Indie and Alt Artists Redefining the Musicscape in America

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 GIF of a Japanese breakfast, Michelle Zauner has always been playing the guitar, writing songs, and performing since she was young. She often used music to deal with stress and later grief. Michelle would learn to cook Korean cuisine and record music to cope with her grief, which led to her debut album, a record deal, and tours. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed memoir “Crying In H Mart.” She hopes that her work will encourage other Asian Americans to pursue music. Inspired by shoegaze (a style of alternative rock), Michelle experiments with indie pop and rock music. 

Check out: “The Body Is A Blade”

KAYE

Charlene Kaye began learning how to play several instruments at an early age before she met the musical theater group Team Starkid, leading to collaborations and a friendship with Darren Criss. She was the frontwoman of San Fermin and has since gone solo. KAYE has gone a long way from having deep roots in folk, experimenting with a pop sound, and becoming her own rock star with lyrics tackling mental health and racism. 

Check out: “Lifeline”

Lil Mariko

Lil Mariko is making a name for herself in memes and music. She first went viral from singing and screaming about her Juul. Since then, she unapologetically continues putting out headbanging songs about anything she wants, from catboys in maid dresses to being the shiniest bitch and singing with Nasty Ricco about how everyone should simp for them. Lil Mariko is building a queendom for herself in screamo hyperpop. 

Check out: “I’m Baby”

Mitski

Mitski created her own music until she was signed and released her critically acclaimed albums. She often moved around growing up due to her parents’ occupations but sang in choir and would pursue music in college. Her albums would meet critical acclaim. Her biracial Asian American identity is often reflected in her eclectic music, as her lyrics express duality, belonging, and yearning. She writes love songs and ballads in indie pop and rock music.

Check out: “Washing Machine Heart”

Raveena Aurora

With Asha Puthli as her greatest inspiration, she persevered past being turned away at Broadway auditions and record deals to release her own independent music. She would explore her bisexuality, honor Indian American heritage, and reflect on her healing process from abusive relationships in her music. Her genre-bending music has been described as many things: R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. 

Check out: “Temptation”

Umi

After discovering YouTube beats in high school, she would write tracks and post covers of other songs before posting her original songs. She would make it into Spotify’s Fresh Finds of Best of 2017. She has said music has always felt like an extension of herself and that she creates her music with empathy. She strives to create healing spaces with her music, which she centers around peace. She’s influenced by Neo Soul and R&B, and BTS’s V joined in to collaborate on an emotionally heartfelt song, “where u r.”

Check out: “Remember Me”

Wolftyla

Wolftyla has come a long way from writing poetry and lyrics on Tumblr to becoming a Vine star before releasing breakout hits. Wolftyla stays true to herself while reflecting on new experiences and feelings in her songwriting. She often looks back on her roots to inspire her fashion and music. Even BTS’s V loves her music and is inspired by her music style, which is inspired by R&B and soul.

Check out: “All Tinted 올 틴티드”

Asian Americans have always been othered, exoticized, and invisibilized when it comes to media and mainstream representation. However, music is the intimate and vulnerable medium of the voice. It’s a call for belonging and understanding through a melody. As Asian Americans are striving for more multi-faceted representation that calls from their experiences and not stereotypes, they’ve always had a space in the musicscape and are becoming louder and more powerful beyond. 

It’s taken years, but now newer generations are finding their voices to create music and put their artistry out there whether or not they’re signed. They’re determined to break barriers while building supportive communities. Thanks to social media and online platforms, these Asian American artists have the power to build their own communities and spaces without the need for a record label. 

Cover: Image of Bella Poarch; Photo by Simone Komine