JoySauce Radio: The journey continues for these artists
This month, we're following Asian diasporic artists as they reach various stages in their respective musical journeys
From left, cover art for “You Make It Easy” by Prateek Kuhad, “Walking” by Leah Nawy, and “Doubt” by chandol.
Graphic by Ryan Quan
Words by Anjana Pawa
JoySauce Radio: Consider JoySauce Radio our own personal song recommendations—featuring some of our favorite tunes and videos—all from Asian and Pacific Islander artists around the world.
Summer has a way of passing us by quickly and time somehow seems to speed up. Music is no exception during this time. New singles keep dropping before we've even learned the lyrics to the last songs, and artists seem to be shedding their old identities for new ones. This month’s JoySauce Radio brings together a collection of many different artists at very different points in their journeys: one is writing her way out of self-doubt, one is finally stepping into the spotlight after years of anonymity, and another is shedding an old name to become someone entirely new. No matter which phase of life you’re in this summer and what skin you’re ready to shed for the next chapter, there’s something here for you.
"Jelo" by Darvishi
The self-proclaimed "Persian Pop Princess" wrote her latest single during a stretch of self-doubt about whether to keep pursuing a career in music at all or not. Rather than write something to reflect her melancholy, Darvishi decided to write the anthem she needed to hear herself at the time. "Jelo" translates to "move forward," and the song lives up to its name—it’s a dance-pop celebration built for a night out with friends, accompanied by a music video that’s just as high energy. This is the song that’ll take us right through to the end of summer on a high.
"Walking" by Leah Nawy
Taiwanese American songwriter Leah Nawy says that "Walking" is the first song she wrote for her debut EP, I Could Bloom From Here, a project that’s been five years in the making which finally released this month on July 10. The singer-songwriter has been making music for a long time and much of her work involves revisiting things she’s written from her past, even if it’s difficult. This song, when revisited, came with a lot more clarity than when it was first written in 2023, according to Nawy. The uplifting indie-folk track is about embracing change and accepting what can't be controlled, which is a lesson she had to learn during her 20s.
"Time After Time" by alan vuong
For years, Southern California-based alan vuong existed almost entirely behind the music: millions of streams, a devoted online following, and no face attached to any of it, just a name and a voice. The Vietnamese American artist is finally stepping out of the shadows following the release of his ambitious new album HEAVEN SENT ME, which released on June 26, is a project that has been four years in the making. "Time After Time" is part of that reintroduction, with a dreamy melody and a falsetto-led vocal lead. If you’ve already loved his songs as your late night soundtrack, his latest project will be right up your alley.
"You Make It Easy" by Prateek Kuhad
Jaipur native Prateek Kuhad just released his third full-length album, Full Moon Chamber, and "You Make It Easy" is one of the lead singles. Kuhad has described the new record as following how his mental and emotional state has shifted over time and this track sits on the calmer, more settled end of the feeling. Longtime fans who loved songs like "cold/mess" or "Kasoor" will recognize the same tenderness in this, but also be able to catch a small bit of vocal and sonic evolution from the beloved artist.
"DOUBT" by chandol
You might know Charley Yang better as the moniker BoyWithUke, the anonymous project that racked up millions of streams and a fanbase over the past few years. chandol, named for Yang's own Korean namesake, is his new chapter, and debut album Mercurial is the most personal work yet. The shift wasn’t an easy one, and "DOUBT" captures that in song. The music video leans into the same tonal shift he’s making with his career, following chandol and his friends on a bittersweet but exhilarating road trip.
Published on July 28, 2026
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.