China's Electronic Music Scene Gets Its Moment With Success of "CHINA EDM" Compilation Series

A year after its release, CHINA EDM, Vol. 1 is still making waves in China's electronic music landscape—and apparently earning its creator some lofty titles along the way.

The compilation, spearheaded by producer ZHANGYE and released through Cyanhill Music in November 2024, brought together established Chinese electronic artists like EDM.com Class of 2023 duo BEAUZ alongside emerging talent. The project's stated goal was ambitious: unite China's electronic music scene and give it a global platform.

The numbers suggest it worked, at least domestically. Eight of the album's nine tracks hit QQ Music's electronic charts in the first week, with five cracking the top 10. The compilation also earned recognition at the 2024 TME Wave Music Awards, scoring a nomination for Best Electronic Album while its track "Rather Lie" won Best Electronic Song.

A graduate of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, ZHANGYE has carved out a formidable career as a DJ and producer through his own viral originals as well as collaborations with Bassjackers and Ummet Ozcan, among others. Now, he is fielding feverish interest from artists wanting spots on the inevitable CHINA EDM, Vol. 2.

When it comes to the impact of the series, the basic premise is straightforward: showcase homegrown electronic talent to international audiences. Whether CHINA EDM can actually break through to global audiences remains to be seen, but its domestic success has certainly generated buzz around a Vol. 2 release rumored for this year.

In the meantime, you can listen to the debut installation below.