On the Record: Yuta, Xin Liu, Anson Lo and Everything We Had On Repeat During API Heritage Month

All the music we kept on repeat in May, from Xin Liu’s “Passion” to Anson Lo’s “The Time is Always Now.“

At the end of each month, we go On the Record to share the songs we’ve added to our playlist. Bringing the international music scene straight to your device, each list contains a combination of established and up-and-coming artists from around the world.

In May, celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we curated a selection of new music by artists from across the Asian and Pacific Islander regions.

Iam Tongi – “Sunshine”

Summer may officially start in June, but for Hawaiian singer Iam Tongi, the season kicked off in May. “Sunshine,” released at the start of the month, evokes island scenery and tropical relaxation. In the accompanying music video, Tongi engages various communities for an upbeat montage.

TXT – “Love Language”

South Korean boy group Tomorrow X Together (TXT) tapped into the most sentimental side for “Love Language.” This catchy Afro house track documents unapologetic yearning, as the quintet trades lines about learning their significant other’s love language (and, of course, everything about them).

i-dle – “Good Thing”

Off the heels of a rebrand, K-pop girl group i-dle (formerly (G)I-dle) released “Good Thing,” an angsty song that merges elements of eras past. Notes of the group’s hits “Tomboy” and “Super Lady” combine to create a delightfully chaotic nod to the electronic sound of late-2000s K-pop.

f5ve ft. Kesha – “Sugar Free Venom”

Japanese girl group f5ve expanded the collection of Y2K-inspired tracks in their discography with “Sugar Free Venom,” featuring Kesha. The song’s bass-heavy instrumental lays the foundation for the layered chorus progression. In place of a bridge, Kesha joins the quintet for the song’s sultry final verse.

manifest – “KTS”

Turkish sextet manifest brings hypnotic vocals to “KTS,” a song whose girl-crush sound contrasts starkly with its lyrics. “KTS” is an acronym for the Turkish phrase kalbimin tek sahibi, meaning “sole owner of my heart.” In the accompanying music video, manifest executes a powerful choreography to the tune of this bass-heavy anthem.

YOASOBI – “Watch me!”

“Watch me!” by YOASOBI acts as the opening title for the anime series Witch Watch, based on the manga by Kenta Shinohara. For fans of romance anime, the song’s bubbly instrumental will be a familiar nod to the series’ nature.

Lexie Liu – “FFFFF”

Everything about Lexie Liu’s “FFFFF”—from the echoing, electronic vocals to the singer’s smokey eyeliner in the music video—is an ode to Y2K. Liu steps further into her identity as a musician with this release, exploring a new perspective on femininity and an indisputably catchy refrain.

88rising, PIAO, Stephanie Poetri – “just a girl”

“just a girl” by Chinese-American star PIAO and Indonesian singer Stephanie Poetri perfectly embodies “I’m just a girl,” the phrase popularized and epitomized by various TikTok trends. The duo draws on their life experiences with everything that makes up the relatable rollercoaster of girlhood: no-makeup makeup, decorative keychains and, of course, an obsession with Pedro Pascal.

YUTA – “Twisted Paradise”

Pop-rock track “Twisted Paradise” marks the release of K-pop star Yuta’s first Japanese single. Nearly a decade into his career as a musician, the Osaka native continues to redefine his artistry. “Twisted Paradise” is a moving melody complete with heartfelt belts and a compelling bridge. The song’s evocative range mimics that of a live musical, inviting the audience on an auditory journey.

Rosé – “Messy”

Ahead of the highly anticipated Formula One film, set to debut in June, K-pop star Rosé released “Messy,” her feature on the F1 soundtrack. The singer lends her emotional vocal color to the song’s booming instrumental, detailing a passionate, all-consuming and messy love.

Emotional Oranges, Jaehyun – “Call It Off”

R&B duo Emotional Oranges joined forces with K-pop singer Jaehyun on “Call It Off,” a new single off their upcoming EP Orenji. Drawing influence from the pair’s time in East Asia, “Call It Off” combines laid-back lo-fi with groovy snares.

Xin Liu – “Passion”

Defined by its strumming bass and energetic synths, “Passion” is an homage to the dance floor. Chinese singer Xin Liu brings carefully breathy vocals to this club-ready number, which is one of three tracks on Passion, her latest EP with 88rising.

Mark Tuan – “High As You”

Mark Tuan speaks his most vulnerable truths in “High As You,” his first release of 2025. Coming in under three minutes, “High As You” tells the straightforward tale of a relationship so passionate it becomes addictive. Tuan leads the track with soft vocals, rather than the rap he became known for as a member of K-pop group GOT7.

Sugar ‘N Spice (SNS) – “Starry Diary”

Thai girl group Sugar ‘N Spice poured their hearts out in “Starry Diary.” As the title suggests, the song lyrics read like a personal diary entry, where the protagonist reflects on feelings of affection she’s too shy to express. This mellow pop track is a comforting serenade that pulls at the heartstrings of new love.

Anson Lo – “The Time is Always Now”

In the ballad “The Time is Always Now,” Hong Kong star Anson Lo offers candid encouragement to listeners. Occasionally tapping into his religious background, Lo pushes the listener to embrace challenges and seize opportunities. Sincere and emotional, “The Time is Always Now” is a celebration of life across its ups and downs.

Soobin – “Ai cũng phải lớn”

Vietnamese vocalist Soobin takes listeners on a touching reflection in “Ai cũng phải lớn.” The song, whose title loosely translates to “everyone must grow up,” is a moving ballad about getting older and the decisions one makes along the way. Soobin shines on this track, letting his vocals soar freely over the melancholic instrumental.