8 Artists Share What Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month Means To Them – Forbes

Due to the recent rise in anti-Asian violence, the gravity of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM) feels amplified. 

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month initially began in 1977 when a resolution was introduced to the House of Representatives, however, it only advocated for the celebration to last for 10 days. In 1991, George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress to extend the celebration to a month, deeming that the honorary celebration would last a month in May 1991 and May 1992. Later, May was officially designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 1992.

May marks a time to honor the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders that have greatly impacted the United States. Here, Forbes recognizes eight of the many Asian and Pacific Islander artists who have left their mark on music. 

Lisa Kocay: What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you? 

Blood Cultures: “I don’t think it means much to me. Maybe because it’s so vague? Don’t get me wrong, it’s cool for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to get recognized, I don’t want to take that way, but I have to wonder: who is this for really? Because it feels more like it’s for them than it’s for us, you know? I feel like the name itself is marginalizing. Why are Asian Americans and Pacific Americans considered the same thing? Why are we all lumped together? We are completely different ethnic identities with their own cultures, histories, experiences and struggles. Even South Asian Americans and East Asian Americans have totally different experiences in this country—[AAPIHM] just feels a little silly to me.”

Josh Pan: “I’d never really heard of AAPIH month growing up, but I did grow up in Taiwan, so I’m definitely very connected to my Asian Pacific heritage. I love it. I also live in K-Town.”

Lastlings: “[Asian Pacific Australian Heritage Month] is a time to reflect and celebrate your culture and heritage. Celebrate our AAPI friends and families achievements.”

Qrion: “It reminds us that we’re not alone. There are a lot of sad, unfair and inexcusable incidents towards our community, especially this one year which has been increasing. And this is not just because of the covid-19 pandemic—I know Asian hate has existed for a long time. Having this month almost makes me feel like we’re holding hands and gathering to become stronger. Since I moved to the United States about six years ago, I [have seen] many of Asian American artists hustling to achieve their dreams and making progress for the country. In the music industry here, it’s still not very diverse. I appreciate what they’ve been doing, and it’s given me a lot of inspiration.” 

Saweetie: “For me, AAPI Heritage month is all about taking pride in who I am and celebrating the rich history and culture that my ancestors created.”

Shawn Wasabi: “Especially this year, I’ve taken a lot more time to be more introspective and sentimental considering the recent global traumatic events, especially with the Stop Asian Hate movement making its way in the global atmosphere. Especially with being home all the time alone with my own thoughts [and] not getting to see a lot of other people besides my immediate family and close friends, I’ve taken it more upon myself this time around AAPIH Month to think about how my family got here and what my family experienced coming to the United States—especially with my grandfather, who was the first one in our entire family tree to step foot in the States by enlisting into the army during World War II. That’s what [AAPIHM] means to me this time around. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still celebrating, though. I’m very much happy and glad it’s this time of the year. Also, that we can take some time to be proud of that.”

Tsu Nami: “As a Korean-American, AAPI Heritage Month means so much to me. This is a time to celebrate our accomplishments and provide a platform for AAPI members. I grew up in a town that lacked a lot of diversity, and I wasn’t able to have many Asian friends. So this month is very special to me. There are several amazing artists within our community that deserve so much recognition, and this is a great opportunity to showcase these talents.”

Yetep: “Being Korean-American, I think I appreciate it more and more as I get older. Hopefully this month inspires the younger generations and gives more exposure to the Asian American artists who deserve it all.”

Kocay: What are some of your favorite releases by Asian and Pacific Islander artists that came out this month? 

Blood Cultures: “I just discovered another Pakistani Brooklynite: Arooj Aftab. She put out a record this month, which is super cool and unapologetically unique.”

Josh Pan: “There’s a crazy track called ‘Akimbo’ by Juelz. Juelz is one of my favorite producers and a good homie—wonderful human.”

Lastlings: “One of our favorite releases [by Asian Pacific Australian artists] would have to be ‘Siargao Dreams’ by Juno Mamba.” 

