ZHANGYE on Chinese EDM: “The Overall Ecosystem is More Diverse and Self-Aware Than Ever Before”

ZHANGYE stopped by to chat about his musical journey, teaming up with Justin Jesso on their latest single, the Chinese EDM scene, and what’s next on the horizon.

With roots in classical composition and a keen ear for modern electronic music, ZHANGYE is redefining what Chinese EDM can look like on the global stage. As an influential figure bridging the East and West cultures, the DJ, producer, and venture capitalist wears many hats, navigating the world of artistry and entrepreneurship with ease. Having trained at the prestigious Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and becoming the first-ever Chinese winner of the International Prokofiev Composition Competition, ZHANGYE possesses a rare depth of musical sophistication that shines through in his electronic production.

With an intuitive grasp of crowd dynamics and listener preferences, ZHANGYE channels that energy into every track he creates. In 2022, he released his debut EP, When I Was Young, which received strong support from industry heavyweights, including Dimitri Vegas and Quintino. More recently, his collaborations with Steve Aoki on “Where Do We Go” and Justin Jesso on “Growing Up” demonstrate his ability to blend infectious dance melodies with addictive hooks that instantly resonate with listeners. His signature production style captures the kind of dancefloor euphoria that sparks collective sing-alongs and unites people together.

Through his label Cyanhill Music, he champions Chinese artists and provides a platform for emerging talents to be discovered. In 2024, he launched CHINA EDM Vol. 1, the first-ever Chinese electronic dance music compilation, spotlighting some of the country’s most talented producers. Its success led to a global open call for CHINA EDM Vol. 2, which is set to feature an all-female producer and DJ lineup, further pushing boundaries and fostering inclusivity in the scene.

A visionary force shaking up the music world, ZHANGYE is one of the biggest rising forces in Chinese electronic music. In our conversation, he opens up about his career journey, his recent partnership with Justin Jesso, and his vision for the Chinese EDM scene. Read on to learn more and make sure to listen to his new single on Spotify or your favorite streaming platform.

Stream ZHANGYE, Justin Jesso – “Growing Up” on Spotify:

Hey ZHANGYE, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today! Your musical journey is truly remarkable. You studied at the prestigious Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, one of the world’s most renowned classical institutions, and you’ve since become an influential electronic music producer and a visionary shaping China’s rising EDM scene. To start, what inspired your transition from classical composition to electronic music?

This transition isn’t about changing direction; it’s about expanding my perspective. My training in classical composition gave me a profound understanding of structure, harmony, and overall narrative. Over time, I’ve become more focused on the practical role of music—how it resonates instantaneously with a crowd in the present moment. Electronic music is an incredible medium for this; it possesses intense live energy while still being able to carry the logic and depth of formal composition. For me, this feels like a natural progression rather than a sudden departure.

As an artist at the crossroads of multiple cultures: Chinese heritage, Russian classical training, and global electronic influence, how do these different cultural identities show up in your music and artistic vision? Building on that, how has your classical training influenced how you approach producing electronic music today?

Different cultures have shaped the way I perceive music. My Chinese heritage has taught me to focus on subtlety and internal emotions; my classical training in Russia instilled in me a deep respect for structure and holistic integrity; while global electronic music culture reminds me to maintain an open and communicative mindset. I want my music to exist at the intersection of these influences. When I produce electronic music, I still think as if I’m writing a formal score: tension, release, and emotional trajectory. Even for tracks aimed at the dance floor, I always focus on the role each segment plays within the overall narrative.

Let’s talk about your latest collaboration with Justin Jesso, “Growing Up.” The track blends your signature electronic production with his soulful vocals. It feels both introspective and heartfelt. How did this collaboration first come together? Did the process evolve remotely, or did you spend time together in the studio?

This song was co-written and completed with Justin Jesso at a studio in LA. Justin is an exceptional singer and songwriter; his vocals injected a profound soul and a sense of piercing clarity into this track about personal growth. During the production process, I created several versions in different styles. Ultimately, I chose this specific version because I found it to be more restrained and composed—better suited to expressing the theme of ‘growth.

The lyrics in “Growing Up” explore balance, personal growth, and emotional tension. Can you share how the concept of finding balance in the chaos of life shaped the writing and production process?

The song explores a state of transition—growing forward while still carrying the emotional weight of the past. In the production, I deliberately sought a balance between softness and power, and between negative space and momentum, ensuring the overall arrangement had enough ‘room to breathe.’ I also aimed to find an equilibrium between nostalgic timbres and contemporary sounds. I wanted to give listeners that familiar feeling of the music they grew up with, while still offering something entirely fresh and modern.

Shifting focus back to China, your influence has been instrumental in shaping the country’s EDM landscape. How would you describe the current state of the country’s EDM landscape?

I believe Chinese EDM is at a pivotal crossroads. The overall ecosystem is more diverse and self-aware than ever before. We are seeing more and more artists move beyond mere imitation to establish their own unique sounds and voices. At the same time, the infrastructure—from festivals and labels to the media landscape—is steadily maturing, creating the necessary space for the long-term growth of emerging artists. From the audience perspective, the pandemic significantly disrupted an entire generation of college students’ understanding of electronic music culture, which caused some concern for the market. However, we are now seeing a gradual recovery. I hope major festival brands will continue to explore and invest in the Chinese market.

With the Asian EDM movement rapidly expanding, what do you think makes the Chinese EDM sound distinct? Are there specific cultural elements or production styles that you feel define this new wave of artists?

In terms of production styles, many emerging artists are experimenting with the fusion of traditional ethnic instruments, Oriental scales, and traditional Chinese rhythms, blending them with modern electronic elements. This creates a sound that is both internationally accessible and regionally distinct. In my view, the uniqueness of Chinese EDM shouldn’t come from a superficial imitation of specific beats or sounds; rather, it should be a natural expression of the differences found in our cultural foundation and emotional delivery.

Looking ahead, your label, Cyanhill Music, has already done so much to champion China’s next wave of electronic artists. How do you envision the label evolving over the next few years to continue supporting this emerging talent? And of course, do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations that fans can look forward to?

At Cyanhill Music, our focus remains on the long-term development of our artists rather than short-term output. This includes international collaborations, opportunities for learning and exchange, touring, and fostering a sustainable ecosystem that preserves—rather than consumes—an artist’s individuality. Personally, I will continue to push forward with new music and international projects to further strengthen the connection between Chinese electronic musicians and global platforms. For us, the keywords for the future are depth and continuity.

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