JoySauce Radio: Tracks to wrap up AANHPI Heritage Month

From energetic beats to softer melodies and emotional lyrics, these new releases from AA+PI artists keep the celebration going

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. 

As AANHPI Heritage Month winds down, it's a great time to keep the celebration going with some fresh, vibrant tunes for your playlist featuring artists from the Asian diaspora. Whether you're looking for some dancey and energetic beats to fuel your upcoming summer nights or something with a softer melody and emotional lyrics to spend a relaxing evening at the park, these new releases will have you covered.

“People Never Change” by Peter Cat Recording Co.

“People Never Change” is a song that blends multiple different styles. Peter Cat Recording Co.'s is based out of India but the group has roots in the Bay Area. Their tracks often include a mix of jazz and electronic music with an interesting vocal style on top, but this one also infuses some elements from classical Indian music. As it begins, you can hear instruments like tabla, tanpura, and sitar, which slowly blend into guitar and western-style drum beats, with vocals layered over. At six minutes, the song may be a bit long, but every note will keep your attention throughout.

“ooweeooweeoo” by Chanpan

Chanpan is a group made up of Grace Dumdaw and identical twins Lance and Matthew Tran. The trio got their start busking on the streets of Chinatown in New York and ended up in viral videos across YouTube and TikTok which put them on the map as ones to watch in the indie music scene. They have a knack for blending pop and alternative sounds to create an infectious rhythm and “ooweeooweeoo” is no different. The recently released track is fun and energetic, and the visuals to match are just as interesting as the song itself.

“Tangerine” by Avva

This new release by New York-based singer-songwriter Avva is sure to put you in your feels. With its mellow tune and heartfelt lyrics, “Tangerine” feels like a warm hug. Avva references Ariana Grande and Troye Sivan as her two big influences and it’s definitely palpable in this new song, where her sweet and slightly raspy vocals shine over a soft percussive melody.

“Stick of Gum” by Nemahsis

Nemahsis has officially dropped her first single as an independent artist and it has all the makings to become the song of the summer: a strong bass line, eclectic, raspy vocals, an earworm chorus, and a beautiful video to accompany. It’s a love song, but she says it’s also an homage to her family and her heritage. The video for the song was filmed in her hometown of Jericho, Palestine, and features members of her family in their home and around the city.

“Grateful” by Offering Rain

Offering Rain, whose real name is Melika Dave, is a New York-born and -raised multimedia artist who works in the visual and musical arts. “Grateful” is a dance track that they wrote, produced, and released earlier this month, just in time for the summer. The song is energetic and dreamy and is sure to get you off your feet. If you’re local to New York, be sure to catch one of their sets throughout the summer, including at Lincoln Center’s Summer In The City series for India Week!

Published on May 29, 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.