Steven Zhu, known professionally as ZHU, was born on April 28, 1989, in San Francisco, California. Growing up in the city by the bay, he was exposed to a diverse range of musical influences from an early age. With a Chinese heritage, ZHU was able to infuse his cultural background into his music, creating a unique and innovative sound that would later become his signature style.
From a young age, ZHU showed a natural talent for music. He began exploring different genres and experimenting with different soundscapes. It wasn't long before he discovered his passion for electronica and decided to pursue a career in music production.
For years, ZHU remained anonymous, focusing solely on perfecting his craft without the distractions of fame. In 2014, he made his debut with the track "Moves Like Miss Jackson," a mash-up of Outkast songs that quickly gained attention and critical acclaim. This marked the beginning of his meteoric rise to success in the music industry.
After the success of his first track, ZHU continued to release hit after hit, captivating audiences with his unique blend of electronica and Chinese influences. In 2014, he released the lead single "Faded" off his EP, The Nightday. The song quickly climbed the charts, peaking at #1 on the Billboard US Dance chart and earning ZHU a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording in 2015.
Despite his growing fame, ZHU remains grounded and focused on his music. He continues to draw inspiration from his Chinese heritage, incorporating traditional instruments and melodies into his tracks. In 2014, he had the opportunity to perform alongside electronic music legend Deadmau5 at the HARD Day of the Dead music festival in Pomona, further solidifying his place in the industry.
ZHU's commitment to his artistry and his unique sound has solidified his place as a pioneering force in the electronica genre. With his blend of traditional Chinese influences and modern electronic beats, ZHU continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences around the world.