To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander month, Mic Drop is bringing you an artist spotlight onto extremely talented individuals who are part of this wonderful community. This week, we sat down with indie singer songwriter Polartropica to talk all things music, fashion, influences and more!
Tell us a bit how you started making music and what the beginning of your creative journey looked like.
Mostly me being really loud around the house, I’m sorry mom! My favorite memories were piano recitals, playing trumpet in school bands and youth orchestra, and attending live performances of all kinds. This evolved into writing my own music and making cute little music projects with friends.
Who inspires you to create art and tell your story through music?
I am truly so inspired by my talented, sweet friends—the fun experiences we get to share together, as well as their lives and outlook! I am also so inspired by films, nature, drama and history. I find that the more life I live and things I do outside of music, also helps me learn more about myself and how I fit in this world! I’m also inspired by cute animals, fashion and boba.
Sonically who influences your sound? Which artists in the AAPI community do you look to (past and present) for inspiration?
Currently I’ve been loving Sailorr and also the beautifully dreamy world of Bubble Tea and Cigarettes.
Visually where do you draw inspiration for fashion and visuals?
Animals, nature, outer space, classic chinese opera costuming, movies, and anything dreamy, beautiful and fantastical.
What impact does the AAPI community have on your life on the music and in the day to day aspect?
I have so much love and appreciation for our local AAPI community and the online community! I feel so lucky to have such a diverse family of friends and creatives here. There is always a night market or celebration and the food is always delicious. It’s truly been so fun to also deep dive to the classic Mandarin or Vietnamese dance music, Japanese Citypop, Kpop, and to gather and eat delicious foods and learn more about the different diverse cultures in the AAPI diaspora. There is so much history and rich culture that gets grouped up into one sometimes. I love how much we celebrate all of it.
How do you like to celebrate AAPI month? How do you go beyond and continue to appreciate and support the community year round?
I love to learn more about this history of different AAPI groups here in Los Angeles, and check out different shows going on around town. I think we would love to continue to perform and also curate/support cool inclusive art and music events that everyone can enjoy.
What’s something your fans might not know about you that you would like to share with them?
We love bunnies and are currently obsessed with riding horses, and grew up listening to my dad’s favorite music – Everly Brothers and John Denver.
What does the rest of 2025 hold in store for Polartropica?
We are deep in writing so much new music, getting better at Horseback riding and making music videos/hosting shows and DJ parties with friends!! We are so excited for all the things to come, and can’t wait to share with all of you!
Mic Drop Music would like to thank Polartropica for chatting with us! Be sure to follow her on social media and stream her dreamy tunes!
