This month is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! We’re celebrating by showing off some incredible AAPI artists who you definitely don’t want to miss this year. Start your day off right by turning up the volume on these badass artists… 🔊
AAPI Artists You Need To Know About in 2023
Sofia Kay
“Hey! I’m Sofia. I’m a 17-year-old singer and songwriter from Toronto. I’ve recently released my single, “Cute”. Along with my artist project, I write for other artists. I co-wrote “Sugar Rush Ride” on TXT’s mini album “The Name Chapter: Temptation,” “Way Home” off of TXT’s “minisode1: Blue Hour” mini album, and “Summer Night” on Girl’s Generation’s album “FOREVER 1.” // @sofiaakay
Lawrence Lui
“One of the most eclectic electronic music artists working today, Lawrence Lui’s debut EP ‘Retroism’ has garnered over 5 million streams and support in tastemaker outlets like Magnet Magazine, WFMU, The Wire Magazine, Indie Shuffle, EDM Tunes, Nexus Radio, Big Shot Magazine and more. A remix by Anjunadeep’s Beckwith was released in 2018, followed by an ambitious second EP ‘The Genius Of Time’ which fused cosmic techno with Buddhist chanson and gonzo songcraft. After contracting Covid-19 in March 2020, Lui recorded ‘Isolation Loops’, an EP of lo-fi ambient music inspired by his personal experience of the pandemic.” // @lawrencelui
Ka$tro
“Japanese/Vietnamese American beatmaker based in San Diego, California.” // @eyyitskastro
ShiShi
“With 25 million global streams under his belt, independent South Asian artist ShiShi is on a mission to deliver spiritual awakening and emotional healing to his audience through the medium of sound… ShiShi’s musical work is an extension of his mission as a human being: to embody radical authenticity and self-expression, in service to all those who feel alone and disconnected from the great flow of life … just like he once did.” // @shishimusic
Nightro
“Nightro is a USA based multi-genre DJ & music producer duo formed by Ritvik Chakradhar of India, as seen on Netflix’s Selling Sunset and FOX’s Paradise Hotel. Formed in September 2014, Nightro has grown tremendously with their diverse music, having being supported live and on air by the most prestigious dance music acts in the industry such as Hardwell, Martin Garrix, R3HAB, Steve Aoki, Cash Cash, Above & Beyond, Nicky Romero, Dannic & many more…” // @wearenightro
Harriet Chung
“Harriet Chung is an internationally acclaimed recording artist and performer. Based in Toronto, Canada, Chung released her debut album, A World Away, earlier this year. The album features the award-winning songs A World Away (Remix) (Hollywood Gold Awards), Old Montreal (New York Cinematography Awards), and Today and Tomorrow (New York Movie Awards). Her music has been played on radio stations across North America…” (Read more on Spotify) // @harrietperforming
J. Boog
“Born and raised on the west coast and influenced heavily by his polynesian upbringing, J Boog is undoubtedly one of the top reggae singers in recent years. Mentored by Island Reggae icon Fiji, he fine tuned his sound and style creating a unique blend that transcends across continents. The two-time grammy nominee has toured all over the world and performed at numerous festivals, gaining fans both on and off stage with his humble demeanor, universal catalog, and passion for music.” // @jboogmusic
Cecilia Gault
“Raised in Lower Manhattan, of Irish and Japanese descent, Cecilia Gault’s identity is a significant drive for her music and artistry. Her bi-cultural upbringing is a defining feature of Cecilia’s identity and approach to music, which features both English and Japanese lyrics.” // @ceciliagault
AZRA
“Pop-rock goddess AZRA is a South Korean-born, Bay area-raised, now multidisciplinary Los Angeles based independent artist making waves with more than just her music. She shares her story through her signature Substance Pop sound – an entirely new genre of music that channels cathartic power pop, rock, dance, and metal influences with heavy 808 beats to electrify your entire body.” // @theazraofficial
J.Lately
“J.Lately distinguishes himself as an emcee with his soulful style and laid back flow. A true appreciation for music along with the unique ability to put everyday life into a relatable perspective has allowed him to flourish in the Bay Area scene and beyond. His music possesses the rare ability to make you contemplate and vibe out simultaneously, finding the perfect balance between the conscious and the stoner. Coming from the small town of Sebastopol, and having split time between Oakland and Southern California, his influences are eclectic and mesh together effortlessly to form his own individual style.” // @jlately
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Want more?
🎶 Sit back, listen up, and spread the love on our AAPI Spotify playlist right here…