Mixed-Asian Music for a Moody Fall 2023

Mixed Asian Media - September 21, 2023

By Lauren Hardie and the Mixed Asian Media Team

Never mind the calendar, the cooler temperatures, or even the hint of changing leaves. The abundance of PSL everything showing up everywhere is the only sign you need — fall is upon us. Whether or not you indulge in sweet and spiced pumpkin, now’s still a great time to cycle out the summer hits and prepare your mood for the next season. The team at Mixed Asian Media helped me to curate a fall playlist just for you. So, cozy up with your warm beverage of choice and enjoy!

1. Mitski - The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We

Mitski is known to be a very private person who doesn’t do many interviews (we know because we tried!). Her seventh studio album just dropped on September 15, and the title — The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We — feels applicable to [waves hands] all of this. She said in a press release that there’s a central “theme of love,” but I’m picking up hints of sadness and melancholia throughout. Jalen is playing “Heaven” on repeat, Bri is a fan of “Bug Like An Angel,” and I’m really liking “Star.” Mitski even talks a bit about “Heaven” and “Star” in her BTS (behind the song) videos.

2. Olivia Rodrigo - “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl” 

It was tempting to go with Meeja’s recommendation and include the whole album here — but apparently Olivia originally wrote over 100 songs for GUTS! No, not all songs were included, but yes, I was going to try to dig them up. Special thanks to Jalen for saving me from myself and recommending this track. It’s angsty, which is how I feel when the summer/fall weather can’t make up its mind.

3. Mxmtoon - “Nobody Loves Me” 

Meeja tells me that “Prom Dress” is Mxmtoon’s better-known song, but “Nobody Loves Me” scratches the right itch for this playlist. It also gets me right in the gut (brb, crying).

4. Tessanne Chin - “Surreal (Acoustic)”

Fun fact: I went to high school with Tessanne’s sister, Tami, and the first thing I remember about them is how nice and funny they both are. See them in action in their vlog episode called “Begin Again” — a fitting title for seasonal change. And btw, they’re both amazing singers!

5. Kessari - “lucid dreaming”

This whole playlist curation project had YouTube’s algorithm throwing some great tracks my way. I really like the acoustic version of “lucid dreaming,” along with “best in me” and “feel so alive.” IMO, Kessari has an under-followed IG. 

6. Wasia Project - “ur so pretty”  

My first thought was, “Aww, how cute, a brother and sister duo.” My second thought was, “Olivia Hardy is… the exact name I’d want for my girl cryo-kid.” My third thought (which occurred while sobbing over how beautiful this track is) was that Hayley interviewed William Gao before.

7. Saïna - “Alive” 

This would be my top pick, top of the list, top track for this fall soundtrack based on the sound alone. A close second is “What a time to live in.” Lyrically though, my top choice would be “I Won’t Take It Personal.” 

8. Laufey - “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self”

Admittedly, it’s tough to pick just one Laufey song that suits the fall mood — they’re all so good! Both Meeja and Hayley recommended Laufey’s second album, Bewitched, and this track’s relatable lyrics had me deep in my feels. The first time I ever heard of Laufey, I thought she was just another cute TikToker doing covers. But her cover of “Castaways” (from a kids’ TV show!) made me an instant fan.

9. Toro y Moi - “Back Then”

Today I learned that Toro y Moi has a new EP out, along with a 14-minute film for it. It’s a really, really different vibe from 2010’s synth-y “Talamak,” or 2019’s funky “Ordinary Pleasure,” or 2022’s psychedelic rock-y Mahal album. The Sandhills EP is… not chillwave. At all. Instead, there’s fingerpicking, a distinct banjo sound, and an overall throwback Americana feel. Seems Chaz went home to South Carolina and returned to acoustic roots I never knew he had — and I love it.

10. Judith Hill - “Runaway Train”

Lauren Lola put this artist on my radar, and the first song I heard was “Cry, Cry, Cry.” It’s a moody, yet hopeful track, and it’s simply bluesy perfection. It was also co-produced with Prince (!!!). Then Lauren shared Hill’s new single — “Runaway Train” — with our team. It’s soulful, upbeat, and a fantastic way to showcase Hill’s incredible voice. And as far as I’m concerned, it’s the best way to end this playlist on a high note.

TL;DR, here’s the Spotify playlist and here’s the YouTube playlist.

Special thanks to Meeja, Bri, Hayley, Jalen, Lauren, and Sam for contributing! Happy fall, y’all!