Music player UI showing the cover art for “Dandelion” by grentperez (with Ruel), “W1LL U L13” by SAILORR, and “Blondie” by Linying.

JoySauce Radio: New Lunar Year, new tracks

Start 2025 and the Year of the Wood Snake with some fresh tracks for your playlists

From left, cover art for “Dandelion” by grentperez (with Ruel), “W1LL U L13” by SAILORR, and “Blondie” by Linying.

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. 


Happy new year JoySauce Radio listeners! This month, we’re not only celebrating the start of a new calendar year, but also preparing for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, and ringing in the Year of the Wood Snake. The snake symbolizes transformation, renewal, and shedding old skins to make way for new growth. With growth comes a new playlist and these tunes and artists are all about creating new and innovative spaces for themselves in a world that’s set the status quo, even if it involves shedding old skin. 

“W1LL U L13” by SAILORR

SAILORR is carving out a new space in experimental R&B and pop with her sound. The 24-year-old artist is known for her ability to blend alt-pop with electronic dance sounds to give her tracks an edge. "W1LL U L13?" is a dark and hypnotic tune that explores themes of human connection and relationships. With its minimalistic production and emotional, sometimes haunting vocals, it feels like the soundtrack to a personal transformation.

“Dandelion” by grentperez (with Ruel)

Australian Filipino singer-songwriter grentperez, who first gained attention for his soulful indie pop, teams up with Ruel on the uplifting and playful "Dandelion." The two artists together deliver a soul-infused tune that feels like an anthem for a new beginning. The accompanying video is gentle on the eyes, full of greenery, flowers, and bright skies. 

“you were mine” by Esha Tewari

New York-based singer-songwriter Esha Tewari blends raw vulnerability with an ethereal, minimalist sound in this track. With a voice that’s delicate yet powerful, Tewari explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery in this song, creating an intimate space for listeners. The backing guitar is soft, allowing her vocals to really shine and tell its own story.

“Blondie” by Linying

Linying—a Singapore-born, Los Angeles-based artist—has spent years honing her craft of creating tracks that meet at the intersection of indie-pop and alt-rock. This track comes with a sense of vulnerability, especially in the lyrics, and it builds tension at the perfect moments—right before the chorus, as it explores deeper themes of self-exploration, or as the bridge is ending for a release—to make the song a cathartic listen.

“Inspiration” by Chloe Tang

Chloe Tang, a 21-year-old Bay Area native, brings a burst of energy with this tune. Over the years, the artist has grown a following for herself across social media, and has become known for her smooth R&B vocals. "Inspiration" embodies that new energy and sources of—as the title implies—inspiration, embracing all the world has to offer. Tang’s vibrant vocals and catchy hooks make this track a perfect song to start 2025 right.

Published on January 28, 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 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.