The Slants

The Slants is an Asian American dance rock band and nonprofit organization founded by Simon Tam (also known as Simon Young) in 2006 in Portland, Oregon. The current line-up features lead singer Ken Shima, founder and bassist Simon Tam, and guitarist Joe X. Jiang. Influenced by 1980s bands such as Depeche Mode and New Order, as well as modern acts such as The Killers and The Bravery, the band refers to their sound as "Chinatown Dance Rock". The Slants have garnered a niche fan-base of otaku as a result of their appearances at anime conventions. The band has also been featured in the shōjo manga magazine Shojo Beat, as well as partnering with the magazine, Fender guitars and Sakura-Con for a Hello Kitty guitar contest.The band is well known in legal circles due to their battle with the United States Trademark Office, which went before the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of Matal v. Tam in 2017, and was decided unanimously in their favor. The case has opened the door for minorities to reclaim their identities through reappropration. Trademark law expert, Elizabeth Squires, writes: "Simon Tam’s successful attempt to infuse meaning into a term by trademarking it was brilliant. He and other newly minted trademark holders have been unleashed to kick-start a new era of free speech and cultural reclamation, where we as market participants have a voice. Now, more than ever, what we have to say and what the market thinks matters. Society should take note from The Slants® and we should be sure to speak loud enough and proud enough for the lexicographers to hear."In late 2019, the band officially retired from live touring in order to better focus on their nonprofit organization, The Slants Foundation.