JoySauce Radio: Powerful songs by powerful women
These tracks are all about resilience and courage, which we need now more than ever
From left, cover art for "Rise" by Raveena, “last night’s mascara” by Griff, and "Little Piggy" by Alice Longyu Gao.
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 November, Joysauce Radio listeners. Doesn’t it feel like the world is unraveling a bit? Fear and frustration seem to be sitting heavy in the air as the year comes to a close, and for many, just existing can feel like an act of resistance—especially for women. American women have begun looking to the East at the 4B movement in South Korea as a response to deeply rooted sexism and misogyny. Whether it’s a fight against bodily autonomy, safety, or just being seen, women have had enough. So this month’s selection of songs is an ode to women: angry women, soft women, joyful women, women who write songs not just to express, but to thrive, to rage, and to dream. Whether you can hear it or not, these tracks carry the weight of resilience and courage. Put them on your playlist, turn them up, and let them remind you that joy, anger, and vulnerability are also acts of defiance.
“last night’s mascara” by Griff
This tune is a powerful exploration of heartbreak, where Griff uses the imagery of stubborn smudged mascara from the night before as a metaphor for the emotional turmoil that lingers as a relationship ends. Her distinct vocals and the lyrics she penned herself capture both vulnerability and strength behind the sentiment. It’s a simple song, but Griff kills it with the soulful delivery.
“Stupid Boys” by Alice Lee
You may know Alice Lee from her role on NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, but did you know she also makes her own music? “Stupid Boys” is a track that really shows off many of Lee’s talents: her sharp and witty lyricism, her ability to make a catchy song, and her effortless expressions. The playful, upbeat melody of this song contrasts with the lyrics, which are actually expressing frustration and growing pains with romance and of course, stupid boys. “They’re all the same but you’re the real prize,” she exclaims.
“Rise” (Live from Castillo Farms x Aerthship) by Raveena
This soft and melodic song by Raveena explores themes of healing, spirituality, and self-discovery, making it feel almost meditative. Her light and airy voice floats effortlessly over the instrumental arrangement, and the scenery that accompanies the performance invites listeners and viewers into her soft, ethereal, world. The 31-year-old artist has a gift for creating music that feels deeply personal while connecting to broader human emotions, and this rendition of "Rise" is a testament to her ability to channel that vulnerability into a three-minute track.
“Litty Piggy” by Alice Longyu Gao
In "Little Piggy," Alice Longyu Gao combines her home genre of hyperpop with various unexpected elements, like strings and heavy percussion. The track is as experimental as it is deeply personal. The lyrics reflect on Gao’s own struggles with disordered eating and the pressures women face in a world that’s heavily obsessed with vanity. She makes a strong commentary about body image and self-acceptance while turning the song into her own sonic playground.
“Juice” (KSHMR Remix) by Raja Kumari
“Juice,” performed by Raja Kumari and remixed by KSHMR, two Indian-American powerhouses in the industry, is an electrifying anthem. The track blends high-energy beats with Kumari’s sharp and quick lyrical delivery, creating a fusion of hip-hop with traditional Indian sounds. The 38 year old music industry veteran is incredible at blending these two distinct genres, creating a fresh new sound and breaking sonic barriers. This remix, reimagined by KSHMR, adds heavy dance elements to an already colorful song. It’s bold, unapologetic, and a celebratory anthem for women everywhere.
Published on November 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.
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.