Illenium’s Impact on the Asian American Fanbase, Festival Performances, and Community

At Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, the atmosphere was electric as Asian Americans gathered for 88Rising’s Head in the Clouds festival. Among the crowd, one name stood out on the back of black jerseys – ILLENIUM. Fans wearing these jerseys expressed their excitement for his upcoming set, with some even traveling to see him at other festivals.

ILLENIUM, a non-Asian artist, was set to perform the only EDM set of the weekend, surrounded by R&B and pop artists. Despite not addressing specific Asian themes in his music, he has garnered a strong following within the Asian American community. Fans resonate with his emotional and melodic music, often referred to as the “sadboi sound.”

The appeal of ILLENIUM’s music to Asian Americans may lie in its softness and symphonic quality, which aligns with other popular Asian artists in the same genre. The sense of community and kinship found within his music has created a unique space for fans to connect and feel accepted.

Asian Americans, with their diverse backgrounds and experiences, often find it challenging to navigate their identity within the music industry. ILLENIUM’s music, along with festivals like Head in the Clouds, provides a platform for artists from different Asian diasporas to showcase their talents and address cultural nuances.

As the sun sets and ILLENIUM takes the stage, the crowd unites in song and dance, creating a moment of shared acceptance and connection. For ILLENIUM, this moment is special, as he expresses gratitude for the acceptance and support from his fans.