JoySauce Radio: A little something for every mood
We've got the soundtrack to your spring adventures
Words by Anjana Pawa
JoySauce Radio: Consider JoySauce Radio our own personal song recommendations—from the tunes and videos our writers love to DJ-produced mixes of dance floor bangers—all from Asian and Pacific Islander artists around the world.
This month’s playlist showcases music from all corners, including artists from the shores of Bali, with pop-rock trio MANJA, to the bustling streets of New York City with soul and EDM duo LION BABE. Or perhaps you're more drawn to the dreamy pop sounds and gravitate towards the softer sounds of Griff or the introspective, heartbreaking lyrics written by Conan Gray—there's something here to suit every mood. So, sit back, hit play, and let these musical gems from the Asian diaspora set the tone for your April adventures.
“MNSF” by Manja
Bali, Indonesia based trio MANJA is exploring new sounds in pop rock. The group is made up of James Sukadana, and brothers Nick Pratama and Mark Saputra. Their latest release “MNSF” is an alluring synth-forward track that’s paired with interesting visuals you’ll definitely want to check out. The group envisions this track to be played by the poolside, so it’s perfect for your warm weather playlist.
“Pillow In My Arms” by Griff
Griff has a way to turn daydreams into music, and “Pillow In My Arms” does exactly that. This song creates a perfect dissonance between happy and sad as she imagines the pillow in her arms as her lover, “as if it has a heartbeat,” she sings. The British pop singer, who has opened for giants like Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, is set to release her debut album this summer on July 19.
“Found Heaven” by Conan Gray
Conan Gray is never afraid to reinvent himself with each new song. His latest album, Found Heaven, explores a completely different sound than we’ve usually heard from him, all fueled by his latest heartbreak, he admits. The title track off the album is interesting and fun, leaning on influences from 80s pop and rock. The accompanying visuals are almost haunting, reminiscent of his old love affair.
“Psychic” by LAY
Former member of EXO, Lay Zhang’s newest release “Psychic” is a certified bop. Fans have been long anticipating the release of this track and he did not leave us disappointed. Not only does he only sing the track, but he also had some hands in the production of it, working with a collaborative team of Grammy-nominated artists like Rykeyz and Sean Douglas. The track is fully sung in English but a Korean version was also released.
“So Pretty” by LION BABE
New York based duo LION BABE is made up of Lucas Goodman and Jillian Hervey. Their track, "So Pretty," blends soul, R&B, and electronic dance music to create a fiery track. With Hervey's vocals over Goodman's production, the duo creates captivating and rich tracks you’ll definitely want to have on repeat.
Published on April 26, 2024
Words by Anjana Pawa
Anjana Pawa is a Brooklyn-based culture reporter who regularly covers music, entertainment and beauty. You can find her on Twitter at @apawawrites.