Tag: mitski

How Spotify’s Playlists Captured the Biggest Music Trends of 2023

November 29, 2023

With another year coming to a close, Spotify is back with your personalized Wrapped, our annual recap of your listening highlights from the past 12 months that includes your top songs, artists, and podcasts, as well as your most distinct streaming habits. But we’re also taking a step back and looking at 2023’s biggest music trends on Spotify.

Thanks to the in-the-know editors responsible for creating our editorial playlists as part of the Global Curation Groups, the most iconic musical moments of the year were reflected on Spotify. Whether it was blockbuster movie soundtracks that grabbed the world’s attention, viral social media moments that bubbled up to the mainstream, or classic genres finding new fans in Gen Z, our experts were on top of it all.

For the Record sat down with our editorial team and got the scoop. 

Peso Pluma and Música Mexicana go mainstream

RADAR US artist Peso Pluma made himself known to the world in March with his feature on Eslabon Armado’s “Ella Baila Sola.” Fast-forward to now, and that song is one of the top-five most-streamed songs of 2023 globally—and is about to hit Spotify’s Billions Club. Meanwhile, the Música Mexicana genre at large has enjoyed a surge in popularity, dominating the global charts this summer.

Explore this trend on: Lo Mejor de La Reina 2023, Corridos Perrones, Corridos Tumbados, Today’s Top Hits

Folk rising

In 2023, a slew of indie artists emerged with folk-inspired albums including Mitski, Toro Y Moi, and boygenius. Plus, we heard new folk voices like Searows and 2024 Best New Artist Noah Kahan. 

Explore this trend on: Indie Twang, Juniper

Shoegaze returns courtesy of Gen Z

Shoegaze has been around since the late ’80s, but it experienced a resurgence in 2023 among Gen Z, who found new bands like Wisp as well as aughts stalwarts like Panchiko.

Over the past year, the genre has thrived within various Gen Z internet communities that have fostered pockets of interest and given birth to exciting new acts. Perhaps unknowingly, the emerging class of neo-shoegaze artists is contributing to genre diffusion, blending techniques from various music genres to create something fresh and unique.

Explore this trend on: Shoegaze Now, IRL Angel

Rema carries Afrobeats into Spotify’s Billions Club

Rema has been a hitmaker in Africa since 2019, but it was a collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Calm Down (Remix)” that shot him to international fame in 2023. The global smash earned the Afrobeats star a Grammy nomination, as well as a spot in our highly coveted Billions Club, making “Calm Down” the first African artist-led track to do so. 

Explore this trend on: African Heat, Billions Club, Today’s Top Hits

Taylor Swift’s eras on tour

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour kicked off in March and was the live-music event of the year. Taylor not only picked songs from all 10 of her studio albums to perform in a stunning three-hour show, but she also set aside time each night for acoustic performances of two surprise songs. And according to Taylor’s rules, no two songs could be repeated unless she messed it up the first time. To capture this epic moment, we collected all of the surprise songs in a playlist, which was updated every weekend during the U.S. leg of her tour.

Explore this trend on: Surprise Song Era

Troye Sivan and Hyunjin’s IRL friendship

This past summer, Troye Sivan posted a TikTok that went viral about trying to find Hyunjin of Stray Kids. We joined in on the fun with a playlist and they eventually collabed on a remix of “Rush,” which also featured PinkPantheress.

Explore this trend on: what a moment

Peggy Gou takes house music to the top of the charts

House, one of the original genres of dance music, has grown in popularity since the pandemic. This summer, we saw massive house hits resonate with fans internationally, including Peggy Gou‘s “(It Goes Like) Nanana.” 

