Zhu

Hailing from California, Zhu works as a performer and songwriter in the realms of EDM and dance-pop. Mystery cloaked his arrival during the 2010s, accompanied by several melodic house anthems. Distinctive vocals and hypnotic production helped him gain a foothold through early EPs The Nightday and Genesis Series, while tracks such as "Faded" and "Working for It" lifted his profile on international charts. His first official album, the 2016 release Generationwhy, reached the summit of the U.S. Dance chart. Ringos Desert, an expansive sophomore effort, appeared in 2018, after which he ended the decade with multiple singles that featured partnerships involving Sofi Tukker, the Bloody Beetroots, Tinashe, and additional artists. A sleeker and darker palette defined Dreamland 2021, unveiled in 2021. The 2023 track "Fatal" supplied music for the Mortal Kombat 1 game trailer, while Grace, his 2024 full-length, shifted toward trap and alternative R&B.

Steven Zhu, born in the San Francisco area, performed in jazz band and orchestra during his youth before pursuing music studies in college. He initially chose anonymity to keep focus on the music itself. The early viral medley "Moves Like Ms. Jackson," built from OutKast material, drew initial attention, and subsequent online releases amplified the growing excitement. His debut EP, The Nightday, surfaced in spring 2014; its breakout single "Faded" registered on charts throughout Europe and the U.S. and earned a Grammy nomination, marking the first such recognition for an anonymous artist. Zhu assembled an extensive list of collaborators for the following year's Genesis Series EP, which included Skrillex, Daniel Johns, Trombone Shorty, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, A-Trak, Keznamdi, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, AlunaGeorge, and labelmates Gallant and THEY. After completing his first headlining tour, highlighted by a widely praised Coachella appearance, he issued the single "In the Morning" in 2016. The title track "Generationwhy" preceded the album of the same name that June; Generationwhy topped the U.S. Dance chart and reached a position just outside the Billboard 200's Top 100. In 2017, Zhu surprise-released the four-track EP stardustexhalemarrakechdreams, highlighted by the NERO collaboration "Dreams."

He launched another album cycle in 2018 with the singles "Blame," shared with Ekali, and "My Life," shared with Tame Impala. That spring brought the teaser EP Ringos Desert, Pt. 1, which featured JOY. on "Stormy Love, NM." and Karnaval Blues on "Still Want U." The expanded full-length arrived that September, incorporating additional contributors such as Tokimonsta and Majid Jordan into its blissed-out house atmosphere while introducing subtle new stylistic touches. In subsequent years Zhu concentrated on standalone releases, teaming with Sofi Tukker on "Mi Rumba," Nghtmre on "Man's First Inhibition," and the Bloody Beetroots on "Zoning," alongside a series of Top 40 Dance hits that culminated with 2020's "Follow," featuring Kito and Jeremih.

Zhu introduced his next phase in 2021 with the sleek and moody Dreamland 2021, which included appearances by Tinashe and Kota the Friend. He soon reached fresh listeners via a remix of Coldplay's "Higher Power." After keeping a lower profile for much of the following year, he resurfaced in 2023 with "Revelations," a spacious and pulsing track created alongside Devault and Babyjake. Later that year he wrote "Fatal" for the trailer of the longstanding video game Mortal Kombat 1. Grace, a full-length shaped by trap and R&B, arrived in 2024 and welcomed guests including Banks, Emotional Oranges, and Upsahl.