InspiredBy U
Bio
IBU (profile) , short for Inspired By U, are from Chicago, Illinois. Not only can they sing and dance, but they also write their own songs as well. 
This dynamic musical R&B group came together in March of 2001. The members of IBU include, Jonathan Shauf and Mike Musni, who are Filipino-American, and Tommy Chanthasene, a Laotian-American. IBU’s rich harmonies and dance skills appeared in night clubs, talent showcases, car shows, sporting events, Universities, radios shows, and they have been featured on numerous TV shows, newspapers, and magazines. Many music industry insiders have considered them to be the next “Boys II Men”. Their performances on stage have been hailed as Chicago’s most sought after Asian American harmony group.
After winning the Chicago Music Opportunity Project (CMOP), a state sponsored talent competition in May of 2003, IBU’s career was apparent. Their rendition of “I Can’t Get Over You,” produced by Earl Powell, with lyrics by Tommy Chanthasene, won a standing ovation from the audience. 
IBU’s pure vocal talents and song writing skills have landed them a record deal. They are one of the busiest Asian American groups in the country today, performing throughout the United States and the Philippines. IBU has been featured on MTV2 “On The Rise”, and on other shows such as ABS-CBN/The Filipino Channel and the International Channel. The trio’s passion for music can be seen in their quick steps during performances and felt throughout their songs. Their inspiration comes from you, the fans.
Here are some of their accomplishments and performances as they explode in the music industry:
2007 Muse's Muse Half Decade Award - Top 10 Songs
2007 Muse's Muse Half Decade Award - Top 20 Albums
2006 Muse's Muse Best Ballad Award
2005-2007 Sang the National Anthem at 12 White Sox Games
2005 R&B Group Of the Year, New York Intl Music Festival
2004 Best R&B Group, New York Intl Music Festival
IBU Videos
Interviewby Laoville Staff
How do you describe your music to people?
A: Our music is basically in the R&B / Pop genre, definitely with our own flavor. We like to showcase our harmonies, which our group is known for.
What are your songs about? Do you write your own songs?
A: Our songs are about life. It's based mostly on our experiences. It's us putting our story into words and music. Yes, we write most of our songs.
Who are your musical influences?
A: Basically all successful R&B artists. Usher, Justin Timberlake, Boyz II Men, etc. We'd say we like their musical style, but when we write songs, we always come up with our own style, our own sound.
For Tommy, When did your family arrive in the U.S.? Can you tell me a little bio about your family?
A: My family came from Vientiane, Laos and we immigrated to Chicago when I was two. My mom is my biggest musical influence. She sings around the house and I kinda copied that. We're a close knit family. I have one brother.
How does IBU as a group overcome the stereotypes of Asian Americans in the mainstream music industry?
A: We are aware of the stereotyping of Asian Americans in the mainstream music industry. But we never considered that as a barrier. We don't even think much about that, if we do, then we'd be making excuses for not trying to excel in what we do. We just do our own thing and hopefully we can break those barriers. We're lucky to be exposed to the mainstream scene.
What do you guys like to do when you are not working on your music?
A: When IBU's not working on their music, we have daytime jobs. All of us work in the computer related industry. Tommy is the co-manager of the technology department of the Crystal Lake School District.
What advice do you have for aspiring young talents out there, who are interested in the music industry?
A: Other than hard work and a lot of sacrifices, you need to learn as much as you can about the business of music. It's not all show. It's a business. So read books, and do your research. Attend workshops.
What are your goals and dreams for the future of I.B.U.?
A: We're currently working on our second album which will be released later this year. We hope to continue performing to promote the new album. IBU formed our own company, Inspired Collection, LLC., When our performing days are over, we'd still be doing music, but in the background with our company. We'd probably go into producing other artists, artist management and development, merchandising, record label, etc.
contact the writer: Laoville.com