By Jocelle Koh and Sinead
As Spring is well and truly upon us, this year feels like we are more in need of the brief respite it presents more than ever. Given all the turmoil that is happening in the world, not to mention the erratic weather shifts and shorter Springtimes, it brings into focus the preciousness of pleasant, temperate seasons, and the beauty of rebirth and growth of nature all around us.
To encourage not only the rebirth of nature but also ourselves at this pivotal point in the year, here are 6 tracks out of Asia from Philippines to China to the Indian diaspora (and more!) that hopefully inspire us to see the beauty in the persistence of change. Freshness, vibrance and unexpected sonic twists await!
1. There’s Nothing Better 还有什么更好的 – Shan Yichun 单依纯
As the nights get longer, the flowers start to bloom and everyone’s mood starts to improve, there is truly nothing better to soundtrack the return of springtime than this absolute bop from Chinese singer Shan Yichun. Floating along on a trippy low-fi beat, the song talk about finding those blissful ‘spring’ moments, like when you listen to the perfect song at the perfect moment and the whole world seems to come alive. Pairing Shan’s dreamy vocals with the legendary Shilei Chang 常石磊 as composer and lyricist – who also worked with another quirky diva and APW favorite Sue 蘇運營 – this is a track is the simple beauty of blue skies and a cool breeze made into song.
这音乐 太动听 我怎么办 This song is just so good; what can I say
我太开心 所有烦恼 被洗干净 I’m just so happy; all of my worries wash away
2. Sedia Aku Sebelum Hujan (I’m ready before the rain) – Idgitaf
Indonesian singer-songwriter Idgitaf has penned the song of our summer, and now our spring too. A pop-rock track which feels like the headiness of rain against the gen-z songstress’s resilient yet sweet melismatic vocals, there is a certain respite that we feel from this anthemic hit which has over 246 million streams on Spotify and counting – as if we’re standing under an April shower and feeling the renewal that comes from a heavy downpour after cloudy days. A song which speaks about standing by a love ones’ side through the good days and bad storms one weathers, Idgitaf teaches us that resilience can be romantic, and that the best things come to those who wait.
3. First Snow 初雪 – Diana Wang 王詩安
While Chinese-Dutch R&B wunderkind Diana Wang’s latest song is technically about Winter, and not Spring, the sense of renewal and rebirth that we hear in her long awaited single (which was fully written and produced by her) is emblematic of the most moving of new beginnings. Speaking of a love that surrounds us so fully that it feels like the world quietens down to make space for it, Wang’s poetic imagery combined with the East-meets-West melodic R&B structures that she has made her own speak to the renewal and changes that are imperative in order for us to move on to new versions of ourselves.
(原來) 是你給我勇氣 (勇氣) In fact it was you who gave me the courage
去面對 下一個自己 To face the next version of myselfRead full translation here
4. Pomegranates – ena mori
While spring has a tendency to seem temperate and pleasant, Japanese-Filipina singer-songwriter ena mori‘s song ‘Pomegranates’ off her tantalising 2025 EP ore signifies a poignant deepening of time that the season also reflects. Returning to her signature eccentric and eclectic sound, ‘Pomegranates’ is all at the same time organic and man-made, a perfect mishmash of all the things that keep us alive and the innately human desire to connect; with oneself, and also with others.
Just reach your hand to mine
My breath
And I will show
What I’m
What I’m made of
5. scatterbrain – KOAD, Gayathri Krishnan
A collaboration from the South Indian diaspora that we’re particularly excited for, ‘scatterbrain’ features the uninhibited and singular rap stylings of rapper and producer KOAD, as well as the melismatic prowess of Carnatic-meets-R&B artist Gayathri Krishnan in a fascinating collaboration that pushes the boundaries of their relevant genres while providing a beautiful combination of the elements that make each of their sounds unique. Layered across a lush, jazzy arrangement, the track features a free-flowing, spontaneous melding of their inner worlds that reflects new chapters and new beginnings.
6. Believe U – Sunset Rollercoaster
Taiwanese soft rock cult sensation Sunset Rollercoaster have returned with a new body of work QUIT QUIETLY to close off our 2025, but we’d like to highlight one of the most psychedelic tracks on the album ‘Believe U’. Think 80’s inspired synths combined with soulful guitars (hearing echoes of John Mayer’s retro-inspired 2021 record Sob Rock here too), but we especially love the lyrics which provide a dreamy juxtaposition to the heady and fast-paced piece. While the song is really about putting one in the mood for love, it’s also putting us in the mood to wear our dancing shoes and leave our faith in the hands of the universe.
I’m gonna love
Gonna believe in you
Just let it go
Yeah, I’m moving on with you
I have the colors in mind
And they won’t go wrong
