Tag: asian american

Spotify and Gold House Name Anik Khan, Ruby Ibarra, and Thuy as Gold House Futures Music Guild Creators—And Share Why They’re So Excited for the Partnership

March 21, 2022

Asian and Pacific Islander creators have varied and dynamic stories to share—but issues such as economic inequity, media misrepresentation, and societal stereotypes often serve as barriers that keep their voices from being amplified. These roadblocks can—and must—be addressed in order for more API creators to share their music with the world.

To elevate the next generation of changemakers, Gold House, the premier nonprofit collective of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) leaders, has launched Gold House Futures. This initiative will advance the success of emerging API creatives, entrepreneurs, and social impact leaders through investments with prominent partners, skill building for successful leadership, and world-class mentoring. And on the music side, Gold House is collaborating with Spotify to bolster three API music artists and give them the opportunity to take their music and their careers to the next level. 

After an open call for submissions, a selection committee of industry API titans (including Spotify representatives) whittled the entries down to a shortlist that reflected diversity both in ethnic backgrounds and genres. Ultimately, three names rose to the top: Bengladeshi American hip-hop artist Anik Khan, Filipino American rapper Ruby Ibarra, and Vietnamese American R&B artist Thuy.

Amplifying Voices for Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

April 26, 2021

Now more than ever, it’s important we celebrate and support our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Artists, influencers, creators, celebrities, and more have spent 2021 making their voices heard, and we stand with them in solidarity. In honor of AAPI Heritage Month this May, Spotify is continuing our ongoing efforts to amplify and lift up this community. Through this year’s campaign, we are spotlighting AAPI creators on Spotify, as well as inviting them to share their stories of pride.

Read on to learn more about our efforts to elevate AAPI stories. 

An on-platform hub for reflection and pride

To amplify the voices of our AAPI creators around the world, Spotify has created the AAPI content hub. The dedicated space houses leading AAPI voices alongside fresh new releases from creatives across the audio landscape.

Representation in singles, playlists, and art

To lift up our artists, Spotify is partnering with Audrey Nuna to cover “That XX” by G-DRAGON, a track that pays homage to her AAPI heritage. 

We’re also refreshing a number of playlists with updated covers highlighting AAPI and mixed-race artists, as well as adding new songs for listeners to enjoy. These playlists include Dope AF, a collection of work from leading cool Asian, femme women across the diaspora; .ORG, which shares the latest indie sounds from Asia; Desi Hits, a curated list of Desi hits from South Asia and around the world; and AAPI Pride, which celebrates artists who are queer Asian American or Pacific Islanders. 

Spotify Launches New Campaign to Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 4, 2020

Over the last year, media from across Asia has had several notable moments—from the groundbreaking blockbuster Parasite, to the rise of artists like BTS and Riz Ahmed. In the U.S. in particular, Asian American artists like Anik Khan and Yaeji are also finding their ways into the spotlight. To celebrate the work of these and other creators during Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re introducing the “Our Roots. Our Sound.” campaign. 

“I’m so honored to be a part of Spotify’s campaign and help share my story as an Asian American with people across the world,” says singer-songwriter mxmtoon. “It means a lot to me to think about how I could tell my five-year-old self she would eventually see her story reflected in the media.” 

To amplify voices like mxmtoon’s across the world, we’re also launching the Amplify: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month hub, which is filled with a mix of music and podcasts. Here, you’ll find playlists featuring Asian American artists, flagship playlists directly out of Asia, This Is artist playlists, and so much more. By working alongside artists, content creators, and influencers, such as Eric Nam, Jai Wolf, Stephanie Poetri, Yuna, Rich Brian, and Steve Aoki, we built a hub to  showcase the diversity and talent from across Asia and its diaspora.

Celebrate the Diverse Voices of the Asian Diaspora

May 29, 2019

May marks Asian Heritage Month—it’s a straightforward title that represents the incredible diversity and art that comes from the region’s creators. To celebrate the music of Asia’s multiple cultures, from the Philippines to Pakistan, we’re amplifying a wide range of voices through two playlist takeovers.

“Growing up with one foot in the West and one in the East, Asian Americans have had to navigate the hyphens of their identity,” says Himanshu Suri, Spotify’s Senior Editor, Indian Culture. “This month, with playlists like Beast Meets West and No Borders, we get to celebrate our culture and see artists who speak for us and our experiences. Visibility is important!”

The first playlist, Beast Meets West, brings together East Asian creators of all genres, from K-Pop idols like BTS and BLACKPINK to indie singer-songwriters like Mitski. No Borders, meanwhile, highlights the South Asian diaspora across genres and geographies. The playlist features talented South Asian Americans, Brits, Canadians, and more.

“It’s through celebrating our culture, our heritage, and our identity that we’re able to encourage people who look like us to dream big and pursue whatever they want—especially in arts and entertainment,” says Korean American singer-songwriter Eric Nam.

Nam is just one of the artists we spoke to for Asian Heritage Month. We also asked several other East Asian and South Asian creators for a song—whether their own or another Asian artist’s—that represents both the culture and spirit of this month. Read on for some of their recommendations.

Far East Movement: “Our homegirl Tia Ray is one of the most incredible singers we’ve had a chance to work with. What’s beautiful … is that she’s singing in Mandarin and English—it’s really a cross between two cultures and represents what our future album is going to be.”

Yuna: “I chose my track ‘Forevermore’ because it’s very Malaysian, and very close to me. In the beginning of the song I start with an old Malay poetry melody that I used to listen to a lot growing up. Even the music video is a tribute to my hometown and my home country. Always be proud of who you are and where you come from.”

Epik High: “Growing up and living as Asians was a beautifully unique experience for us. But at the same time, we had to struggle through the pressures and expectations unique to our heritage. We hope our song ‘Eternal Sunshine’ can be a shoulder to rest on for those who feel the same way.”

Tiffany Young: “One of my favorite artists right now is Peggy Gou. I love how innovative and fresh she is and how effortlessly she blends all the cultures she grew up in, whether it’s through her lyrics, her choice of instruments, her production, or her amazing fashion taste.”

Jay Sean: “Fifteen years ago, I started writing songs that were fusions of bhangra, R&B, and hip-hop. Since then, I’ve always tried to blend different sounds from around the world. My new single, ‘With You,’ featuring Gucci Mane and Asian Doll, is probably the most unique R&B/trap/hip-hop fusion that I’ve ever done.”

Arjun: “My song ‘Closer to Home’ is all about being true to your roots and your culture. It’s in four languages: English, Hindi, Arabic, and Ghananian.”

Stream Beast Meets West and No Borders to celebrate Asian Heritage Month year-round.