JoySauce Radio: Bops and bangers to close out your summer
From our favorite demon-slaying girl group, to the return of singer-songwriters we love, this month's playlist will help your summer end on the right note
From left, cover art for “Golden” by Huntrix, “Killer” by Rhea Raj, and “You Didn't Have to Go” by Luna Li.
Photo illustration by Ryan Quan
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.
Just because it’s nearing the end of summer, doesn’t mean we have to slow down our playlists. This month’s JoySauce Radio is full of bops and bangers, including new cult-status hits from everyone’s new favorite animated film and a return to the scene from some of our favorite singer-songwriters. Whether you want to ride off in the sunset to an emotional, vibey tune or you want to turn on music videos of demon-hunting girl groups slaying the stage, this playlist will help you finish off the season strong.
“Golden” by Huntrix
This isn’t just a song—it’s an anthem. The high-energy hit from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters has become a huge phenomenon globally and it’s the song in everyone’s head at the moment, inspiring countless TikTok trends and viral videos. It’s one of those tracks that feels cinematic on its own, even without the accompanying film, and it’s no wonder it’s climbed to number one on the Billboard Global charts. Whether you’re blasting it on the highway with the windows down or streaming the music video for the hundredth time, “Golden” is pure confidence and serotonin in song form.
“Soda Pop” by Saja Boys
KPop Demon Hunters didn’t just give us a girl group anthem, it also delivered a bubblegum-pop boy group hit with full choreography and visuals. “Soda Pop” is exactly what you’d expect from a young and fresh K-Pop boy group (even the animated variety) and it’s as refreshing as the name might suggest. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and incredibly catchy, making it the kind of song you can put on repeat without realizing you’ve hit play five times in a row.
“Killer” by Rhea Raj
Rising pop act Rhea Raj is back again with another high-voltage track that’s sure to get us up and dancing. In this song, she fuses electronic beats, addictive pop melodies, and her usual edgy, sultry confidence to create a bold, exciting track. It’s the kind of song that makes you feel like the main character. With “Killer” and her other recent releases, Raj is really cementing her sound and the kind of pop artist she wants to be known as.
“You Didn’t Have To Go” by Luna Li
The track feels like floating through a memory—gentle and sad. The 28-year-old Korean Canadian artist has a beautiful airy voice that floats over the techno-style backtrack seamlessly. Repeating the titular phrase, “you didn’t have to go,” several times to open the song, her vocals are almost haunting. Luna Li’s artistry truly lies in her ability to turn heartbreak into something healing and this song showcases that.
“Wantchu” by keshi
Vietnamese American singer-songwriter keshi is back with another tune that’s sure to get us in our feels. In this track, he blends R&B with emotional pop elements, creating the kind of sound that you’d expect from him, but still with a new, exciting twist. Lyrically, “Watchu” dives deep into themes of longing and late-night vulnerability, which is keshi’s forte. It’s a perfect example of the kind of music that has earned him a massive fanbase worldwide, from sold-out arenas to a concrete spot on everyone’s moody playlists.
Published on August 26, 2025
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.
Art by Ryan Quan
Ryan Quan is JoySauce's social media manager, associate editor, and all-around visual eye. 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, and check out his work on his website.