Theme of this Month: 🍙 I Had a Dream that Asian Musicians Took Over Governors Ball
To celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I've curated a playlist featuring all Asian musicians. The timing is certainly fitting, but the truth is that I've encountered so many amazing and underrated Asian musicians over the years that I could create a playlist featuring an impressive roster of Asian artists at any time of year. In fact, this would be the third time that I am featuring an all Asian cast (I Had a Dream that Asian Musicians Took Over Coachella Part 1 & Part 2).
The idea was inspired by a vivid dream, one that left me wanting in the morning. I was transported to sunny California, finding myself in the throngs of a lively music festival. There was a larger-than-life installation of an airship that seemed to be an amalgamation of all the ones in my favorite Miyazaki movies. The music coming from the various stages were of all my favorite Asian musicians and bands. On one stage were international indie bands, representing a diversity of Asian nations; their songs showcased the influences of east and west in innovative and radical ways. On another stage were the Asian rappers, spitting straight fire, their stories dropped with emotional heft one verse at a time. The powerhouse music collective, 88rising, had an entire stage of their own. As the sun set, I danced my way to the main stage where DJs were closing out the day with banging sets against a backdrop of electrifying fireworks.
This month is a celebration of music in a time where we can no longer enjoy the simple luxury of rubbing shoulders with loved ones and strangers alike, getting lost and awash in the sound of incredible artists at live music events. The playlist will transport you to a music festival here in New York, where the pizza is still hot and the subways are still running 24/7. Sending peace, love, and power to you all.
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