Zhu unveils new single, Monster, in collaboration with John the Blind.
Grammy-nominated artist Zhu teams up with acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer John The Blind on the new single, Monster, released today via Astralwerks. A stunning departure from Zhu’s dusky signature sound, the track is a sparkling, straight-up celebration of unconditional love.
“I fell in love when you recognized my darkness/Made friends with all my monsters/And you still wanna stay, still wanna stay,” sings John, who takes the lead on vocals, with harmonies and a soulful falsetto closing from Zhu. The two artists produced and performed the track together, with Zhu on bass and John on guitar.
“I wanted to create a summer anthem for the kids who are finally able to go out,” says Zhu.
John The Blind – also known as John Ryan – released isolation, his first full-length album, earlier this year. His vocals have been heard on tracks by Pitbull, Brass Knuckles, and DJ Snake. A multi-Platinum songwriter and producer, he is also known for his work with One Direction, Maroon 5, John Legend, and others.
Tickets go on sale today for Zhu’s October 10 and 11 shows at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre and his November 24 and 26 dates at Avant Gardner in Brooklyn. Zhu will perform a unique show each night. Shiba San will join as a special guest on all dates. Zhu will also be performing at numerous 2021 festivals, including ARC, III Points, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Outside Lands.
In May, ZHU played an unprecedented sold-out, six-night run at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO. Westword said, “dancing came easy to the beats of Zhu, who is as ultra-cool as musicians get and wildly talented, bringing in house music that could score a buzzed drive down Sunset Boulevard.” EDM.com praised his “epic, snow-covered return to Red Rocks,” while HITS Daily Double praised Zhu’s performance as “equal parts mesmerizing and invigorating – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Fresh off the release of his third studio album, Dreamland 2021, Zhu is featured on the cover of the July issue of DJ Mag. Hailing Dreamland 2021 as among the “50 Best Albums of 2021 So Far,” Billboard said, “oscillating between fuzzy, pulsing house (Sweet Like Honey) and spooky, ultra-low BPM, piano-laden meanders through the underworld (I Need That) the sonics are varied but the ambiance is consistently shadowy, falling also into the aural lineage of Zhu’s two previous LPs.” The Los Angeles Times observed, “it’s a record about profoundly missing the club and the shot at connection it offers.”
In an interview with the Times’ August Brown, Zhu talks about the album, the return to live entertainment and his experience as one of the most prominent Asian American musicians working today.
Alongside his music, Zhu has passionately pursued his interest in fashion, playing an essential part in the design of his fashion-forward merch. He is dropping new merchandise from his highly anticipated SUMMER OF DREAMLAND series each Thursday at 10:00 AM PT. The collection includes slides, kimonos, a sequined bomber, a tactical vest and a wrench pendant in addition to bucket hats, t-shirts, socks and hoodies – all in Zhu’s trademark colors, black and orange.
TOUR DATES
8/1 – Las Vegas, NV @AYU Dayclub
8/27 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Gateway Plaza
8/29 – Las Vegas, NV @ AYU Dayclub
9/4 – Chicago, IL @ ARC Music Festival 2021
9/5 – El Paso, TX @ Freakazoid Robots 2021
9/25 – San Diego, CA – CRSSD Festival
10/3 – Las Vegas, NV @ AYU Dayclub
10/10 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre*
10/11 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre*
10/22 – Las Vegas, NV @ Electric Daisy Carnival 2021
10/23 – Miami, FL @ III Points 2021
10/30 – San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Festival 2021
11/24 – New York, NY @ Avant Gardner*
11/26 – New York, NY @ Avant Gardner*
12/3 – Riviera Maya, Mexico @ Holy Ship! Wrecked 2021
* with special guest Shiba San
