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In honor of APAHM coming to a close, we brought together a list of some of our favorite up-and-coming Asian artists to listen to not just this month but every month.

Ashley Mehta 

Bay area native Ashley Mehta has a fresh sound that is uniquely her own. Mehta pulls inspiration from her own Filipino and Indian background, which is reflected in the wide array of genres she incorporates in her music. Her music runs the gamut of pop, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic. A motif present throughout her music is a sound that is reminiscent of West Coast sunshine. Mehta’s music is the perfect soundtrack as we head into summer. 

spill tab

Claire Chicha, more famously known under the moniker of spill tab. was born in Thailand and spent most of her life bouncing back and forth between Bangkok, Paris, and LA. Now permanently residing in LA, spill tab is well known for her lo-fi, alt-pop sound. spill tab incorporates dreamy layered vocals juxtaposed with energetic electro-pop production, often singing in french. Her unique style sets her apart from many of her bedroom pop contemporaries. 

Sarah Kinsley 

Sarah Kinsley is an abundance of talent. Kinsley is a New York-based singer, musician, and producer. Her rich vocals paired with unexpected and dreamy melodies make for a captivating listen. Her background in classical music is apparent in the complexity of her sound, and yet there is an ingenuity that feels almost serendipitous. Her alt-pop sound is more than just compelling; it’s evocative and honest. 

Raveena 

Raveena Aurora, who goes under the mononym of Raveena, instills a new perspective that is authentically her own into the R&B genre. As a queer Indian-American, she has made history by being the first Indian woman to perform solo at Coachella in 2022. Many of her songs draw inspiration from her real-life experiences and are beautifully vulnerable and honest. Raveena’s sophomore album Asha’s Awakening was met with critical acclaim, and even included in a list of the “Best Albums of 2022 So Far” by Rolling Stone. Raveena believes music is a “complete expression of a self”, a sentiment that is reflected in her lush and singular sound. 

Balming Tiger

Balming Tiger rejects the notion that they must be defined by a single genre. The diversity of their sound is synonymous with the diversity of their group. Self-defined as an “alternative multi-national k-pop band,” members include Omega Sapien, Sogumm, bj wnjn and Mud the Student (artists), San Yawn, Leesuho, Unsinkable, and DJ Abyss (production) Jan’qui, Chanhee Hong (directors) and Henson Hwang (editor). Balming Tiger has something for everyone, and if there’s one thing that unifies their sound, it’s their refusal to conform. 

Yoshi T.

Based in New York City, Yoshi T. is making waves in the alternative hip-hop scene. His career started with house shows, and he began gaining popularity whilst performing with fellow WHATMORE collective members, Elijah Judah, Cisco Swank, Jackson August and $tallion. His sophomore EP, How To Get Back, is his most intimate, with subject matters ranging from identity, relationships, and spirituality. Blending hip-hop, pop, and R&B, Yoshi T. has a soulful sound beyond his years that is imbued with humor and buoyancy.

Spence Lee

Hailing from New Jersey, Spence Lee is thoughtfully making his mark in the hip-hop scene. Formerly known as Shotta Spence, Lee changed his stage name to connect with his Chinese-Vietnamese heritage on a deeper level. The pride he has in his background is evident in the authenticity of his music. Whilst Lee is primarily known as a rapper, he doesn’t feel the need to be defined by just one genre. Lee’s definition of success is to inspire and spread love. 

Alex Porat

Toronto singer-songwriter Alex Porat had her first taste of fame after going viral on youtube. It’s no surprise Porat found success recording covers online, considering her lush vocals. In 2019, Porat pivoted to releasing her own music and began to find her voice in the indie-pop world. Porat describes her music as, “pop music that sounds like it’s straight from the pages of my diary.” Porat’s newest album Lovesick maintains that authentic straight-from-the-diary feel, and with a sparkling and dynamic production, it’s the perfect addition to your summer soundtrack. 

Sayak Das

Based in Los Angeles, Sayak Das skillfully blends pop, R&B, hip-hop, and rock, resulting in a sound that is truly one of a kind. Das’ love for music started at the age of three, playing classical piano. But his love for rock’n’roll is what truly shapes his artistry today, as his music is bursting with confidence and swagger. His latest single “If You Don’t Love Me (Tell Me)” tears at the heartstrings with a sultry R&B sound and is equally as catchy as it is affecting. Das continues to prove that he is a singular sound in the industry.