Words and art by Ryan Quan
Musical Artist of the Month: This monthly column is JoySauce social media editor Ryan Quan’s attempt at getting you to love these underrated and under appreciated AA+PI artists as much as he does. The series will combine fun facts, conceptual graphic work Ryan’s created as an ode to his favorite lyrics, and a few of each musician’s songs, to give you a crash course on these talented rising stars.
Alice Longyu Gao is a singer and DJ currently based in Los Angeles and New York City. Her bleached hair, elaborate eye makeup, and campy fashion sense express her truly unique personality and aesthetic. As one of the dominant voices of the rising hyperpop movement, a maximalist and self-referential microgenre within pop, Longyu Gao creates bold, eccentric music that perfectly encapsulates the rule-breaking genre.
Bringing a fresh voice to a scene that’s already full of interesting and experimental perspectives, such as 100 gecs, Fraxiom, and ElyOtto, Longyu Gao has established quite the name for herself. Her approach to hyperpop is to create something entirely new. “When you listen to my music, I don’t think all the experience you have could help you make a conclusion on what it is,” she said in an interview with NME. No one is doing it like ALG!
As a pansexual, Chinese-born popstar, Longyu Gao combines her frustrations with being ostractized and her energetic sound to create music that’ll make you want to dance. She’s most well-known for her fearless attitude, unabashed personality, and biting lyrics. Her songs often call out the haters and white boys who have underestimated or overlooked her in the past.
Longyu Gao—and hyperpop in general—has steadily gained popularity over the last few years, particularly during the earlier months of the pandemic when people spent more time at home to pursue their interests and harness their inner creativity. Her unapologetic music resonates with many, including Lady Gaga, who placed “Rich Bitch Juice” near the top of her Women of Choice playlist. Also, A24’s latest movie, Bodies, Bodies, Bodies, featured “100 Boyfriends,” another of ALG’s iconic singles.
Whether you’re looking to expand your music taste or creating a playlist for an upcoming party, this artist will satisfy your needs. Stream her EP, “High Dragon and Universe,” or listen to any of her singles to get started!
Published on September 1, 2022
Words and art by Ryan Quan
Ryan Quan is the Social Media Editor for JoySauce. This queer, half-Chinese, half-Filipino writer and graphic designer loves everything related to music, creative nonfiction, and art. Based in Brooklyn, he spends most of his time dancing to hyperpop and accidentally falling asleep on the subway. Follow him on Instagram at @ryanquans.