Other huge moments for house music include artists like Fred again.., Black Coffee, Chris Lake, and FISHER, who are breaking records around the world, and breakthrough opportunities for exciting artists like LP Giobbi, John Summit, and Dom Dolla

Explore this trend on: Umami, Housewerk presents…Best House of 2023, Summer House

It’s a Barbie world

Ahead of the Barbie release this summer, we saw “Barbiecore” aesthetics manifest in the pop culture zeitgeist. Once we got word that Barbie was going to feature a star-studded soundtrack with hits like Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, and Aqua’s “Barbie World” and Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” we brought all things Barbie to life on Spotify through the “pinkification” of several playlist covers, new editorial playlists, and partner playlists.

Explore this trend on: Hot Pink, Barbie Official Playlist

Hyper techno surges

There was an influx of high-BPM dance pop songs in general, and with it came a new wave of tracks that showcased a harder sound using classic techno and big room beats and basslines. We saw a surge in streams—especially from European Gen Zs—of techno-infused songs like Niklas Dee’s “Not Fair,” Creeds’ “Push Up,” and BENNETT’s “Vois sur ton chemin.”

Explore this trend on: rave, techno party

Jersey Club is everywhere 

Jersey Club production became ubiquitous not only in U.S. hip-hop but around the world. We also saw the genre’s influence find its way into K-Pop and thoughtful electronic music. Pioneers such as DJ Smallz 732, UNIIQU3, and Cookiee Kawaii were tapped to remix some of 2023’s biggest hits, and newcomers such as Kanii, keltiey, and Lay Bankz staked their claims as names to watch.

Explore this trend on: Jersey Club Heat presents…Best Jersey Club Songs of 2023

Tyla’s turns her viral moment into crossover success

South Africa’s Amapiano sound has been winning the hearts of electronic and dance fans after TikTok dances and DJ mixes helped it go viral in 2020. In 2023, RADAR Africa artist Tyla took her career to the next level, blending her R&B sound with Amapiano and South African dance genre Bacardi house on her hit song “Water.” After Spotify Africa’s partnership with the Giants of Africa Festival—a basketball event in Rwanda where Tyla’s viral dance was first seen—many posted their own versions of the dance challenge on social media, which led to “Water” skyrocketing around the world and earning a feature from Travis Scott on the remix.

Explore this trend on: RNB X, RADAR Africa, African Heat, RADAR Global 

Women run hip-hop  

Female rappers continued their reign in 2023, with top names like Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, Latto, Ice Spice, Kaliii, Doechii, and the year’s breakout star, Sexyy Red, making some of the most creative and worthwhile hip-hop this year. 

Explore this trend on: RapCaviar presents…Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2023, Feelin’ Myself 

Pop-punk’s greatest legends return

We witnessed the resurgence of pop-punk’s most iconic figures with mainstays like Fall Out Boy, Sum 41, Green Day, and Neck Deep returning in 2023 with a taste of new music. Additionally, blink-182 welcomed back Tom DeLonge and embarked on a global tour to celebrate their new album, ONE MORE TIME…. 

Explore this trend on: Pop Punk’s Not Dead

The nu-metal revival continues

Nu-metal and alternative metal have made triumphant returns this year, with a younger audience discovering and devouring the catalogs of bands like Deftones, Korn, Slipknot, and more. Additionally, we’re seeing a wave of new nu-metal songs from rising artists who are embracing the sound and paying homage to their predecessors.

Explore this trend on: new nü, ALLURE

Alt country crosses over

This trend in country music had a slow build that reached new heights with the release of RADAR US artist Zach Bryan’s American Heartbreak in 2022, and took off 2023 with hits like Dylan Gossett’s “Coal.” This acoustic, gritty sound was typically reserved for alternative country and folk playlists in the past, but it has fully moved into the mainstream with songs that have been fan favorites across our flagship playlists. 

Explore this trend on: Hot Country presents…Best Country Songs of 2023, Hot Hits USA, Today’s Top Hits, homegrown

Looking for more of the songs that have left their stamp on 2023? Check out our flagship playlist Today’s Top Hits. 

