As an antidote for these times, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center invited community members to share their favorite songs; the result is a splendid playlist. Head over to Smithsonian Magazine to read more about this eclectic mix of heartwarming tunes, instrumentals and pointed social commentary from such veterans as Yoko Ono and Brothers Cazimero as well as emerging artists like Audrey Nuna and G Yamazawa.
This playlist is a collaboration of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC), Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage(CFCH), Dr. Deborah Wong, and DJ and music archivist Richie Traktivist. Dr. Wong is an advisor for the Smithsonian Folkways Asian Pacific America Music series and former chair of the CFCH advisory council. Special thanks to TRAKTIVIST, a platform whose mission is to bring visibility and sustainability to Asian American artists. Visit the website to search by ethnicity, genre, role and database of the more than 1,500 artists spanning a period from the early 1900s to the present. This list and the contributors’ choices vividly reflect the diversity of AAPI hopes and opinions.
Spotify
Apple Music
YouTube
Tidal
Pandora
Listen on Pandora here