Fresh AANHPI Artists You Don’t Want To Miss

Looking for new music to obsess over? These Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander artists are pushing boundaries, blending genres, and securing themselves as some of our favorites in the game right now. 🔊⚡️ Check them out, stream their tracks, and spread the love…

Fresh AANHPI Artists You Don’t Want To Miss

Alex Wong

Alex Wong is a Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist and producer whose music is a journey of self-discovery and authenticity. Known for his collaborations with Delta Rae, Vienna Teng, and Melissa Ferrick, his work has appeared in TV shows and films like The Last Song, True Blood, and Ray Donovan.

On his latest album, The Elephant and the Seahorse, Alex confronts his complicated relationship with memory and identity as a second-generation Chinese-American. For years, he downplayed his ethnicity, forced to fit into a mostly-white music world. But now, he’s reclaiming his heritage, exploring the shame and anger he once buried, and encouraging others to embrace their true selves. His track “Show Yourself” speaks to this journey, with the lyrics: “I miss the sound of my father’s Chinese / Fading in the suburban breeze / Why do I run from what I used to be / Why am I hiding from my history?” // Discover more on Spotify…

BUBBLE TEA AND CIGARETTES

BUBBLE TEA AND CIGARETTES is a dream pop duo formed in 2019 by Kat (Ruinan Zhang) and Andi Wang. Originally from Asia and now based in Seattle, their music blends indie pop, shoegaze, and slowcore, capturing themes of love, loss, and self-reflection. Their debut album, There’s Nothing But Pleasure, released in 2022, quickly sold out its first vinyl pressing. The duo’s ethereal sound and emotional depth resonated with listeners, leading to a 14-city tour across the USA and Asia.

In 2024, they released “we should’ve killed each other”, further solidifying their place in the dream pop scene with tracks like “Plane Crash” and “He Asked Me to Quit Smoking.” With their haunting melodies and intimate performances, BUBBLE TEA AND CIGARETTES continue to captivate audiences worldwide. // Discover more on Spotify…

Chance Emerson

Chance Emerson is a Taiwanese-American singer-songwriter whose music blends heartfelt folk-rock with modern pop sensibilities. Raised between Hong Kong and Maine, Chance’s unique upbringing informs his emotionally resonant songwriting. His 2023 album, Ginkgo, chronicles the cyclical nature of love in real time, capturing the highs and lows with raw honesty. The lead single, “House We Share,” recorded in the cabin where the events took place, has surpassed 2 million streams and earned features on Spotify’s ‘Dinner With Friends’ and ‘Next Gen Singer-Songwriter’ playlists.

Having opened for acts like Blues Traveler, Johnnyswim, and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Chance’s live performances have captivated audiences across the Northeast. Recognized with the John Lennon Songwriting Award from BMI, he continues to share his authentic voice with the world. // Discover more on Spotify…

Cherrykim

Cherrykim is a Montreal-based singer, songwriter, and producer blending retro soul, neo-soul, and modern R&B into a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Born in South Korea and raised in Texas and British Columbia, his music reflects a rich mix of cultures and experiences. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, Cherrykim plays guitar, bass, piano, and drums, creating his songs from the ground up. Drawing inspiration from the soulful grooves of D’Angelo and the raw energy of Thee Sacred Souls, his music connects deeply with themes of love, longing, healing, and growth. Focused on leveling up as an artist, Cherrykim continues to share soulful, honest music that resonates with listeners and constantly evolves. // Discover more on Spotify…

DABOYWAY

DABOYWAY has been an integral force of Thai Hip Hop culture since its birth. He is part of the No. 1 Hip Hop group “Thaitanium” with countless chart-topping albums over 17 17-year career. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Way has made Bangkok his base in where he has built his empire. He founded NeverSayCutz barber shops (NVSC)with 24 stores across Thailand, and the number is growing.NVSC has become the street-cultural hub where communities meet and exchange ideas about street art, hip-hop, and fashion. DABOYWAY has been featured on Beats 1 Radio with Ebro Darden and has collaborated with several international artists, including Anarchy and Snoop Dogg. In 2019, Way is launching his solo self-titled project, which will be the first-ever release under Def Jam Thailand Records. // Discover more on Spotify…