Our New Playlist juniper Cultivates a Space for the Next Generation of Folk Music

October 18, 2023

In every generation, folk music captures the hearts, minds, and souls of its listeners. From Bob Dylan and The Mamas & the Papas to Simon & Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen, and Tracy Chapman, the genre has maintained a strong and comforting presence throughout the ages, one that introduced a capacity for experimentation and innovation. The early 2000s showcased the works of Sufjan Stevens, Fleet Foxes, Sharon Van Etten, and Bon Iver. The 2010s saw the rise of The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons. Now listeners have Noah Kahan, Lizzy McAlpine, Joy Oladokun, and Searows. 

juniper is Spotify’s new home for budding and popular folk and acoustic songs from the latest crop of contemporary artists making the genre their own. It’s a space for handcrafted tracks that rise to the top through both organic cultural conversations and our Fresh Finds ecosystem. 

“While folk music has always maintained its presence, there is a fresh wave of relevance sweeping through Gen Z right now that is hard to ignore,” says Carla Turi, Editor, Folk & Acoustic Programming. “At the heart, folk is rooted in raw authenticity and storytelling, which feels vital in a post-pandemic digital age. It’s always been music for the people, by the people. There is such a timeless nature to the space and its ability to provide a sense of peace to listeners when they need it most. Whether it’s ‘Suzanne’ by Leonard Cohen or ‘Growing Sideways’ by Noah Kahan, listeners are finding their own story within these songs.”

Named for a young green juniper tree, the playlist’s title evokes the cycle of life and the natural environment. Folk’s inherent connection to nature and tradition paired with the genre’s DIY ethos serves as a place for amplification and representation of this budding community.

“This current era of folk music is swiftly growing, thanks to the likes of Noah Kahan breaking boundaries and opening up the funnel for new Gen Z folk artists,” says Jackie Augustus, Lead, Country & Folk, Artist Partnerships. “We’ve seen folk continue to evolve as more and more artists are utilizing elements of the folk sound through fusion with other genres. Artists right now are perpetuating a tradition that’s been alive for centuries, and now they’re driving the narrative with their own experiences that center around personal struggles and navigating the world around them. We are seeing Gen Z react in a big way to relatability and honest songwriting, which is a huge driver for why listeners resonate so hard with Mitski, Lizzy McAlpine, Chance Peña, and other artists included in the juniper playlist.”

To launch the playlist, we hosted a dinner bringing together the emerging Gen Z folk music community that’s leading the resurgence of folk music. Artists Sierra Ferrell, Briston Maroney, John Vincent III, Izzy Heltai, and Odie Leigh joined in for a family-style dinner and a fire pit under the stars.

bummer summer Is Spotify’s New Playlist for Gen Z Listeners To Tap Into Their Feels

August 21, 2023

Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness” stuck in your head? You’re not alone. On Spotify this summer, sad songs are getting us in our feels, thanks to our listeners who are unapologetically expressing their emotions. “Sad” is the most-searched term for Gen Z listeners on Spotify globally, and they’re tuning into our sad playlists—including pop-infused sad hour, R&B-inspired All The Feels, rap-heavy tear drop, sad sierreño, sad girl country, and sad girl starter pack—more than any other age group.  

To match the vibe in the U.S. and Canada, we launched bummer summer, the ultimate lineup of moody jams and soul-filling songs. Complete with tracks from d4vd, Frank Ocean, Phoebe Bridgers, Lana Del Rey, Big Thief, and Billie Eilish, the playlist echoes the honesty and transparency that Gen Zs emulate in their lives and listening—and harnesses the ability of emotive, lyrical music to enhance any mood.   

“There’s something really unique about this generation,” says Krista Scozzari, Spotify North American Marketing Lead. “They embrace their feelings so much. They’re really flipping the stigma of vulnerability. Gen Z has brought a raw, authentic new reality to expressing their emotions, and we’re seeing that in how they listen. We wanted to celebrate this powerful thing they’re doing.”

