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With the single “Quagmire,” Mandarin singer Zi Yu claimed the top spot in the Vol.01 September Selection of “Star Power Monthly Selection” (held by Billboard China, Tencent Music’s QQ Music and JOOX platforms).
From constant experimentation to commanding the stage, from wearing the “newcomer” label to earning “champion” recognition, Zi Yu has achieved a striking breakthrough with “Quagmire,” emerging as one of the most promising new voices in Chinese music.
The sound of “Quagmire” now lingers as the defining memory of this past September. We look forward to seeing the boy who once rose from the mud continue to dig, through his music, toward a vaster world.
Below, Li Shi Jue, the songwriter of “Quagmire,” speaks with Billboard China to decode the creative force behind the very first “Star Power Monthly Selection” champion song.
Zi Yu
Billboard China
The song Quagmire has resonated widely with listeners. Were you surprised? What do you think made it so moving?
Li Shi Jue: I was a bit surprised, yet not entirely, because our team actually wrote this song a few years ago. Its theme and melodic line have a retro, catchy quality, the kind that naturally evokes emotional resonance. Songs from that same creative period included Dislocated Space-Time, which later became a big hit. I think what really touches people is the combination of a simple, memorable melody and straightforward, relatable lyrics, brought to life by Zi Yu’s heartfelt performance. The overall listening experience just flows smoothly. When we wrote it, we only wanted to capture honestly the feeling of being stuck in a certain emotion or situation. We never imagined it would be embraced by so many people. Looking back now, perhaps what moved listeners was its authenticity — that tangled obsession of “wanting to break free yet sinking deeper,” a struggle everyone encounters at some point in life. The song doesn’t preach any grand truths; it simply passes on the feeling of “breathing inside the Quagmire,” and somehow, someone out there heard their own echo in it.
When writing “Quagmire,” what core emotion or idea did you most want to express? Where did the original inspiration come from?
What I wanted most to convey was a state of emotion—it could be my own feelings, or projections of many different kinds of emotions. It’s about recalling past experiences, being overwhelmed by sadness, crying awake in the middle of the night, falling asleep only to wake up crying again. That cycle of repeating pain mirrors the song’s looping melody. The inspiration naturally came from life: once you’ve lived through something like that, you can’t help but write it down. I believe everyone has their own “Quagmire moment”—a low point in life. It’s not about the inspiration of “getting out of the Quagmire,” but about the courage to “stand firm within it”. The earliest ideas came in fragments: seeing friends torment themselves over a goal that fell through; watching someone repeatedly edit and delete late-night social media moments out of confusion; or even my own frustration when I get stuck—when the harder I try to write, the less I can. These scattered moments came together like scenes of many people circling in their own “Quagmires,” and suddenly I wanted to write a song to tell listeners: It’s okay to be stuck. You don’t have to force yourself to climb out right away. Take a look at the soil beneath your feet—maybe something can grow from it.
When creating music, what do you value most? Does “Quagmire” reflect this philosophy?
When I write songs, I care most about the completeness and directness of the story, and about how catchy the melody is. I used to pursue more avant-garde arrangements or melodies to create relatively niche works, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that what sounds truly good is often simple. “Quagmire” embodies exactly that belief. What I value most is accuracy—not technical precision, but emotional accuracy, staying true to the feeling. For example, the line “tears reach my lips, a little salty” wasn’t written just to rhyme; it’s meant to capture that physical detail of “trying to hold back your tears halfway through crying”. That kind of specific pain carries more weight than simply shouting “I’m so sad”. Quagmire achieves that—it doesn’t rely on ornate language. It sings of tangible emotions: “the darkness when you turn away,” and “the sweetness in dreams and the tears upon waking”. It’s like laying bare the creases of your heart for others to see, without hiding, without pretense.
What special charm do you think Zi Yu’s performance brings to this song?
Zi Yu truly infused this song with a special kind of magic. He’s a young, energetic singer of the new generation, while I wrote the song with a deliberately retro sensibility in mind. That collision between the “new” and the “old” gave “Quagmire” a fresh soul. There’s a kind of restrained resilience in Zi Yu’s voice that fits the song’s temperament perfectly. He doesn’t use explosive power to express the pain of being trapped in the Quagmire; instead, he shapes the details with soft, airy tones. In the line “repeating the sorrow again and again,” you can catch a faint, almost imperceptible tremor. That choice to hold back instead of crying out actually makes the struggle within the “Quagmire” feel more real. It’s like how, in real life, people in distress don’t always scream; more often, they wrestle silently with themselves. And Zi Yu managed to sing out the weight of that silence.
For listeners who found resonance in “Quagmire” and those who might be going through their own “Quagmire moment,” what would you most like to say to them?
If you happen to be living through your own “Quagmire” right now, tell yourself: let the storm rage on. Only time can heal, and there’s no other cure. If you’ve parted ways with someone, don’t disturb their life again. This experience might one day become one of the most beautiful memories on your journey. And when you emerge from the storm, safe and whole, you’ll no longer be the same person you once were. Stay strong!
At the same time, I want everyone to know: you’re not the only one sinking. Every life has stretches of road where people just can’t seem to move forward. Don’t rush to deny yourself, wondering “why haven’t I climbed out yet,” and don’t envy others who seem to have it easier. First, acknowledge “I’m here, right now,” and then take a look beneath your feet—those things that hurt you or twist and hold you down may quietly be helping you put down roots. And perhaps one day, when courage returns, you’ll be ready to step out of the mire—slowly, but surely.
In your songwriting process, are there any particular habits or principles you always stick to, and how do you deal with doubts or criticism?
In my songwriting process, I don’t worry about whether the lyrics or the melody come first. Sometimes I start with the words, sometimes with the tune, but most of the time they emerge together. What I care most about is the first feeling. When a melody suddenly comes to mind, I usually decide on it right away, because the more you revise, the further you drift from your original intention. That’s why I tend to write songs quickly.
With “Quagmire,” for example, the image of the Quagmire came first, and from there the melody and lyrics gradually grew. For me, letting emotions flow naturally is far more important than following a rigid process.
In fact, every song carries its own unique expression and emotion—each differs in theme, harmony design, and arrangement style. There are plenty of works out there that sound similar in mood or atmosphere, but art ultimately comes from life—and respecting originality matters most.
Zi Yu
Billboard China
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Global gaming powerhouse Honor of Kings has dropped its 10th-anniversary theme song “Atlas of Tomorrow,” now streaming across major platforms including Tencent Music Entertainment’s QQ Music, Kugou and Kuwo, alongside Apple Music, Spotify and KKBOX. The track shot to No. 1 across multiple charts upon release, cementing itself as the latest blockbuster crossover between Mandopop and globally influential game IPs.
“Atlas of Tomorrow” boasts composition and vocals by JJ Lin, brand ambassador of Honor of Kings, Mandopop heavyweight and two-time Golden Melody Awards winner for best male singer, and lyrics by Kevin Yi, hitmaker and senior music planner. JJ Lin describes the track as “dedicated to every dreamer still writing their future chapters, letting music guide you to the stories we’re meant to live.” The track shot to No. 1 on QQ Music, Kugou and other major Chinese streaming charts upon its release. As of publication, it has racked up more than 2 million saves across platforms, generated 70-plus trending topics on social media, and amassed more than 600 million views, shattering multiple records for gaming music.
Notably, the impact of “Atlas of Tomorrow” has expanded from the realms of music and gaming into an online cultural co-creation movement spanning multiple regions. Over 280 tourism boards across mainland China, from Beijing to Guizhou to Zhejiang, have spontaneously paired the track as a soundtrack with local landmarks and cityscapes for videos, triggering a viral relay across short-video platforms.
“Atlas of Tomorrow” centers on the theme of “Gathering for Journey.” The profound resonance of its melody and lyrics stems from its ability to encapsulate a decade’s worth of emotional memories and energy accumulated within Honor of Kings, a beloved national IP. Therefore, the work transcends mere melody, becoming players’ response to their youth and stories. The track’s overwhelming reception among gamers and music fans worldwide following its release reflects both the song’s exceptional craftsmanship and emotional depth, as well as the formidable cultural influence and crossover appeal that Honor of Kings commands.
Through this partnership, TME empowers the gaming IP to achieve multidimensional expression across visuals, gameplay and audio via content co-creation and integrated campaigns. The collaboration underscores music’s expanding cultural role and reach within gaming ecosystems. Moving forward, TME remains committed to deepening strategic alliances with globally influential cultural IPs, promoting music’s unique power across diverse cultural content ecosystems and helping high-quality original voices reach a wider international audience.
From June 6-8, G-DRAGON performed three dates of his 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN MACAU. Streaming platform QQ Music logged over 7 million users online simultaneously while promoting the show, demonstrating the overwhelming anticipation for the Macau stop. G-DRAGON delivered three consecutive, sold-out performances at Galaxy Arena, bringing the Macau stop to a spectacular close. […]
SM ENTERTAINMENT artist and NCT member CHENLE has made a powerful return with his Chinese special album Lucid, which shattered pre-order and release records. Produced by TME Producers’ Studio, co-produced by SM ENTERTAINMENT, Lucid includes three tracks: the pre-release single “Tear Bridge,” the title track “Lucid,” and “Cosmic Joke” feat. Bibi Zhou. Before his album […]
Following the recent release of their debut EP’s lead single “MORE AND MORE,” PROME Band — formed and fronted by Timmy Xu (许魏洲) — has officially dropped their first EP, Prometheus.
The band’s name draws inspiration from the Greek titan Prometheus, with “PRO+ME” symbolizing “transcending oneself.” The lineup includes lead vocalist Timmy Xu, guitarist X Yi (易鑫), bassist Major (马际朝), and drummer Yuanyu Xie (谢渊宇). Titled Prometheus, the EP embodies the theme of “guarding the inner spark”: Everyone can become their own Prometheus, igniting their fire.
The lead single “MORE AND MORE” showcased the band’s boldness and fearless spirit, reflecting the raw passion of a rock band. However, Prometheus is not merely a rock album defined by genre conventions. Instead, it emphasizes authentic band chemistry, infused with improvisational energy, creating a cohesive and dynamic listening experience.
The EP is produced by Howe Chen (陈君豪), a Golden Melody Award-winning producer known for his work on albums like Jolin Tsai’s Ugly Beauty, Wu Qingfeng’s Mallarmé’s Tuesday and Faith Yang’s Flow. Blending pop sensibilities with indie authenticity, Chen ensures the EP’s premium quality. Timmy Xu contributed to the lyrics, while all band members collaborated on arrangements, resulting in a powerful synergy of creativity.
PROME
Courtesy of Billboard China
Prometheus features three songs: the title track, “Pandora” and “X.” Rooted in rock, the EP fuses classical, funk and electronic elements, crafting a mythic yet modern sonic universe. The songs intricately narrate the struggles of overcoming adversity, seeking hope in uncertainty, and marching collectively toward the future.
The title track serves as the band’s introspective anthem, declaring that “everyone can be a Prometheus.” With maximalist instrumentals, the band reignites the spark within listeners. “Pandora” empowers audiences to cling to hope amid despair, blending genre-defying innovation. Meanwhile, “X” juxtaposes retro and contemporary vibes, evoking a time-traveling journey that celebrates humanity’s boundless potential when guided by original aspirations.
PROME Band’s mission — to warm dream-chasers with their fiery spirit — came to life during the Prometheus EP launch concert in Shanghai, held one day after the EP’s release. Dressed in sleek black suits, the band delivered a high-energy performance of “MORE AND MORE” and all three EP tracks. Timmy Xu’s explosive vocals, brimming with raw power and emotion, intertwined with guitarist X Yi’s riffs, bassist Major’s grooves, and drummer Yuanyu Xie’s thunderous beats, creating an electrifying synergy. Each crescendo and emotional shift ignited the crowd, culminating in a profound connection between the band and audience as the final notes faded.
PROME
Courtesy of Billboard China
The EP’s narrative resonates beyond music: “Allowing oneself to be authentic” and “letting others be themselves” transform life’s fractures into channels for light. Through their rich musical language, PROME mirrors our battles against the unknown. Even when trauma fragments memory or reality dims our inner fire, time heals, and hope’s flame returns — unapologetically bright.
“You will still be there at the end of the ball.”
This opening line from Liu Lian’s 2021 birthday song, “Be Present,” beautifully captures her journey. At 27, Liu Lian began writing birthday songs as a way to affirm her existence and address her anxieties about self-worth and presence.
At that time, she wished for a ‘you’ who would still be around when the party was over. As time went on, Liu Lian, who once longed for forever because of ‘you,’ grew and developed her own perspective, eventually becoming an observer at the party.
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When asked which soundbite she would choose to represent herself, Liu Lian responded immediately: “I have a lyric that says, ‘you will still be there at the end of the ball.’ But now, I’d like to change ‘you’ to ‘I.’”
Billboard China’s exclusive series, HER VOICE, invites female musicians to share their views on the world and how they express their inner thoughts through music.
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Have there been moments in your life when you thought, “It’s really wonderful to be a woman”? If so, which moment stands out?
I feel that way most of the time. It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific moment because it feels like a continuous feeling.
If you could talk to any female musician from history, who would you choose? What would you want to discuss with her?
Shiina Ringo. Honestly, though, I’m not sure what I’d say—meeting someone you deeply admire can leave you speechless. When I interviewed Linkin Park, I felt the same way; without prepared questions, I might have struggled to find the right words.
I’m really interested in her creative process, even though I understand that some aspects can’t be fully conveyed through conversation. I’d also love to learn about the challenges she’s encountered, how she’s tackled creative blocks, and how she’s kept her artistic energy alive over the years.
Additionally, I’d love to get a glimpse into her everyday life—what she does in her free time, what topics she enjoys discussing with friends—so I can see her as an ordinary person.
Recommend a song or short film from your new album to your fans. Why do you like that one the most?
There are so many choices, but if I had to pick one, I’d recommend the song and short film Split. It tells a touching story about a blind woman who, years later, confronts the man who trafficked her—her own father. The narrative is complete and deeply moving. This song is rooted in personal experience, illustrating how someone familiar with self-doubt and failure can rise again, blooming even in adversity. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a dose of motivation and strength.
Liu Lian
Courtesy of Liu Lian/Billboard China
The South by Southwest Music Festival has announced that Chinese singer-songwriter Tia Ray will take the stage on March 11 as part of International Nights at Rivian Park. As the only invited artist from mainland China, she will headline the festival and deliver a grand finale performance for music enthusiasts worldwide, alongside international talents such […]
When Cai Xukun — the 26-year-old Chinese singer-songwriter better known as KUN — began working on his smash single “Afterglow,” he wanted to capture fleeting moments of change by connecting time and space with art and fashion. “I pondered for a long time about what kind of word could represent this imagery and mood,” he says. “Finally, the word ‘afterglow’ came to mind. We often see this scenery during various travel moments — including while driving; it represents our feelings in that instant. I chose this theme and combined it with some of the images in my mind: models on the runway, flashing lights, shifting time and space and changing people.”
“Afterglow” immediately connected with audiences. On its release day in early June, the song achieved a score of over 95 on the Tencent Music Uni Chart, which aggregates data from nine major platforms and over 100 radio stations. The song remained on the chart for 10 weeks and became the fastest song to receive gold certification on the Tencent chart; it also made the June edition of the Tencent Music Wave Chart, which is voted on by over 200 Chinese music industry professionals. That success has informed his selection as China’s representative for Billboard’s Global No. 1s, as chosen jointly by Tencent Music Chart and Billboard China.
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KUN created “Afterglow” with soul and rock sounds, and his integration of modern and classic production influences helped to give the song a timeless feel. And the song’s success marks the beginning of a new musical phase for KUN. “In my upcoming works, I will include some classic or modern elements,” he says. “I hope everyone can gradually sense a recognizable style in my music.”
In fact, several new singles KUN released in 2024 represent his fresh musical explorations. For instance, “Remedy” features clean piano sounds paired with a vintage vocal style, revealing his more minimalist side. It also reflects his listening habits: “I often enjoy classic songs, especially in quiet moments alone, listening to music and savoring that dialogue with myself,” he says.
While his previous works were warmer, KUN’s 2024 release “RIDE OR DIE” introduces a sound that’s new for him. “This song serves as a signal I’m conveying, heralding a transformation in my future musical style,” he says. “I believe it is essential to present something distinct to my audience, which has always been my aspiration. Consequently, the production process for ‘RIDE OR DIE’ extended over a considerable period and traversed numerous iterations, aiming to express the ‘stormy night’ concept that has long resided in my heart.”
KUN photographed for the Billboard China Global No. 1s Issue.
Tianyao Wang/Billboard China
Looking ahead, KUN plans to continue to expand his online live concept Art Lab, chronicling his growth and reflecting his changes from year to year — while strengthening his connections with audiences. “I can feel their enthusiasm, and they can feel my energy,” he says of his live performances. As time progresses, KUN is learning to “enjoy the process,” he adds. “Whether you genuinely enjoy the experience or merely fulfill a task can yield entirely different results. I believe that embracing this journey is paramount.”
