Girls, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Hills, Greek, Regis and Kelly, KimPossible, 10 Things I Hate About You, Pretty Little Liars…

For more on Kari Kimmel, visit the Kari Kimmel page on FanAccess.com.