Gen Z listeners are seeking tracks that evoke feelings of nostalgia, wistfulness, and wanting—songs that feel like a warm embrace. “It’s important to note that not everything sounds like Billie Eilish’s ‘What Was I made For?’” says Lizzy Szabo, Spotify Senior Editor for Indie Music. “Though that was one of the breakout sad songs of the summer—probably the biggest—and was given a lot of extra context from being in the Barbie movie. It really took this feeling of nostalgia and met it with current issues and feelings.”  

Lizzy notes that subgenres like indie pop, sad rap, and sad sierreño have all boomed in the past year, with standout artists including Phoebe Bridgers (bonus points for her work with boygenius), Joji, Alex G, Haley Heynderickx, Ivan Cornejo, and Junior H. She’s also seeing a rise in catalog listening for the broody sounds of Cigarettes After Sex, TV Girl, Lana Del Rey, Mitski, and Radiohead. “Artists have a way of putting things better than we ever could, so it’s a way for people to lean in and just fully embrace their emotions and the experiences they’re going through,” she says. 

“Sad music can help us to release, express, channel, or purge our emotions,” says Dr. Michael Bonshor, PhD, music psychology expert. “It often has slower speeds, which slows down our breathing and heart rate when we listen so that we feel more relaxed and tranquil. In addition to hearing slower speeds, hearing music with sad lyrics creates a sense of personal connection with the artists who wrote them—it validates that our human experiences are shared.”

Oscars Music Director Rickey Minor Reveals His All-Time Favorite Nominated Songs

March 10, 2023

On Sunday night, movie fans around the world will tune in to the 95th Academy Awards—aka the Oscars—to celebrate Hollywood’s exceptional talent. Once the show begins, it’s the musical numbers that help create the magical atmosphere the event is known for. 

This year’s musical director for the show is Rickey Minor, who previously worked on tours for the likes of Whitney Houston, Beyonce, and Ray Charles, and also served as the musical director and bandleader for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Rickey’s job for the Oscars is to plan out the music that will play throughout the show, and then work with the house orchestra to bring it all to life.

Ahead of the big night, we teamed up with Rickey on a special Oscars-themed playlist. From classics like Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” to Encanto’s “The Family Madrigal,” this playlist is not only a collection of Rickey’s favorite Oscar past nominees, but also a look back at the show’s rich musical history.

For the Record recently sat down with Rickey to discuss his work leading up to the Oscars, this year’s nominees, and what excites him most about working on this iconic show. 

What do you work on in the lead up to the Oscars?

There’s a lot of music to prepare. It’s upward of 170 pieces, so my team and I have to get through it all in two days of pre-recordings and rehearsals. And then we get in, perform sound check, and it’s time to go. But it’s all exciting.

Thankfully, this is a show with a rich, 95-year legacy. You don’t have to rewrite the book. You just have to come in and infuse a different perspective. This is my third time doing the show, and so I look at the years before and bring that inspiration to this year’s incredible films. When it comes to the music, I think a lot about ways to be more inclusive—not just with different eras, but also with different countries and genres—because all of us make up this world. So my thought is that if you’re in South America or Europe, how cool would it be to hear a cue that references a movie from your part of the globe?

How is working on the Oscars different from working on a tour, a TV show, or other projects?

The pressure is bigger because there’s a lot riding on it. Generally speaking, for all of us working on the show, we have one chance to get it right. And when an article goes out, or a book goes out, or a record goes out, this is what will be remembered as our best work. It requires a mix of paying attention to detail, but also letting go. If it feels right, it’s right. If it feels wrong, it’s wrong.

There might be times when my team and I debate whether a certain decision might be too on the nose. Like, is it patronizing to introduce someone from another part of the world with music from their country? But I just try to approach it with respect and offer a sense of representation. Because if we don’t support each other and celebrate our differences, they’re not there.  

How does the music featured during the Oscars help to set the tone for the entire show?

Music is life. Life is music. We speak in rhythm, we walk in rhythm, and our hearts beat in rhythm. And so, with the Oscars, the tone of the show really starts with the music. Yes, it’s all about the films, but it’s also all about the great music from these films that takes you back. And so, having these iconic musical moments helps everyone feel the moment—the joy, sadness, and triumph.