Qrion: “Booka Shade and SOHMI – ‘Small Talk (Okay).’ SOHMI is great. She’s a Korean-American artist. I feel empowered to see other Asian women artists being on top of the electronic music scene.”

Shawn Wasabi: “I like to back-track to an album that came out last year that sort of flew under the radar: Robotaki’s debut album, The Grand Mirage. I recommend everybody to check it out.

“Keshi – ‘Beside You.’ [I] love the production on this.”

“Manila Killa’s Remix of ‘Take Cover’

“Chevy – ‘I Know a Place’

“Omega Sapien and Baauer – ‘DDOKBOKKI.’ I play this on repeat a lot.”

Tsu Nami: “So many good songs have been coming out lately. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Juelz – ‘Distancing’

Aiobahn and Mick Mazoo – ‘Never Go Back’

Saka – ‘Salvo’

Phritz – ‘Summit’

NUU$HI – ‘Icarus’

P3PPER – ‘day + night’

Bleu Clair and Rhiannon Roze – ‘Gold.’”

Yetep: “I’m such a big fan of Jai Wolf and Manila Killa. They were one of the first Asian artists I saw at a live show. It’s amazing to see them succeed, and I’m lucky enough to call them my friends. They were recently in a remix package for Petit Biscuit, so make sure you check that out. Also check out Jai Wolf’s Keshi remix.”

Kocay: How have Asian Pacific Islander artists been coming together to empower one another this month? 

Blood Cultures: “I can only speak to my experience, but Heems of Das Racist and Swet Shop Boys gave us a shout out and connected with us, which was a really surreal moment because I’m such a huge fan of his. I think what he’s done for the culture has been massive. I have so much respect for him for really pioneering the conversation around South Asian identity in the indie music sphere.”

Josh Pan: “It’s been amazing to see Asians getting more recognition everywhere. In entertainment, in the media, etc. I feel like everyone is being especially supportive of one another lately because of all of the attacks against Asian Americans as well. I wish it didn’t have to be this way, though.”

Lastlings: “We have been sharing our experiences and being there for one another. It’s beautiful to see everyone share their stories and be so vulnerable with the whole world. We feel so much more support from everyone speaking out and a lot more educated, and hopefully our AAPI fans, family and friends do too.”

Qrion: “This month is time for us to unite as a community. Even if artists don’t know each other personally, we are still able to relate to one another and come together to have important conversations—online and offline. It’s empowering to see the articles and interviews about Asian American artists, posts on socials and playlists. It’s going to create resources for us to learn about each other’s backgrounds and experiences. We will also have more opportunities to discover each other’s music by coming together. I’m excited to get to know more artists in the community.”

Saweetie: “I’ve seen a lot of artists stand together in protest and lend their talents to raise awareness and educate others on AAPI anti-racism and discrimination. I’m excited to perform for the AAPI TV special in May—make sure you tap in.”

Shawn Wasabi: “I noticed a lot of us have been listening to each other’s songs and supporting each other on social media. I’ve been working with a lot of Asian American Pacific Islander artists myself, like Tiffany Day, Sophia Black and okasami. They’re all really talented in their own right. I also use social media to [find] other Asian American Pacific Islander artists as much as possible to let them know that I appreciate them and that they inspire me.”

Tsu Nami: “I always try to support my Asian artist friends no matter what time it is. I think the majority of us share this empathy of the Asian American artist experience. Considering our backgrounds, so many of us have really struggled with pursuing a creative career, and that’s what really drives our support for each other. Representation is really important to me, and I love to share and support my friends’ music. With all of the recent attacks on our community, I think we’ve been able to show great empathy towards each other. Knowing that they understand how I feel and vice versa has been a huge comfort to me. I also think just listening to what my friends create has been empowering and inspirational to me.” 

