Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, or AAPIH month, is an annual observance held in the United States that recognizes the prolific and diverse cultural heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Recognized during the month of May, AAPIH month provides the opportunity to honor the unique traditions, customs, and histories of these communities, while also celebrating their contributions, achievements, and experiences. This month also provides awareness about the challenges these communities have faced, both currently and historically, and the strides they have made in shaping the American mosaic.
As someone who is a part of the AAPI community, I decided to take the time this month to listen to more music by those in the community. After coming across and listening to so many talented artists, I decided to highlight a handful of artists from several different backgrounds that everyone should know about. While most are currently based in the US, there are a handful below that are either involved with or cater towards American audiences.
Read below to learn more about these artists:
noso
Baek Hwong, better known as NoSo, is a 26-year-old Korean-American non-binary singer-songwriter and producer currently based in Los Angeles. Their stage name, NoSo, is derived from the abbreviation for North/South, a nod to their Korean-American heritage. NoSo found solace and self-expression through their songwriting, especially in navigating their evolving gender identity. Although NoSo began playing guitar at 12, it wasn’t until their move to Los Angeles at 16 that they began earnestly crafting their unique sound. Continuing to pursue their musical aspirations, NoSo attended the University of Southern California to study popular music, and shortly after, they were signed to Partisan Records, marking a significant milestone in their career.
NoSo released their debut album, Stay Proud of Me, on July 8, 2022. This album served as a poignant, coming-of-age narrative, encompassing Hwong’s experiences with their gender and racial identity. Several tracks on this album such as “Parasite” and “Suburbia” delve into their reflections on the intricate and interconnected aspects of their queer transgender Korean-American identity, having grown up in a predominantly white neighborhood. With critical acclaim from NPR, NoSo is definitely an artist to keep your eyes on.
fig
Fay Liew, known by her stage name FIG, is a 22-year-old indie bedroom pop singer-songwriter from Malaysia and currently based in New York City. Her music, infused with elements of lo-fi, captivates listeners with its intimate and introspective sound. Fay’s musical journey began in middle and high school, where she found her passion for music through choir. Initially, Fay started her musical career by recording covers of songs, but it wasn’t until she moved to New York City and began her studies at The New School that she delved into writing her own music. It was specifically through a songwriting class that she unearthed her deep affinity for crafting original songs.
Notably, Fay places a strong emphasis on community outreach. She founded the community event called Cob Stand, a platform that fosters a sense of belonging through intimate concerts, showcasing diverse Asian creatives and highlighting emerging artists. On November 3, 2022, she released her debut album, BUD, which garnered acclaim for its soulful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. More recently, Fay released her latest single, “Seeking for Connection,” on May 18, 2023. With each song, she aims to provide comfort and create a space where listeners can freely express themselves, whether it’s through dancing, screaming, or finding solace in the transformative power of music.
joy crookes
Joy Crookes, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi-Irish singer-songwriter from London, has carved her place in the music industry with her mesmerizing R&B/soul sound. Her music weaves together themes of relationships, self-reliance, her cultural heritage, and her personal identity. Since 2017, Joy has released three EPs, each showcasing her incredible talent as a songwriter. In October 2021, Joy unveiled her highly anticipated debut album, Skin, which received widespread critical acclaim and reached the top five in the UK charts. Crookes’s journey as a singer began after attending a jazz and blues workshop, igniting her passion for music. By the age of 13, she started sharing covers on YouTube, honing her skills and captivating audiences with her enchanting voice.
Crookes’s songwriting prowess is heavily influenced by the art of storytelling, allowing her to craft elegant lyrics and delicate melodies that resonate deeply with her listeners. Her exceptional talent garnered further recognition when she received nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop/R&B Artist at the 2022 BRIT Awards. Joy Crookes continues to make her mark in the music industry, fascinating listeners with her soulful voice, compelling storytelling, and unique perspective.
iam tongi
Iam Tongi, at the age of 18, made history as the first Hawaii-born Pacific Islander to win American Idol. Rising to fame during the most recent season of the acclaimed competition, Iam’s exceptional talent and heartfelt performances propelled him to the top. Originally from Kahuku, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu, Iam shared on the show that he and his family had to relocate to Washington after being “priced out of paradise.”
As the youngest of five siblings, he discovered his musical abilities early on, learning to play the ukulele and piano in 5th grade. Though his first audition in 2022 didn’t progress beyond the initial screening, Iam’s determination led him to audition again during the recent season, ultimately emerging as the winner of American Idol. Tragically, just months before his reaudition, his father passed away, leaving behind the guitar that he had gifted Iam when he was 13, serving as a poignant reminder of his father’s love and support.