Can you tell us about your creative process?

When I start a process like this, I listen with my eyes closed so I can really get a sense of what the music makes me feel and then decide whether or not it’s an emotional moment I want to include.  

The show has to have a lot of different styles and diversity in the music, but it also has to have a flow. So there’ll be a time where I have a very romantic moment, and it’s lush and beautiful, and then I’ll drop into some hip-hop. Then I’ll jump right out of that into classical. I’ll go wherever the flow feels right. 

If you have someone that’s an iconic artist, then you’re going to want something grand and beautiful, and to give them their due and give them time to walk out. There’s no rush to get them there. And I have to keep in mind not only the television audience, but the audience in the building. It’s really a chess game.

When it comes to the music from this year’s Oscar nominees, is there anything that stands out to you?

I was inspired by a lot of it. Just looking at the songs alone, “Naatu Naatu” from RRR was a very exciting and fun number, and it made me feel proud of the inclusion that we have, and that we’re looking at art from a different way. Same thing with Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. I mean, just put her in front of a microphone and I’m good. Then there’s “Applause” from Tell It Like A Woman, which was written by Diane Warren. I’ve known her my entire musical life and it makes me proud to see her receive an honorary Oscar. I also loved “This Is a Life,” from Everything Everywhere All At Once. 

Really, I feel like the winner because I get to do all five of these songs as well. 

Each year, as the show starts, what do you find you’re most excited about?

I have to be honest, every moment is amazing. Once the show starts, there’s a lot that I have to stay on top of and I’m watching so that I don’t lose track. There’s so much going on in the headset in between the director and the shots and the cues coming in. But I really just want to be present for every single moment and not miss a thing. I love seeing all the emotions, like the joy people express during their speeches. And sometimes I have to pull myself out because I have to say I’m on it, but I’m still so in it.

What’s your takeaway for fans? 

I say, get dressed up and get ready to party. Put your dancing shoes on, because we’re giving you all that energy. And make sure you have some tissues, because there are going to be some tears. Tears from the winners—and tears from everyone else.

Charli XCX, Paris Hilton, and Spotify Celebrate an Unforgettable Year of Listening at 2022 Wrapped Playground

December 5, 2022

Whether you discovered your music listening personality, explored new genres, or uncovered the songs and artists that you streamed most, 2022 Spotify Wrapped had plenty for fans to dive into.

This year’s Wrapped was all about self-expression and play, celebrating the two-way connections that bring millions of creators and fans together through audio each and every day. And after a memorable year of listening, what better way to cap it all off than with a one-of-a-kind, playground-inspired Wrapped experience? That’s why we invited Spotify fans to the 2022 Wrapped Playground, which featured custom rides, interactive games, DJ sets from Paris Hilton and Matt FX, and a live performance from Charli XCX. 

It was none other than Paris who got the party started with a special DJ set for our special guests, who enjoyed a drink as the multi-hyphenate spun a mix of dance and pop tracks.  

As fans began to pour into the event space, they had the chance to enjoy a Wrapped-inspired photo moment, like custom carnival-themed activations inspired by some of the most popular artists this year. These included “Bad Habit” Skeeball, inspired by Steve Lacy’s smash hit; Latto’s “Big Energy” Hi-Striker, from the rapper’s megahit; “Good Ones” Claw Grabber, which taps into the energy of Charli XCX’s lead single from her latest album, CRASH; Gravy’s Groovy Funhouse, which draws from by the effortless 70s style of Yung Gravy; and Mitski’s “Stay Soft” Serve, influenced by the singer’s single released this year. 

Fans also took to new heights with rides on a Ferris wheel, treated their taste buds to funnel cake and corn dog bites, and enjoyed a photo booth and custom airbrush trucker hats. Throughout the evening, circus-like acts such as jugglers and stilt walkers performed around the playground. 

