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Trending in Zhao’s World
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Story
Quick Facts
Born
1991
1991
From
China
China
Journey
Kenny Zhao, who performs simply under the moniker Zhao, is a prominent Los Angeles-based electronic musician, singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Known for bridging raw, human vulnerability with intricate analog textures, he has carved out a unique space within the global dance music
Raised in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, by Chinese immigrant parents, Zhao was immersed in classical music from early childhood. He began studying classical piano and musical composition at just five years old. Over his youth, he went on to master the viola, guitar, and bass before finding his voice as a distinct, soulful vocalist in high school. Driven to fuse these diverse acoustic and electronic elements, he eventually relocated to Los Angeles to launch his solo artistic identity.
Zhao’s creative philosophy centers on reconciling deep dualities: balancing machine-driven electronic beats with organic human vocals, and bridging Eastern and Western cultural influences. He first garnered widespread critical acclaim with his moody, late-night indie-electronic pop single "Car". As a highly sought-after vocal collaborator and producer, Zhao has teamed up with top-tier global house and electronic heavyweights, including Armand Van Helden, Nicky Night Time, and Black Coffee. His atmospheric tracks regularly chart in the top ten on Hype Machine and receive consistent airplay on influential tastemaker stations like KCRW and Dublab