Yetep: “It’s been a tough couple of months for us all, but seeing everyone come together through the Instagram stories, tweets and live streams has been inspiring to see. It’s crazy how far we can reach when we all come together.”

Kocay: What are some of your favorite traditions, cuisines, etc. that are core to your heritage?

Blood Cultures: “Gathering with the family for meals, specifically Iftar, having foods like Aloo Pakora or Samosa. Big shout out to Rooh Afza, the grossest drink in the game.”

Josh Pan: “I like hot pot—a lot. It’s the best. Also, go to Taiwan and hit the night markets. It is lit.

“Other than food, I honestly love how tight family connections are in Asian households. It’s something I never take for granted.”

Amy Dowdle of Lastlings: “I have a few. Onsen (Hot Springs) [is] my favorite place to unwind, especially during winter. You can sit outside in the bath with snow surrounding you. Monjayaki is one of my favorite cuisines in Japan. It is similar to Okonomiyaki but it is prepared differently. The Monjayaki restaurants are normally hands-on and are a great way to socialize and spend time with friends or family, too. If you ever stumble upon a Monjayaki restaurant, definitely add mochi, cheese and baby star noodles. It is so tasty.

“Lastly, my grandparents’ house. We went there a lot growing up. It is a small fishing village in a place called Aomori. The ocean is on one side of the house and the forest is behind. Some of my favorite memories and yummiest meals have taken place there.” 

Josh Dowdle of Lastlings: “I’m obsessed with Japanese architecture and woodwork. I just love the intricate joinery used and how beautiful the buildings are in Japan. It’s a real testament [to] the care and precision that echoes through Japanese culture. It really feels like there is a delicate balance maintained in many of the disciplines in Japan, and another great example of this is the food. I absolutely love the food. Ramen is one of my favorite dishes, and I think something that is taken very lightly in the Western world as just ‘noodles and soup.’ It was incredible to travel Japan and taste all different styles of ramen and how each city or area had a different style of ramen that was characteristic to their location. I’m very passionate about ramen—my favorite style is quite simple and is Hakata thin noodles in Tonkotsu broth.” 

Qrion: “I mostly eat Japanese cuisine. Especially during the pandemic, I have been able to spend more time cooking Japanese food at home. I cook almost everyday. I didn’t realize how much the food from home meant to me and how much it is a part of my identity. Born and raised in Japan, I didn’t know any different, and then I came to the U.S. and was surrounded by so many kinds of foods.”

Shawn Wasabi: “My mom makes the best Filipino food, obviously. She lives in Salinas and I haven’t seen her recently. Actually, I haven’t been around other Filipinos as [a] whole in a while, which seems like ages, but yes, she makes the best Filipino food and that’s a big part of my heritage. My favorite dishes are chicken adobo and lumpia. Speaking of Filipino dishes, Guapdad4000 put out a song called ‘Chicken Adobo,’ which I also like. One of my favorite cultural festivals is the Sinulog festival in Cebu. It didn’t happen last year unfortunately, but it’s one of the best days of the year. It’s so fun just running around and partying on the streets with a bunch of drunk Filipinos.”

Tsu Nami: “I’ve definitely been watching a lot of K-Dramas lately. Korean dramas just have that special something that American shows can’t emulate. I also recently moved away from home, and I really miss my mom’s cooking. I’ll go to Korean restaurants and H-Mart sometimes, but it’s not the same as my Umma’s. I try my best to recreate her dishes, but I can’t get it quite right. I think they’re lacking the ‘Umma touch.’”  

Yetep: “One of my favorite Korean traditions is Chuseok. It’s more like a Korean thanksgiving. It’s one of the holidays where family comes together, and we feast. Also, I recommend you guys try bossam (braised pork). It’s definitely one of my favorite Korean dishes.”

Kocay: Do you have a message you would like to share during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? 

