10 AAPI Artists to Add to Your Playlist
May is known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Month and many artists, big and small, are ready for the attention worldwide. Celebrate this upcoming May with these artists and even get inspired by their hard work and efforts.
Rina Sawayama
This upcoming pop star is making herself known everywhere with her pop music and first-ever acting debut in the box office hit ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. Her hard work and dedication to music and the arts continue with her upcoming Hold the Girl: Reloaded Tour and music festival run.
Francisco Martin
This artists is a San Francisco-born singer/songwriter, developed a passion for music at a young age through exposure to various genres in his music-loving household. Drawing inspiration from artists like James Bay, John Mayer, and Ed Sheeran, Martin creates an authentic sound blending delicate songwriting with influences from his favorite rock bands and soul music. Check out his latest single, "Passenger Princess."
Yaeji
This artist continues to have her music played everywhere with her DJ sets and albums. If house music, hip-hop, and soft-sounding lyrics are your taste in an artist, Yaeji is the perfect person.
Japanese Breakfast
This indie pop band consists of two members with a piece of slow-sounding fun music around it. The album ‘Jubilee’ celebrates the passage of time and is eager for a brand new, refreshing era. Check out Japanese Breakfast on tour and listen to the album ‘Jubilee’.
Joji
Joji, born George Kusunoki Miller, is a Japanese singer-songwriter, rapper, and former YouTuber known for his comedy channels where he portrayed characters like Filthy Frank and Pink Guy. Transitioning into a music career, Joji has released albums like "Ballads 1" and "Nectar," featuring popular singles such as "Slow Dancing in the Dark" and "Sanctuary."
spill tab
If alternative pop is an ideal genre, spill tab is perfect. Her lo-fi-sounding music is notable by many music outlets and uses her many talents to create music with a different tone to it all.
mxmtoon
This singer-songwriter is notable for her transparent artistry through her music. Her music career started taking off in 2019 after the release of ‘prom dress’ which gained popularity on TikTok.
thuy
This Vietnamese-American artist specializes in both R&B music and electronic. After growing up listening to pop and R&B artists like Brandy and Britney Spears, she became inspired to follow in their footsteps to create a nice, nostalgic sound.
beabadoobe
Currently touring with pop star Taylor Swift, beabadoobie is expanding her slow, soft-sounding music to her advantage. Her most recent song, ‘glue song’ has gained popularity on TikTok and creates a new perspective on young love.
Hojean
Hojean, originally from Long Island, New York, now resides in Alpharetta, Georgia. He is a multi-talented artist who creates music, produces, writes, and works as a visual artist, drawing inspiration from artists like Steve Lacy, Omar Apollo, The Internet, and Frank Ocean. His journey into music began when he performed in a talent show hosted by his crush, who encouraged him to pursue his talent further, leading him to dive into his musical career.
May is known as Asian American Pacific Islander month but artists like the ones above and more should be celebrated year-round with their creative aspect on music and the growth of their sounds through new interests.