AAPI Heritage Month Music Roundup
- Zany Waves
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
As May comes to a close, we're wrapping up Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by shining a light on some of our favorite artists. Each one comes with three must-hear tracks to help you dive in. Scroll down to check out our team’s picks, and be sure to listen to the full playlist featuring all these artists and more!
Conan Gray
by Samantha Blyn
There’s a lot that falls under the “pop” umbrella. Conan Gray’s discography explores everything from bedroom pop ballads to polished singalongs with big, upbeat choruses. I only began listening to Conan Gray a year ago, when a friend told me I’d love his newest album, Found Heaven. She couldn’t have been more right – the 80’s synth pop influences hooked me in from the jump. Because I started with Found Heaven, I was surprised at how different his older music sounded to me. But in all of it, Gray bares his soul, most often telling stories of heartbreak and love from his own life. His next album, Wishbone, comes out August 15, and I can’t wait to see what flavor of pop he chooses next.
"Disaster"
"Fainted Love"
"Alley Rose"
Ninaco
by Martha X.
From Wisconsin to LA, Ninaco (Nina) is a rising HMong American rapper turning heads with her fresh sound. I first discovered her music on social media and was immediately drawn by her storytelling through hip hop. She confidently blends English and HMong, honoring her heritage while carving out a space of her own. Her music inspires and empowers HMong Americans to own their identity and celebrate their culture and upbringing with a modern voice. As a HMong American woman myself, it’s exciting to see artists from my community making waves in the music scene and I look forward to see Ninaco’s music career flourish.
"HILLTRIBE"
"Big Chief"
"Dear Hmong"
Pia Mia
by Cherelle Johnson
Pia Mia is a songstress and songwriter who’s been part of the music world since 2013. Her music falls under pop, R&B, and sometimes hip hop. She released multiple songs and even a few EPs when she first stepped onto the scene, but decided to take a brief hiatus from making music. In 2024, she reemerged with a new single and eventually released her debut album Anti Romantica, which came out September 13, 2024, followed by the deluxe version on December 13, 2024. Since then, she has also released a single titled “Best Life”. As someone who’s been listening to her music since day one, I’m proud of her for making a return to music. I’m hoping that she stays true to her craft and herself.
"One Song Away"
"Repeat After Me"
"Best Life"
Sarah Kinsley
by Emma Zoe Polyak
I first came across Sarah Kinsley’s music a couple of years ago, and was immediately captivated by her euphoric yet heartbreaking songs. Her songs range from softer bedroom-pop vibes to cathartic and upbeat pop, capturing all the emotions in between. The New York based singer/songwriter started releasing music in 2019, but her first album, Escaper, was just released last year. One of my favorite things about Kinsley’s songs is the sweeping orchestral arrangement in them, which carry her ethereal and emotional vocals through ups and downs. If you’re looking for all-too-relatable songs, or perhaps something to play while you’re running through a field, I couldn’t recommend Kinsley’s music more.
"The King"
"Starling"
"Oh No Darling!"
yeule
by Sara Hagen
yeule began writing, singing, and producing their own music in 2012 at age 14. They’re a multidisciplinary artist who began in synth pop and has shifted to emo pop and rock in recent years, while maintaining their ambient, electronic sound. Yeule offers a refreshing perspective on the collision course between humanity and technology, exploring post-humanism while being critical of and ultimately opposing AI art. Their latest project, Evangelic Girl is a Gun, incorporates a 90s sound (with nods to Deftones, Avril Lavigne, and Portishead) and delves into themes of self-destruction, spirituality, and anti-war.
"Evangelic Girl is a Gun"
"Friendly Machine"
"1967"
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