Embracing Diversity: The Rise of Asian Influence in the Music Industry

Head In The Clouds Festival NYC 2023

This past May, I had the pleasure of attending the Head In The Clouds Festival in New York City. In 2023, 88rising expanded its marquee, Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival in North America, for the first time, to New York. Returning to where the company was founded almost eight years ago, Head In The Clouds brought its 2-Day festival to the historic Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York, on May 20 & 21. One of the biggest AAPI Heritage celebrations nationwide, Head In The Clouds New York, took place during Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

88Rising's Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival stands as a testament to the growing influence of Asian artists. Initially held in Los Angeles, the festival has since expanded to other parts of the world, including New York, Jakarta, and Manila. This celebration of Asian music and culture is unique and powerful and has been compared to iconic music festivals such as Woodstock.

The Birth of 88Rising

In 2015, Sean Miyashiro founded 88Rising with a clear vision: to create a platform for Asian artists in the predominantly Western music industry. What started as a small venture quickly became a global phenomenon, establishing 88Rising as a pioneering force for Asian representation in music and arts.

Setting the Stage for Diversity

The Head in the Clouds festival is more than just a music festival. It's a platform for Asian artists to express their creativity and share their culture with a global audience. From Indonesian pop singer NIKI to Korean girl band ITZY, the festival showcases a wide array of talent across the Asian diaspora.

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

The festival is not just about the performances on stage but also the inspiring stories and experiences of the artists involved. For instance, NIKI, one of 88Rising's top acts, spoke about the importance of representation and how she hoped to contribute to a cultural shift. Her words resonated with many fans, highlighting the festival's impact beyond music and entertainment.

A Celebration of Asian Cuisine

In addition to music, the festival also celebrates Asian cuisine. Festival-goers can indulge in various dishes from AAPI food vendors, further enhancing the cultural immersion experience. From local New York favorites, like Rokstar Chicken, Kopitiam, Domakase, Meat Asia, Obao x Gai Chicken & Rice, Patok by Rach, Sugarcane Daddy, and more, the food offerings are as diverse and vibrant as the musical lineup. 

Sugarcane Daddy was by far my favorite vendor. Through rain and shine, it made me feel refreshed and hydrated. 

A New Wave of Influence

The success of 88Rising and the Head in the Clouds festival reflects a growing acceptance and appreciation for non-dominant cultures in the music industry. It's encouraging to see Asian artists make a mark on the global stage and inspire a new generation of artists to follow in their footsteps.

The Power of Representation

The festival's influence goes beyond music and food. It's about representation, about showing the world that Asian artists are just as talented and deserving of recognition as their Western counterparts. As NIKI stated during her performance, "My hope is, above everything else today, that you feel heard, you feel understood, but most of all that you feel represented."

Looking Ahead

As 88Rising continues to grow and evolve, imagining the future is exciting. The Head in the Clouds festival expands yearly, reaching new audiences and showcasing even more diverse talent. It's a testament to the power of music as a universal language and a force for cultural exchange.

In a world that's becoming more diverse and interconnected, the rise of Asian influence in the music industry is a welcome development. Through platforms like 88Rising and events like the Head in the Clouds festival, we see a new generation of artists break barriers and challenge the status quo. It's a celebration of diversity, a testament to the power of representation, and a reminder that music truly has no boundaries.

As the world becomes more connected, cultural diversity is celebrated more than ever. This is evident in the music industry, where artists from non-dominant cultures are making waves and breaking barriers. A prime example is the rise of Asian influence, mainly through the efforts of 88Rising and its annual Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival.