We were lucky to catch up with Zixiao Ye recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Zixiao, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Thank you so much for the insightful interview opportunity. It was a pleasure discussing my musical journey and experiences with you. I’d like to seize this moment to introduce and share my latest creation, the original EP titled “Silver Lining.” This project holds a special place in my heart, and I’m genuinely proud of the outcome. Throughout its creation, I invested a tremendous amount of effort and hard work to ensure it truly reflects my artistic vision and passion for music. The music within the EP serves as a heartfelt expression of my love for family and reflects my unwavering belief in the hopes that guide our lives. Each composition carries a piece of these sentiments, weaving together a musical narrative that I hope resonates with listeners on a personal and emotional level. The EP is now available for streaming on various major platforms. I invite you to explore the EP, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts on the connections you find within the melodies.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a musician and piano teacher passionate about creating and sharing beautiful music. Born and raised in Fuzhou, China, my journey in music began in a family deeply rooted in musical traditions. My father, a music professor, played a pivotal role as my first teacher, fostering my early love for music. It felt natural for me to pursue music academically, and I dedicated myself to mastering the piano, earning my doctoral degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Memphis in 2019. Alongside my personal musical journey, I found joy and purpose in sharing my passion with younger generations as a piano teacher.

My musical philosophy revolves around crafting evocative and beautiful compositions that serve as a comforting refuge in our tumultuous world. I firmly believe in the transformative power of music, bringing solace and joy to those immersed in its melodies. The essence of my latest original album, “Silver Lining,” lies in its reflection on the conflicts and wars plaguing our world, serving as a call for peace. Comprising four pieces— “Home, Sweet Home,” “The Mist,” “Silver Lining,” and “Silent Solace”—the album reveals my reflections on ongoing global conflicts. Through these compositions, I aim to inspire an appreciation for peace, a deeper understanding of complexities, a discovery of hope, and the transmission of comfort to those enduring the hardships of war.

In recent times, I am thrilled to share that my musical endeavors have been honored with prestigious awards, including the Global Music Award and the InterContinental Music Award. These acknowledgments serve as a testament to the dedication and passion I pour into my craft.

Additionally, I’m grateful to share that my music has found a global audience, accumulating a humble yet meaningful 15 million music streams across major platforms like Tencent Music, Spotify, and Apple Music. It is truly gratifying to see the impact and reach of my compositions, as they find a home in the hearts and playlists of audiences worldwide. My commitment to music goes beyond awards and accolades. While recognition is appreciated, my true measure of success lies in the enjoyment my music brings to audiences and the positive impact it has on people’s lives. As I continue to create and share music, my long-term goal is to contribute beautiful and touching compositions that resonate with a global audience.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a musician, for me, is the ability to use music as a powerful form of self-expression and a means to connect with others. Platforms like your magazine play a crucial role in providing artists like me with the opportunity to present ourselves and establish connections with a broader audience. This connection, facilitated through music, contributes to creating a better society. Through shared emotions and the act of listening, we bridge gaps, heal wounds, and make the world a slightly better place. It’s the impact on people’s lives and the positive influence on the world that makes my musical journey truly rewarding.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

During the challenging times of the pandemic, when everything seemed to come to a standstill, I decided to channel my energy into something meaningful. I started recording and sharing my piano performances on Bilibili, China’s largest video platform. My goal was simple yet profound — to bring joy and comfort to people navigating through tough times.

The initial phase was tough. The struggle to gain views was real, with each video averaging 1k-2k views, sometimes even just a few hundred. It was undoubtedly frustrating, but I held onto the belief that what I was doing mattered. Despite the discouragement, I convinced myself to persevere, to not let negative thoughts hinder my meaningful pursuit.

Fast forward to today, and the journey has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve garnered 60 thousand fans and more than ten million views on the platform. Same story to my online-stream music platforms. It started from zero and now I’ve more than 15 million streams on all platforms combined and 40 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify. A piece of advice I’d offer is to resist the temptation of following trends blindly. It’s easy to get influenced by what’s viral, but imitation might lead you away from your authentic self. As an artist, staying true to your identity is crucial. Trust your instincts, believe in your unique perspective, and create from a place of genuine conviction.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zixiaoyepiano.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPXUHrnUXtOwqgUwT75f1-w
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q1c2MgPioJ1U8fmTBmMGW?si=OVDiiJc5RvOBTifade3p1w https://space.bilibili.com/37367458