Asian music representation has always been invisible and misrepresented in America due to racism and othering. In spite of all the stereotypes of Asians being quiet and submissive, Asians have always been a part of United States music history and have made their own ventures and pursuits to sing and create music.
The golden 1960s era of Chinatown clubs showcased Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Japanese talent. Some of the important punk venues from Sacramento to San Francisco became Chinese and Filipino restaurants. We have rock legends like Freddie Mercury, who is of Indian descent, and Eddie Van Halen, who had an Indonesian mother. Yoko Ono would revolutionize experimental music and avant-garde art. As for being in famous groups, Mike Shinoda and Joe Hahn are part of Linkin Park, and Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls is of multiracial heritage, including Filipino and Hawaiian roots. Even Disney is bringing Asians with real-life pop princesses like Filipina American Olivia Rodrigo and mixed Japanese American Hayley Kiyoko.
There is also a wave of indie and alt-Asian American artists who are mixing genres, writing powerful lyrics from their identities and life experiences, and turning their fantasies into record-breaking and viral music. Here are a few Asian American indie artists we think you should know.
Bella Poarch
Bella got her start from lip-syncing on TikTok to having the most-liked video. Before exploding on TikTok, music had always been the one thing that always helped her through a rough upbringing as she won singing competitions growing up and sang in the Navy choir while a member of the military. Music was like therapy for her, and Bella wanted to uplift people with her songs. She would then sign a record deal where her dark pop music with Suckerpunch-inspired aesthetics tackles beauty standards and calls for self-empowerment.
Check out: “Dolls”
Michelle Zauner
Naming her band after a…
Read the full article here
