As a project that encompasses the gradients of grey that is an upbringing between the west and east, it is important we spotlight individuals that we connect and relate to. Media effects us, but artistry is a reflection of shared experiences, through subtle variance.
As such, we're proud to share a list of Australian Asian artists that have been seen in Graedance.
DPR Ian / Christian Lu: Musician
Born in Sydney, DPR Ian is a Korean-Australian singer, former K-pop idol, video director, editor and one of the founders of the independent label DREAM PERFECT REGIME (DPR).The collective DPR grew to be one of the biggest independent music labels in Korea, running everything from business to visuals. IAN’s commitment to narrative is one of the key factors in why everything he does is so impactful. He doesn’t shy away from the shadows and the pain, because “chasing the lows is what makes a lot of dark, beautiful things come to life."
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Birdee: Musician
Birdee is a Sydney-based futurepop artist whose distinctive sound blends elements of synthpop, EBM, and dance beats with deeply melodic narratives. Drawing from her rich cultural heritage—rooted in Chinese, Greek, and Russian origins—she crafts music that is both genre-defying and emotionally resonant.
Her work emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and living in the present moment, exploring themes of personal growth and the journey towards inner connection.
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Keenan Te: Musician
Keenan's music seamlessly fuses R&B, pop, and indie elements, creating a sound that is both introspective and emotionally resonant. His songs delve into themes of love, self-reflection, and growth. His music fosters a sense of soulful storytelling and offers a “safe space” for listeners, making it ideal for moments of solitude. From the moment he began singing, Keenan’s primary goal has been to help others and create music that enables people to process their emotions. Keenan’s biggest challenge growing up as an Asian in Australia was realizing that he had to work twice as hard for the same opportunities or recognition as his Western peers. In the Australian music industry, where Asian representation was- and still is limited, this struggle continues for him. However, he overcame it by accepting the reality and using it as fuel to push himself even harder towards success.
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Daine: Musician
Daine is a Melbourne-based artist crafting hauntingly ethereal sounds that traverse the boundaries of electronic and dystopian pop. Known for their ability to weave emotional narratives into synthetic landscapes, Daine’s music offers a raw yet futuristic perspective on identity, belonging, and self-expression.
As a non-binary Filipino-Australian artist, Daine channels their experiences of navigating cultural and personal “in-betweens” into their artistry. Their work reflects themes of defiance, vulnerability, and the quiet strength found in embracing one’s uniqueness amidst societal expectations.
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Lâlka: Musician
A connoisseur of mixing glimmer and grit Lalka is a Brisbane based musician, songwriter, director. Growing up, Lalka faced as an emerging artist was overcoming her own insecurities and learning to trust her creative instincts. After spending many years in the academic classical music world—a space that was predominantly white, male-centric, and highly critical—she had to navigate self-doubt and forge her own identity as an artist. Lalka's goal is to create music that is gratifying in a way that people can experience viscerally – but also want to write about things that matter to her.
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Gemma Chua Tran: Actress
Known for her role as Sasha So in Netflix's groundbreaking series Heartbreak High Gemma Chua Tran is a Chinese-Australian Actress. Gemma's grounded and wise nature can be traced back to her Chinese-Australian upbringing, which has profoundly shaped her perspective. With a sharp sense of clarity, she reflects, "Having immigrant parents really taught me the struggles of life from an early age." Growing up, she, like many other Asian women, noticed the lack of representation of people who looked like her or reflected her culture on screen. Now, she has the opportunity to fill that gap on a global stage.
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Vivan Vo: DJ
Vivan Vo is a Melbourne-based music publicist and artist manager, with a background in community radio and experience across various management and publicity companies. In 2015, she launched Small FRY, a publicity agency specializing in radio and online promotion for local and independent artists. As a manager and person of colour, Vivan is keenly aware of the barriers faced by Asian-Australian musicians and the broader lack of representation in the music industry. While she acknowledges that tokenism is a step forward, she believes true diversity goes beyond simply ticking boxes—it requires equal representation across the board. Vivan has made a conscious effort to build a diverse and inclusive community around her work, with a focus on supporting underrepresented voices.
Vivian wears Firo Earring
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Daniele Li: Musician
Fresh newcomer, Daniele Li graduated with a medical degree, but she is now pursuing her true passion for music with a sense of responsibility and dedication. As the proud daughter of Chinese immigrant parents, she is determined to break new ground as the first in her family to forge a successful career in the arts.
Daniele is seen here in the Sagittarius Blue Topaz Necklace