Prior to American Idol, Iam released his debut single, “Dreams,” a touching song written specifically for his sister’s wedding. Showcasing his versatility and emotional depth, Iam’s most recent release, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” arrived just days before the season finale and swiftly claimed the top spot on the charts shortly after its release. With his heartfelt performances and soulful voice, Iam Tongi has established himself as a rising star in the music industry, winning people over with his talent, resilience, and unwavering passion. I try not to show bias as a fellow Pacific Islander, but I am genuinely so excited to see what the future holds for Iam.
grentperez
Filipino-Australian music artist grentperez is our latest bedroom pop craze. Coming from Western Sydney, a place where there has been negative stigma toward, Perez is representing the Filipino demographic and furthering the youth increasing their pride of the city. The 21 year-old singer-songwriter began his career sharing covers and originals on Youtube, encouraged by his brother and sister. He also found inspiration from family karaoke where he discovered his own style, surrounded by an environment of lively music and hidden talents.
Growing up with a Filipino background, this scene was a normal occurrence, which was a blessing in disguise. This fostered Perez’s homegrown vocals that shaped his music naturally to feel nostalgic. Fast forward, Perez’s debut single “Cherry Wine” made a global splash in 2021, reaching #1 on the Spotify Viral Chart in Australia, Canada, and Singapore. He continues to wow listeners with singles like “When The Day Is Done,” featured on his upcoming EP, When We Were Younger, due for release on June 2.
raveena
Raveena Aurora, known simply as Raveena, is an Indian Punjabi-American singer-songwriter based in New York City. Her musical journey gained momentum with the release of her debut EP, Shanti, in 2017, which allowed her to cultivate a dedicated following. Independently releasing her debut album, Lucid, in 2019, Raveena continued to charm listeners with her delicate sound. She further showcased her artistry with the release of the EP, Moonstone, and her second album, Asha’s Awakening, both receiving wide acclaim from fans and critics.
From a young age, Raveena delved into writing poetry and was exposed to a diverse range of influences, including R&B, Soul, Jazz, and Folk music during her middle school years, heavily contributing towards the unique sound she has cultivated. Despite initial hesitation from her parents, they remained supportive of her musical aspirations, nurturing her development as an artist. In the early stages of her career, Raveena encountered challenges as several record labels overlooked her due to her ethnicity. Undeterred, she persevered and carved her own path.
Raveena’s music dives into themes of self-love, healing, sensuality, and spirituality. Her music videos proudly showcase her Indian heritage and celebrate women of color. For Raveena, songwriting has always been a cathartic experience, providing her with a means to process and reflect upon her own experiences. With her soul-stirring music and profound lyricism, Raveena continues to make her mark, touching the hearts of audiences worldwide.
phum viphurit
Viphurit Siritip, known by his nickname Phum, is a soft-spoken Thai singer-songwriter known for his indie, neo-soul sound. He achieved international fame in 2018 with his breakthrough single, “Lover Boy.” Born in Bangkok, Thailand, Phum briefly resided in New Zealand at the age of 9 before returning to his homeland to pursue a film degree in college. Although he initially started playing drums, he eventually switched over to learning guitar, which became his instrument of choice. Phum signed with the indie label Rats Records and released his debut album, Manchild, in 2017. Since then, he has delighted fans with numerous singles, EPs, and his latest album, The Greng Jai Piece, which was released earlier this year.
Phum’s captivating performances have taken him on international tours, expanding his fan base as he mesmerizes audiences across Asia, America, and Europe. He has also graced the stages of various music festivals around the world, solidifying his presence as a rising star on the global music scene.
kaiyi
KAIYI is a Chinese-American producer and musician originally from Hong Kong, but is now based in New York City. With a background in producing and engineering, KAIYI’s musical journey began with a passion for playing the violin and piano during her formative years. In high school, she expanded her repertoire by learning jazz drums and viola, and ultimately formed a pop trio called GloMonCho with two friends. Together, they released an album, sparking KAIYI’s enduring love for production, particularly in the realms of mixing and sound engineering.
Not inclined towards singing, KAIYI discovered her ability to tell stories through her production work alone. In 2020, during the quarantine, she wrote her debut single, “Spotlight,” originally as a vocal recording assignment for an online mixing course. This experience allowed her to overcome shyness and stage fright, gradually finding comfort in using her own voice. Since the release of “Spotlight,” KAIYI has continued to captivate listeners, unveiling five more singles, with her most recent being “Crush.” With each release, KAIYI showcases her unique musical vision and unwavering dedication to her craft.
dhruv
Dhruv Sharma, better known as dhruv, is an R&B/pop singer-songwriter from Singapore and currently based in London. Growing up, dhruv developed a deep appreciation for Bollywood music, but due to limited exposure to a wide range of genres and artists, he pushed himself to explore different musical styles. It was through Top 40s radio that he found his initial inspiration to create pop music. In 2019, his first single, “double take,” unexpectedly went viral on TikTok during his third year of college at Yale, prompting him to temporarily pause his studies in data science and pursue his musical career.
dhruv’s music revolves around his personal experiences as a young, queer, Indian man, exploring themes of romance and the yearning for love like fairytales. As a self-proclaimed introvert, Dhruv sees songwriting as a means of expressing his thoughts and feelings as an observer. Through his music, he creates an outlet for the opinions and thoughts that have long brewed in his mind, providing a heartfelt connection with his listeners. In early 2022, Dhruv released his debut album, rapunzel, which showcases his soulful vocals and poetic lyricism, charming audiences worldwide.
daybreak 