Blood Cultures: “Your ethnicity matters as much as it doesn’t. ‘Asian’ isn’t really an ethnic identity. Being Asian doesn’t really mean much to me, and I doubt it means much to anyone else that is lumped in the box that they have to check on a government form. It’s such a wide net to cast really. It’s like saying Ontario and Dallas are the same because they’re both ‘North American.’ Individual countries, and even within the borders, regions within those countries have completely unique ethnicities and cultures, which all should be celebrated, but it feels a little counterintuitive to do that under an umbrella term.”

Josh Pan: “Find Peace. Find happiness. Count your blessings daily. Also, never give up on your dreams, no matter who you are and where you’re from.”

Lastlings: “If you are part of the AAPI community and you want to be in the entertainment industry: go for it and keep trying. It’s incredible to see so many at the forefront of our industries, because when we were starting out there wasn’t really anyone like us to look up to.”

Qrion: “There are a lot of ways to support our communities: donating to AAPI, spreading the awareness related to anti-Asian hate crime or even just checking in and texting with your Asian American friends. Many of us have been feeling down the past few months, and reaching out makes a difference. It’s important to remember that these hate crimes are happening everywhere on a daily basis and not just the spotted incidences that you see on TV.”

Saweetie: “Every life is valuable and you should treat people the way you want to be treated, okay? I know [that is] right.”

Shawn Wasabi: “Especially with the rise in anti-Asian racism, there is this saying that goes, ‘you cannot stop the waves, but you can learn to surf’ that resonated with me. Lulu Wang, who made the Farewell movie, tweeted this actually.

“This feels like the key difference between now and then, years ago, both in my personal life and career. I’ve learned to ‘surf’ the waves instead of trying to fight them. I interpret this as there is only so much you can do. I am doing as much as I can and learn to stay on top of it—learn to keep myself emotionally sane so I can continue to make art and music without falling under. I want to share that message. Especially since most of us Asian Americans Pacific Islanders have experienced anti-Asian racism to some extent, either in our daily lives or weekly or in the past—down to each’s personal experience, of course.”

Tsu Nami: “Keep creating and stay hopeful.”

Yetep: “I know AAPIHM lasts for a month, but I hope we all empower everyone every day.”   

Kocay: Is there anything else you think I should know?

Blood Cultures: “One’s ethnic identity isn’t a choice. Your ethnicity is something that you are birthed into, and your identity is something that is grafted onto you by your society and how you’re treated by it. The only choice you really have is how much you choose to embrace that identity. Which isn’t easy because in a lot of ways, the more you identify within the box you’ve been given, the more you marginalize yourself and lose your individuality, but the less you recognize the box, the less aware you become of yourself, your roots and how the world views you. It sort of feels like a trap sometimes to try and find that balance. I think it’s a unique struggle that a lot of other people don’t have to think about.”

Josh Pan: “I have lots of exciting music coming out soon. [A] Skrillex collaboration and then releases with 88rising.”

Shawn Wasabi: “I really want to travel and to Asia especially. I feel that it’s essential to keeping in touch with my heritage, culture and food. Recently I’ve been reading Johnny Sun’s new book that he sent to me called Goodbye, Again. It’s so good that I haven’t been able to put it down. It’s a collection of essays, reflections and anecdotes about growing up Asian. He is actually Chinese Canadian, but he speaks about how he dealt with it spiritually, his family and as an artist. He articulates what some of us feel so well—when we have a hard time putting it to words. There are some really cool introspective reflections in the book that when I read through it makes my world a little brighter. I recommend that you read that book, especially if you make art, music, are Asian or at least an Asian in the West.

“I also picked up Jo Koy’s new book, Mixed Plate. I just started reading it, but he did a great job reflecting on his time growing up in Manila from breaking down the culture and class disparity. If you’ve never been to Manila, there’s a character about the city that teaches you a lot. Jo explains it really well, especially what it’s like to walk through the city. Also, there’s a great lumpia recipe in it.”

Yetep: “[I] just wanted to thank everyone for believing in me and getting me here. I have a ton of new music coming out this year, and I’m working on a few projects to help bring the community together.”