#NtseegKuv10Years: Thank You

In 2007, I was approached by Fong Lor of Evolution Records Entertainment to sign on as a new artist. When he initiated this collaboration, it was an instant no.

It was a no because I was enduring one of the most challenging periods of my music career--right at its beginning in 2006.

I lost faith in music collaborations,
trusted no one in the Hmong music industry,
neglected my singing aspirations,
and fell into depression.

My dreams were crushed, and there was little hope to revive them.

Fong Lor, Pagnia Xiong, Kong Lor, & Shu Lor, J4 Sports Festival in St. Paul, MN, July 2010.

In 2009, Fong approached me again. He invited me to dinner with his brothers, The Kong & Shu Project, after a long Labor Day weekend of promoting their new album in Oshkosh, WI. Within days, I signed as a new ERE artist.

I didn't know it then, but this would be the best decision I make in my music career to date. 

It opened doors for me to fulfill my best Hmong music dreams. Like sharing the stage with The Sounders (nervous and grateful all three times) and meeting/crying before Ly Dang of Xanakee in France. In France, y’all!

Pagnia Xiong & Ly Dang, Le Festival Hmong in France. July 2010.

It connected me to tens of thousands of you all over the world. Like when you commented that your entire family, including your dad, cried with you when you played "Txoj Phuam Txoom Suab," knowing your future as a Hmong bride.

And of course, it gave me a second chance to sing and record a new album, "Ntseeg Kuv." The title track was indeed inspired by a true love story. Yet what you don't know is the story behind the album title.

After I recorded the album, I went in search of an album title. I called my beloved sister, Pa Kou, and as always, she reminded me of my musical past and then showed me what I became of it. She said for this album, "Ntseeg Kuv" should be the title and serve as a symbol.

So as I stand here on the set of the "Ntseeg Kuv (Live Performance)" video, I celebrate the blessings this album created and, without knowing, what I've become because of all of it.

Thank you to each of you who purchased and played the album in your car and home. Thank you to each of you who chose one of the songs to play on your special day. Thank you for your love and support of "Ntseeg Kuv" for the past 10 years.

Until the next album...

Dream BIG,
Pagnia