 

 

 

The State of Indie Music, According to Spotify’s Editors

February 28, 2022

One of the characteristics that gives indie its wide-ranging appeal is its ability to embrace a variety of sounds, moods, and geographies in ways that few other genres can. This overlap of influences is not lost on Spotify’s global team of indie music editors, responsible for playlists such as All New Indie, Lorem, and Oblique. Though these three playlists have three unique moods, each is very much rooted in indie.

Groups of Spotify editors make up our Global Curation Groups, or GCGs. As the name suggests, they sit in offices around the world and are in the know on the artists that listeners are streaming the most, the new tracks that are about to break, and the trends that come out of these listening habits. Plus, they’re genre experts—as well as fans themselves—who thrive on deep cultural discussions about the music they curate. 

Which is why For the Record spoke to the indie GCG editors to get a sense of what’s hot in 2022 and what to expect going forward. Here’s what we heard.

A new sound for a new generation

Indie has dramatically expanded its horizons in recent years, according to our editors. Sonically, indie is pulling inspiration from electronic, pop, and hip-hop more than ever, from a wildly diverse group of artists. And geographically, indie’s increasing global popularity has led to the genre being infused with a diverse array of regional sounds.

This cross of so many different genres and cultures has led to it functioning as a springboard for exciting new creators who pop up in playlists like Modern Alternative.

One rising star in particular is RADAR artist Arlo Parks, who is also nominated for two Grammys in 2022. Drawing from a variety of influences, including folk, disco, and trip-hop, her music offers a window into growing up Black in London.

Artists who defy convention

Thanks to the rising influence of Gen Z, the genre is also being pushed forward by a community-driven mindset that values collaboration and experimentation. For proof, look no further than PinkPantheress, another RADAR artist who skyrocketed from social media buzz to bona fide pop stardom in 2021. Her ability to seamlessly meld dance and pop sounds into something all her own led one editor to describe her as a “genre chameleon.” PinkPantheress’ genre-bending sensibility aligns with that of artists like Grimes, who coined the term Ethereal to describe her own unique sound. It also inspired Spotify’s editors to create the Ethereal playlist, which explores the different ways rock, pop, and electronic intersect.

The indie community is also drawn to those artists who defy convention at every twist and turn. That includes Shamir, whose influences can jump between house, country, and industrial, and whose music often touches on gender, sexuality, and their experience as a Black, non-binary individual.

But more than indie just pulling inspiration from other genres, a lot of its versatility comes from the stylistic approaches of artists. While Caroline Polachek blurs the lines between indie and Top 40 pop, an artist such as Mitski often takes a more conceptual approach to her songs, with lyrics that have a theatrical vibe to them.

Global fans, local influences

This variety serves as a driving force behind playlists such as POLLEN, which provides a snapshot of the many different ways indie artists are playing between the lines. Our editors say that indie is less about a specific sound or location, and more about a feeling that fans identify with—but that doesn’t mean indie lacks a sense of place.

For indie artists around the globe, the local sounds still serve as an important influence. Belarus’s Molchat Doma rode the hype around post-punk and synthwave inspired by the ’80s, which is captured in a new playlist called Insomnia. Colombia’s Bomba Estéreo, meanwhile, merges electro and cumbia with indie to create an unmistakably tropical sound. Including artists such as Mdou Moctar and Altin Gün, the playlist Folk Fabrique encapsulates  indie’s mix of traditional sounds from across the globe. 

Our editors expect indie will continue to become more representative of the different sounds and perspectives that are bubbling up from emerging artists. But at the same time, they believe that indie is getting back to its roots and embracing the underground, nonconformist mentality that gave birth to the genre. Instead of big-budget productions, we expect artists to embrace more of the lo-fi, DIY sounds that we’ve heard in eras past.

Perhaps, going forward, artists will get more of the spotlight they deserve because the emphasis will be put on the music—and not the production values.

Want to discover even more of the voices taking over indie in 2022? Be sure to check out some of our editors’ picks for the hottest playlists: Outliers, not just a phase, and melomania.

 

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.