ZHANGYE: A Trailblazer in Chinese Electronic Music
ZHANGYE isn’t just another name in the electronic music scene; he’s a force. Fresh off his collaboration “Where Do We Go” with Steve Aoki and Rosie Darling, this guy’s transcending borders like they’re mere suggestions. The track marries emotional depth with the crispness of Future Bass, proving that ZHANGYE isn’t just an artist—he’s a BRIDGE between China and the global music community.
Empowering a New Wave of Talent
But it’s not all about him. ZHANGYE is deeply committed to elevating the next generation through his CHINA EDM initiative. After the success of CHINA EDM Vol. 1, which showcased some of the finest electronic talents from China, he’s going bold with Vol. 2—an all-female compilation aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices in the industry. This isn’t just a compilation; it’s a movement. The goal? To smash through industry barriers and reshape the global perception of Chinese electronic music.
The Musical Journey of ZHANGYE
Let’s get personal. “I’ve loved rock and folk music since I was a child,” he tells me. “Then I went to Russia to study classical composition. Eventually, I found my way to electronic music through DJs and dance tracks. Now, I focus on producing dance and pop-dance music.” Simple, right? Hardly. This is a man who’s navigated through genres and cultures to find his voice.
Collaboration: A Natural Process
So how did the collab with Aoki and Darling come about? “A mutual friend introduced us, and we clicked instantly. Making music together was effortless. Steve is a powerhouse—I’ve learned so much just by being in the room with him.” It’s this synergy that makes their track hit different. ZHANGYE emphasizes the importance of keeping it simple: “We decided to steer clear of overcomplicated genres and stick to the classic Future Bass structure. It worked. Trust me, you don’t want to clutter a good track.”
Championing Female Talent
Now, let’s talk about CHINA EDM Vol. 2. Why an all-female compilation? “There’s a surge of incredible female DJs and producers in China, but the world doesn’t know them yet,” he says. ZHANGYE is here to change that. He’s designed the compilation to spotlight emerging talent while also breaking down industry barriers. They’re using a blind audition process for the ‘Emerging Tier’—pure talent will shine through.
Creating Opportunities
This isn’t just about putting names on a tracklist. Selected artists will have access to collaboration opportunities, live performances at major festivals, and even a chance to join the CHINA EDM LIVE world tour. But it gets better. Proceeds from the music will fund songwriting camps and masterclasses aimed at nurturing female artists. That’s commitment.
Changing Perceptions, One Beat at a Time
ZHANGYE knows the power of music. He believes that Chinese DJs are crucial for cultivating the domestic scene, but they deserve to be recognized globally. “Using music as our medium and connection as our goal, CHINA EDM wants to redefine what Chinese electronic music looks like on the world stage.”
The Future of Electronic Music
What’s next for electronic music? ZHANGYE sees a shift towards authentic emotion rather than rigid genre labels. The future is bright, and he’s right in the mix, pushing for quality music and international collaborations.
Stay Connected
Want to keep up with ZHANGYE? Check out his Instagram and watch as he continues to shake up the scene.