As one of China’s leading figures in electronic music, ZHANGYE continues to push boundaries both creatively and culturally. Fresh off the release of his international collaboration “Where Do We Go” with Steve Aoki and Rosie Darling, ZHANGYE has once again demonstrated his ability to transcend borders through sound. Blending emotional depth with refined Future Bass production, the track stands as a testament to his global vision and evolving artistry, while further cementing his role as a key bridge between China’s electronic music scene and the wider world.
Beyond his own productions, ZHANGYE remains deeply committed to uplifting the next generation of artists through his CHINA EDM initiative. Following the success of CHINA EDM Vol. 1, which spotlighted some of the country’s most influential electronic talents, he has now announced a bold new direction for Vol. 2, an all-female compilation dedicated exclusively to Chinese women producers and DJs. With this groundbreaking move, ZHANGYE aims to amplify underrepresented voices, dismantle industry barriers, and redefine how Chinese electronic music is perceived on a global scale. We chatted with ZHANGYE about his musical influences, new compilation and his collaboration with Steve Aoki.
Hi ZHANGYE, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a bit more about your musical journey.
"I’ve loved rock and folk music since I was a child. Later, I went to Russia to formally study classical composition. Eventually, I was drawn into the world of electronic music by DJs and dance tracks. Nowadays, I mainly focus on producing dance and pop-dance music."
What drew you to creating electronic music?
Years ago, I saw an electronic music festival where tens of thousands of people had their hands in the air, dancing and singing along together. That feeling deeply moved me. I hope that I, too, can use my music to bring people together and create that sense of connection.
How did your collaboration with Steve Aoki & Rosie Darling come about?
We were introduced by a mutual friend and quickly discovered we had a lot in common; we really hit it off. Making music together just happened naturally after that. Steve is someone with incredible ideas and energy—I’ve learned a great deal from him.
What did each person bring to "Where Do We Go"?
Steve is a true pioneer in the international electronic music scene. This collaboration transcends geographical and cultural boundaries; it's a practical realization of music as a universal language. From the very beginning, we shared a similar creative vision. During production, Steve and I collectively decided to move away from cluttering the track with complex genres, opting instead to return to the classic structure of Future Bass.
At one point, I considered using some plucks, but I’m glad I took Steve’s advice and left them out—looking back, they would have been redundant.
As for Rosie Darling, her voice is the core emotional vehicle for this song. Her delivery perfectly aligns with the themes of introspection and searching for direction in 'Where Do We Go.' To create alongside two artists from such different backgrounds has been a truly profound exploration.
What originally inspired the creation of CHINA EDM Series?
A massive wave of electronic music talent with international potential is emerging in China, yet their global visibility remains limited. The goal of CHINA EDM is to bridge this gap.
Why did you decide to make CHINA EDM Vol.2 an all-female compilation?
Over the past year, we have noticed a surge of incredibly talented female DJs and producers in China. Some are already shining brightly on the major electronic music stages; others are rising stars who have achieved impressive results right out of the gate. Some represent the voice of China on the global stage, while others possess deep mastery in fusing ethnic elements with world music. However, the public still knows very little about them. That is why I want to use CHINA EDM Vol. 2 to gather this emerging 'female force' and present it to the world.
How will this compilation help provide a platform or spotlight for emerging female artists?
First, we aim to truly break down industry barriers. The compilation lineup will be divided into two categories: the 'Artist Tier' and the 'Emerging Tier.' The 'Emerging Tier' will utilize a blind audition judging mechanism, where the quality of the music is the sole criterion. This means that female DJs and producers—even those without prior exposure or industry backing—have the chance to stand on the global stage based purely on their craft.
Second, we are building a bridge between raw talent and the international arena. Selected artists will gain more than just a spot on the tracklist; they will have opportunities for cross-genre collaborations with renowned vocalists, have their work remixed by top-tier international label producers, perform at premier global music festivals, and join the CHINA EDM LIVE world tour. This roadmap will be supported by exposure in authoritative global media and fashion magazines to comprehensively reshape the international image of China’s female electronic musicians.
Third, the proceeds generated from the CHINA EDM Vol. 2 music releases and performances will form a dedicated support fund. This fund will be used to organize regular offline songwriting camps, masterclasses, and other developmental programs specifically designed for female artists.
How does this project contribute to reshaping the perception of Chinese electronic music globally?
There is no doubt that China is a vital market for electronic music. Many international DJs already share a powerful connection with Chinese audiences.
However, local Chinese DJs are the key force in cultivating the domestic electronic music scene, and they deserve far more exposure on the international stage.
Using music as our medium and 'connection' as our core purpose, CHINA EDM aims to establish itself as the definitive calling card for Chinese electronic music, while simultaneously expanding the bridges for international collaboration.
How is the electronic music scene in China different from the States?
The Western market is mature and stable, whereas the Chinese market is younger—but precisely because of that, it possesses a faster pace of change and a stronger spirit of experimentation. Many artists are still in the process of exploring their own identity, which gives the overall creative environment an extraordinary sense of vitality.
Where do you see electronic music heading in the next five years?
Authentic emotion over genre labels.
What's next for ZHANGYE?
To produce more high-quality music, strengthen international collaborations, and connect more people through music.
Connect with ZHANGYE: INSTAGRAM