Now, KUN is relishing a journey of “accumulation.” He’s preparing for a long journey ahead and accumulating new musical energy that he plans to direct toward producing more great songs. “This year, through the process of production and performance, I have engaged in numerous discussions and collaborations with various artists, which have profoundly influenced my personal perspectives and aesthetics,” he says. “Next year is likely to be a year where I unveil the fruits of my introspection.”
As Chinese artists increasingly gain international acclaim, KUN believes that the intersection of music across diverse cultures transcends language and geography, fostering cultural exchange. “I aspire for more individuals globally to experience music that is authentically ours as Chinese,” he says. “This has consistently been my ambition.”
In the world of electronic dance music, the West has long led the way with its frequent collaborations, driving technical advancements and making electronic music culture popular worldwide. Inspired by Western electronic music culture, ZHANGYE, in collaboration with Cyanhill Music, has created the CHINA EDM Vol.1 compilation, marking a new chapter in Chinese electronic dance music.
This compilation features not only exclusive tracks from top producers such as BEAUZ, CORSAK, Panta.Q, and WILLIM, but also selects other tracks from hundreds of contributors, showcasing the diversity and vitality of Chinese electronic music.
The release of the CHINA EDM Vol.1 compilation is not only a summary of the development of Chinese electronic dance music, but also a new beginning. Crafted to international standards, it aims to promote the works of outstanding Chinese producers on the world stage. On Nov. 29, this musical feast was spectacularly staged at the Escape deLux nightclub in Amsterdam, Netherlands, under the theme of “CHINA EDM NIGHT,” marking a significant step in the global journey of Chinese electronic music.
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“CHINA EDM NIGHT” was an unprecedented performance featuring “Beats from the East,” bringing the rhythm of the Orient to the Western stage. This event was a live rendition of the CHINA EDM Vol.1 compilation and a significant showcase of Chinese electronic music culture to the world. The performance took place at the renowned Amsterdam nightclub Escape deLux, known for its unique atmosphere and high-quality music events.
To ensure that the “CHINA EDM NIGHT” performance garnered more attention in the Netherlands, the organizers put significant effort into promotion. Offline advertising reached close to 4,000 advertising spaces, including large billboards, metro stations, hotels and public notice boards, promoting the compilation, artists and the event activities comprehensively to ensure that the performance information reached every potential audience member.
The release of the CHINA EDM Vol.1 compilation and the staging of the “CHINA EDM NIGHT” performance mark a significant step for Chinese electronic dance music on the global stage. This is a collective showcase of Chinese electronic music producers, as well as an international dissemination of Chinese electronic music culture.
CORSAK
Courtesy of CORSAK
Chace’s brand-new single “Tunnel Vision” was officially released on Tuesday (Nov. 26), marking his first step into the spotlight as a pop artist and the culmination of two years of preparation.
For Chace, this is not only an exploration of musical styles, but also a significant milestone in his career. Born in 1998 into a musical family in Jiangsu, China, Chace (Zhu Yihan) received professional training in jazz drums and piano from an early age, showcasing extraordinary talent in music. He began producing music at the age of 9 and signed with a Dutch record label at 16, launching his career as a professional musician.
In 2016, he made his debut at Belgium’s Tomorrowland and, in 2017, became the first Chinese artist to perform on Tomorrowland’s main stage, forever changing the presence of Chinese artists on the global music scene. Since then, he has continued to shine as a DJ and producer at top-tier international music festivals such as EDC, Ultra and Creamfields. In 2024, Chace became the first Chinese artist to sign with one of North America’s major record labels, BMG, further showcasing his ability to transcend genres and boundaries with “Tunnel Vision.”
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“Tunnel Vision” is a nostalgic pop electronic track, a tribute to Chace’s musical idol Michael Jackson. The song evokes memories of the golden 1980s, blending distinct rhythms and melodies with an infectious dance groove. Its polished production highlights Chace’s exceptional skills as a producer.
The music video for “Tunnel Vision” is equally innovative, directed and edited by Chace himself. Filmed entirely using an iPhone, it tells an eccentric story set three minutes before a train’s arrival. With its narrative charm, action sequences and high-speed shots, the music video delivers a visually compelling experience, pushing creative boundaries and demonstrating Chace’s burgeoning talent as a filmmaker.
“Tunnel Vision” is now available worldwide, but this is just the beginning of Chace’s musical journey. With more exciting projects on the horizon, he is poised to bring fresh, innovative works to his global audience.
