Young Asians Represent (YAR), hosted by 1214 Entertainment, lit up Los Angeles with an electrifying showcase of Asian independent artists. Spanning genres from hip-hop and indie to trap-soul to R&B to pop, and even EDM, the event delivered a diverse musical journey.
Held on April 27 at Jianghu in Alhambra, YAR was more than just a concert – it was a cultural movement.
Featuring performances by the 1214 crew and guest artists such as AN$oN, LAKO, Z³³, and many others. The attendees experienced the vibrant and diverse sounds of the new generation of Asian musicians. The night celebrated the rhythm, soul, and pulse of the Asian music scene in L.A.
One of the standout performers of the night was Kid Keith, a Korean American rapper known for his versatile musical style, blending rap, hip-hop, R&B, and K-pop influences.
Before his performance, Kid Keith expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m about to go crazy. I got some good songs lined up, lots of variety. I’m really excited to perform for all my friends, family, and the fans out there.”
He also discussed why events like YAR are important to rising Asian artists.
“Young Asians Represent is a great way to show Asian culture and give exposure to hardworking Asian artists who put their soul into their music and create art,” he said.
Although he does not fit neatly into categories like K-pop, Kid Keith remains dedicated to his craft, focusing on expressing his emotions through music and encouraging other indie artists to pour their identity into their work.
“I don’t fit the K-pop mold, and that’s okay,” Kid Keith said. “My music is about raw emotion and personal stories, not about conforming to a specific image. I want other indie artists to know that it’s okay to stay true to yourself and your art. Success isn’t just about fame or money; it’s about connecting with your audience on a deeper level.”
On the other side of the musical spectrum, Vincent Hu (LAKO) and Tommy Zhang (Z³³), shared their journeys and insights as artists.
Hu, a USC student majoring in music industry, described his passion for music, which began in high school.
“Tonight, I performed three original songs, each showcasing different styles, from Afrobeat to old school and abstract,” he said. He also stressed the significance of music as a means to document and express life’s experiences.
Zhang, a fellow USC student majoring in communications with a minor in pop music studies, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event.
“Performing tonight felt like a lifelong honor. Meeting like-minded friends in college who share a passion for music is rare. We’ve created a strong bond through our shared love for hip-hop and R&B,” he shared.
Both Hu and Zhang expressed their future aspirations. Hu aims to become a record producer, bridging the gap between North America and China.
“I want to help artists on both sides of the world and create amazing music together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zhang hopes to make a lasting impact on the music industry without compromising his artistic integrity.
“We want to leave our mark on music history, not just chase trends or money,” he stated.
Echo Yim and Jim Xu, the YAR organizers under 1214 Entertainment, shared the origin and mission of their organization.
“We started hosting events in December 2020, and our goal was to provide a platform for talented Asian artists to showcase their music,” said Yim.
The name 1214 comes from the date of a pivotal phone call that set their journey into motion. Initially focused on bringing Chinese artists to the U.S., they soon discovered a wealth of local talent.
“We realized there are many excellent Asian artists here who lack a stage to display their talent,” added Xu.
1214 Entertainment has hosted multiple events across cities like Austin and New York, showcasing independent artists. Their approach includes organizing non-profit events to maximize exposure for these musicians.
“Our model has always been about providing opportunities rather than making money,” explained Xu. To Xu, this philosophy ensures that more people can attend and support the artists, creating a vibrant community of independent musicians.
The crew highlighted the diversity of the night’s lineup, which included artists from USC and various local talents. They promoted community and collaboration in music, aiming to build a supportive environment where artists can thrive.
“We hope to continue expanding and possibly organize an Asian music festival in Texas by the end of this year or early next year,” said Yim.
Among the audience members was Zia Zeng, a USC freshman who came to support her friends.
“I can feel their passion for music. Even artists I didn’t know before, I now deeply appreciate their talent,” she said. Zia highlighted the pride she felt as a USC student seeing her peers perform on stage. “I’m proud of our school’s talented artists. It’s amazing to see them shine on such a big stage.”
Baron Thrower II is a frequent attender at Jianghu’s events. He shared his positive experience.
“The artists tonight are incredibly talented. I’m discovering new artists, and it’s been a fantastic vibe,” he said. “Everyone here is shining... Keep doing what you’re doing, and let your art be seen and heard.”
Zhang acknowledged the cultural challenges faced by Asian artists in genres rarely associated with Asian artists, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s roots while finding a unique artistic voice.
“It’s important to stay true to our roots while creating something unique. The music scene here can be tough, but it’s all about finding our place and staying authentic,” he explained.
Throughout the night, the stage at Jianghu became a melting pot of rhythms and beats. As artists like Kid Keith, Hu and Zhang took the stage, the audience united in their shared love for music and culture.