The church of ZHU is now in service.
Presented by Collective Minds, get ready to feel 'Thrill Again' as the GRAMMY-nominated producer and DJ (né Steven Zhu) faces his congregation at Zouk Singapore this weekend. It's going to be a blessed night of dark electronica, filled with moments charged by the fresh release of his mesmerizing fourth studio album GRACE. The record, which was hugely recorded at the Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, is a testament to how far ZHU has come as a forward-thinking artist over the past decade. It's powerful and dynamic with sleek synths and booming basslines that don't just bring chills down your spine, but take your soul to another plane.
Bandwagon caught up with ZHU to talk about his upcoming performance at Zouk Singapore, his latest record GRACE, and his growth as an artist.
You’re coming to Singapore to perform at Zouk this month. What can fans expect at your set?
Energy, emotion, attitude, and hits.
I love how you use live instruments at your shows. What’s the edge you have as an electronic artist with a backing band compared to other electronic acts?
If Prince produced electronic music, that is the way I approach my artistry. Being musical and doing it live is a language and I speak it every time I get on. Combining electronic and live is something very few acts can do because it requires talent. DJ-ing and performing are both forms of art. Combining the best of both worlds is where one needs time and skill.
You just dropped your fourth studio album GRACE last month. What’s the reception been like so far?
It will challenge people on what a ZHU record is. It is ahead of its time because it is a soundtrack to my first self-directed film coming this fall. Some minds will be able to envision this album with their imaginations and others will only understand when the “context" hits them later this year.
If you were to introduce GRACE to a new listener, what track would you recommend and why?
The album is a concept so it must be listened from beginning to end. That’s how the story was intended to be listened.
What you did to complete GRACE at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco was absolutely glorious. How did you get around to mounting a show like that and is it something you’d like to do again?
It is a one time thing and it will never happen exactly this way ever again. The magic was translated in the music and the film, which was a huge undertaking. Replicating that moment and energy is impossible.
We’re never the same people we were from when we first started our careers and you’ve certainly come a long way since your Soundcloud days. In what ways would you say you’ve grown as an artist over the past decade?
I’m a producer, performer, songwriter, DJ, designer, and now filmmaker, so there has definitely been evolution. I follow my own vision and I make art for those who want to be challenged. I have a lot of love for dance music, but I also grew up on Hiphop, RnB, Rock, Alternative, and jazz… a melting to of a bunch of different sounds. My music is a combination of many experiences and future manifestations.
What advice would you give 2014 ZHU that you wished you’d heard when you were younger?
The majority of the world are made up of followers, people want to be told. They just want this from a person that can make them feel both the shallowest and deepest emotions. The best thing an artist can do for the public is to make art for themselves. The truth might not be as romantic as fiction, but ultimately everyone respects it and they eventually they will love it more.
We’re now in the second quarter of 2024. What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I’m working on finishing my first film, the one this album soundtracks.
I’m planning on some tour dates internationally later this fall.
ZHU is scheduled to perform at Zouk Singapore on 12th April 2024. Zouk Singapore is an 18+ event. Get your tickets here.
Stream GRACE below.
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