Head in The Clouds returned to New York City this weekend for its second-ever showcase in Forest Hills empowering Asian artists.
Forest Hills Stadium played host to Head in The Clouds on May 11 and 12, a New York Music & Arts festival celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage month. 88rising—a trailblazing record label for primarily Asian artists—joined forces with The Bowery Presents and Goldenvoice to provide a weekend filled with talent from across the globe including, South Korea, Japan, the Philippians and more.
Over 10,000 fans flocked to the historic Forest Hills Stadium Saturday and Sunday in anticipation to see artists such as (G)I-DLE, Young Posse, ATARASHII GAKKO, Joji, Lyn Lapid, and others. Head in The Clouds provided artists, both known globally and those still gaining their stardom, a stage to showcase their music to an adoring crowd.
Dressed in turquoise wigs inspired by (G)I-DLE’s music video “Wife,” Steph Nguy and Amber Sublime shared the impact Head in The Clouds has had on the Asian community in spreading awareness.
“It’s nice representation to see people like you on the stage. You relate more to their message, and it feels more comfortable,” Nguy said.
“I think Asian culture is on the rise, especially with K-Pop and Anime, and stuff like that. It’s definitely starting to get there,” Sublime added.
For some fans, Head in The Clouds exemplifies empowerment. Eric Zhu says he flew to New York City from Montreal simply to see in Head in The Clouds and witness what he cites as a message of inclusion.
“It shows that Asian artists can not only perform in their mother tongue, but also in different languages,” Zhu said.
The festival underscored New York City’s rich Asian diaspora, featuring delicious Southeast Asian food, Filipino street vendors, Hong Kong milk tea and other cultures. Additionally, the event made sure to include Asian fashion and jewelry designs, such as OHTNYC who created ‘1999 Angel’ necklaces for fans to wear.
Andria Dang and Tram Le were also excited to attend their first ever Head in The Clouds Festival in New York City. Arriving from Philadelphia, the pair joined their friends in donning Sailor Moon outfits as a nod to Asian culture for both the festivities and AAPI month.
“There is a lot of Asian representation. I feel like the Asian community we have a lot to offer and I’m glad something like this is in New York because it shows the other specialties and talents we have,” Dang said.
Le nodded in agreement, adjusting her Sailor Venus bow, she glanced around the stadium and smiled at the celebration of her culture.
“It brings a lot of recognition and acknowledgment to the super talented artists, particularly the ones who are Asian Americans, people who I’ve seen growing up so it’s nice to come here and celebrate my own culture,” Le said.
A portion of Head in The Clouds ticket sales will be donated to Heart of Dinner, an organization that works to deliver food to older Asian American Adults who are facing food insecurity and live in underserved communities.
