AAPI Heritage Month is a time to honor the vast and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders—not only within the United States, but across the globe. As part of our ongoing commitment to amplify underrepresented voices, we’re spotlighting artists whose work reflects the depth, creativity, and influence of AAPI communities worldwide. Their stories, sounds, and perspectives continue to shape the cultural landscape in powerful ways.

///  YoRi – 21 grams (Burakku / pt global impresario mandiri)

YoRI (Aurel Mayori) is a multi-talented singer, actress, streamer, influencer, and virtual YouTuber from Jakarta, Indonesia. Formerly part of a popular idol group, she recently embarked on a solo journey to pursue her true passion: music.

Her captivating pop seamlessly bridges the cultural gap between Indonesian and Japanese music. YoRI’s style is uniquely her own. A storyteller, soul weaver, and a force of nature in the ever-evolving indie music scene, YoRI’s voice blends ethereal vulnerability and raw power. She crafts melodies that seep into the hearts of her listeners, leaving traces of nostalgia, longing, and quiet rebellion.

In February 2025, YoRI unveiled her magnum opus: her debut full album, 21 grams. More than a collection of songs, the album is an emotional odyssey, a deep dive into love, loss, and the existential weight of being. With intricate compositions, soul-stirring lyrics, and an artistic vision that transcends boundaries, 21 grams cements Yori’s place as one of the most evocative voices of her generation.

///  TJ Monterde, 10CM – After 3 (CAM WITH US CO. LTD)

Award-winning Filipino singer-songwriter TJ Monterde is best known for hit songs such as Palagi, Dating Tayo, and Mahika. Having garnered multiple accolades from prestigious bodies such as the Awit Awards and Wish Music Awards, he recently became the most-streamed OPM artist on Spotify with more than 1 billion streams. Billboard Philippines recognized his version of Palagi with KZ Tandingan as the number one song in the Philippines for 2024. It also became the theme song of Hello, Love, Again – the highest-grossing film in Philippine cinema history.

10cm is a South Korean indie pop project named for the ten-centimeter height difference between the two members, Kwon Jung-yoel on lead vocals and djembe (an African hand drum), and Yoon on guitar and harmony vocals. With an acoustic folk-pop sound transcending the country’s indie scene, the duo’s independent full-length debut album, 1.0, surprised many by selling over 200,000 copies and earning the duo a Korean Music Award for Best Pop Song. Their third album, 3.0, landed at number nine on the Gaon albums chart, their highest chart placement to date.

Now, the two artists unite for a unique collaboration that blends their distinct musical styles while honoring their roots. Acoustic Romantics is more than a cross-cultural release — it’s a creative journey that reflects how TJ and 10cm first connected, shared stages, and eventually wrote and recorded music together. This project is both a celebration of friendship and an exploration of new musical possibilities, aiming to reach audiences far beyond Asia. The single After 3 — composed by 10cm with lyrics by TJ Monterde — is a breezy, feel-good track that captures the beauty of unplanned moments. It paints the picture of a late afternoon drive with the windows down, music playing, and no set destination — just you and a friend chasing the golden hour. With its warm, acoustic feel and easygoing energy, the song evokes a sense of quiet joy and shared freedom — a reminder that sometimes, the best memories are made without a plan.

///  Batas Senja – Kita Usahakan Lagi (Sintesa Pro)

Hailing from Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, Batas Senja formed in 2014. Their catalog, including hit singles such as Alenia, Kertas dan Pena, and Kan Menua, is known for addressing social issues, life, and love. The band made a significant impact in 2022 with Nanti Kita Seperti Ini, which has over 290 million streams on Spotify and has seen considerable sync placements.

In 2023, Batas Senja was nominated for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the Indonesia Music Awards 2023 and continued to receive acclaim into 2024, being nominated for Best Folk/Country/Ballad Production at Anugerah Musik Indonesia for their song Menceritakanmu.

///  The Linda Lindas – Nothing Would Change (Epitaph)

The Linda Lindas are back with Nothing Would Change, a punchy indie rock track from their album No Obligations, released on October 11, 2024. The vibrant single marked a new chapter for the band, highlighting their growth and the evolution of their sound since their 2020 debut. Drawing on the experience of global tours and countless live shows, Nothing Would Change reaffirmed The Linda Lindas’ place as one of indie rock’s most exciting voices. Catch them on their first UK/European tour this summer!

Image Credit: The Linda Lindas (No Obligation Album Artwork)