Kolohe Kai

Kolohe Kai has been one of the most beloved names in Pacific Island Reggae for over a decade. Led by Oahu-born singer-songwriter Roman De Peralta, the project first broke out when he signed a record deal at 17, fusing ukulele-driven melodies with roots reggae rhythms. Over time, his sound has expanded to include pop and R&B influences, elevating Kolohe Kai into a new era of Island Reggae.

Inspired early on by island reggae legends, his debut album This Is The Life (2009) set the tone for a string of hits. More recently, collaborations with Grammy-winning producer Brian Kierulf on tracks like “Catching Lightning” and “Heartstrings” showcase his growth as an artist. Once dubbed the “Justin Bieber of Hawaii,” Kolohe Kai has matured into a seasoned storyteller while keeping his island roots front and center. With accolades like Reggae Album of the Year from both the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and Island Music Awards, and over 40 million streams in 2020 alone, Kolohe Kai continues to define what modern Island Reggae sounds like. // Discover more on Spotify…

Martin Martyn

Martin Martyn is a Japanese duo composed of pianist Hideyuki Hashimoto and producer Yuri Kawai. Their music blends ambient piano with electronic textures, creating immersive soundscapes that balance warmth and minimalism. Their debut EP, X, released in early 2025, features tracks like “Oden,” showcasing their delicate production and the interplay between acoustic and synthetic elements. The duo’s work reflects a harmonious fusion of technology and nature, offering listeners a serene and contemplative experience. // Discover more on Spotify…

Maya Kuriel

Born and raised in Seattle and now based in Los Angeles, Maya Kuriel is a first-generation Korean American artist redefining the landscape of pop music. She’s a sonic architect crafting a world where eerie synths, raw emotion, and grungy production collide. She embraces the underrepresented, carving out a space for Asian voices in a genre that’s long overdue for a shake-up. Her music drips with moody textures and cinematic tension, luring listeners into a hypnotic haze of haunting melodies and pulsating beats. Since her debut in 2020, Maya has amassed over 2.5 million streams across all platforms, captivating audiences worldwide with her powerful vocal melodies and introspective lyrics. With a voice that floats between ethereal beauty and unfiltered grit, she’s the storm brewing on the edge of pop’s horizon, one that refuses to be ignored. // Discover more on Spotify…

PENG PENG

PENG PENG is a Los Angeles-based alternative pop artist whose journey from elite gymnast to musician exemplifies resilience and versatility. A former Olympic team captain and UCLA gymnast, she began pursuing music and acting seriously after graduating in 2018. Her debut single, “Pretty Please,” showcases her powerful vocals and has garnered attention for its award-winning music video. Following up with “Money On Me (Gold Over America Tour Mix),” PENG PENG continues to blend her athletic discipline with artistic expression. With a growing presence on social media platforms, including over 5.5 million followers, she captivates audiences with her dynamic performances and authentic storytelling, solidifying her place in the alternative pop scene. // Discover more on Spotify…

ysabelle

Philippines-born singer and songwriter ysabelle first gained popularity on YouTube for her heartfelt covers, amassing over 700 million streams, including 175 million on her breakout hit, “I Like You So Much, You’ll Know It.” In 2018, she debuted her original music with “Daunted” via Warner Music Philippines, earning millions of streams across Southeast Asia and North America. Known for her vocal versatility and multilingual covers, she’s translated Korean songs into Filipino and English, even winning YG Entertainment’s 2020 cover contest. That same year, her BTS cover was featured on Glamour, earning praise from the group themselves. Now, she is focused on her next chapter, writing and recording original music that blends global influences with emotional depth. // Discover more on Spotify…

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Want more music? 👀

Check out our playlist on Spotify below…