Uniting NYC’s lush Asian and Pacific Islander community members and appreciators alike, Head In The Clouds returns to showcase Asian excellence in talent, culture, and food at Forest Hills Stadium next weekend. Between bites of lumpia from Patok by Rach, TabeTomo’s tonkotsu tsukemen, and Silk. bubble tea, of course, here are the musical acts to catch at the festival this weekend. Plus, every artist will be on the main stage this year, so no need to choose between your faves!
Top 5 Acts You Won’t Want To Miss
YOUNG POSSE
These newcomers follow a next-gen wave of K-pop girl groups who actively defy the hyperfeminine, male gaze-oriented stereotypes to make way for cyphers and punchy choreo: think along the lines of XG, who made their US debut at Head In The Clouds last year. Keep it moving to old-school and Jersey club-inspired beats when you catch the weekend's second set.
WARREN HUE
Cosigned by last year’s headliner Rich Brian as an “Asian rap icon,” the Indonesian-Chinese rapper and producer quickly rose to the ranks of Marvel soundtrack contributor upon signing with 88rising in 2021. Along with his dreamy new single ‘SPLIT,’ Hue teases even more new songs and visualizers in his set at HITC.
DEB NEVER
Festivalgoers may recall Deb Never’s joint stage with fellow Korean-American singer and rapper Audrey Nuna at HITC LA in 2022, but this year, NYC gets to experience a full set of her genre-melding, introspective tunes on identity, queerness, and the AAPI experience. She’s wicked smart, true to herself, and certifiably cool: just ask JENNIE.
LYN LAPID
This Filipino-American singer-songwriter has had a seminal past year, between the release of her sophomore EP to love in the 21st century and its deluxe epilogue, both met with critical acclaim, and a subsequent headlining tour. Expect the rising star to deliver sweet alt-pop tunes with her heart on her sleeve.
THUY
Thuy made history last month as the first Vietnamese-American solo artist to perform at Coachella, and there’s no doubt this momentum will propel her through another vibrant show in NYC. Join her to dance on stage! She knows how to throw a party.
Top 5 Acts Already on Your Radar
BALMING TIGER
The self-defined “multi-national alternative K-pop group” has been shaking up the scene since 2018, and further catapulted to the Asian music mainstream with ‘SEXY NUKIM,’ a collab featuring none other than RM of BTS. Known for their explosive, immersive performances, the collective will surely have you thrashing on Saturday afternoon.
ATARASHII GAKKO!
After an electric Coachella debut last month, the rebellious quartet of “Japan leaders” will continue their festival circuit with another surefire high-voltage set on day 2. Don’t let the school uniforms fool you: these girls are not to be underestimated.
BIBI
Korean multi-hyphenate BIBI will make her highly anticipated NYC debut, sure to be laced with pure badassery and maybe even guest appearance from friend and collaborator Soyeon of (G)I-DLE. She’s been shown to feed off a vibe when she performs, so don’t be shy: who knows, you could be the lucky fan on the receiving end of her kiss.
(G)I-DLE
Day 1 headliners (G)I-DLE have had a monumental past year, from releasing fully English language EP HEAT in collaboration with 88rising to their fourth consecutive perfect all-kill with ‘Fate.’ Music video cosplay and spot-on choreo will permeate the crowds when (G)I-DLE take the stage with their signature unapologetically feminist flair.
JOJI
Without a doubt 88rising’s most well-known act, Joji has been quiet since wrapping up his Pandemonium Tour last fall. Smithereens found him at his most vulnerable, but always expect the unexpected at a Joji show. Fans suspect new music on the horizon, and we have our fingers crossed for a preview this weekend.
Tickets for Head In The Clouds can be found here.
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