Billboard China
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.
Billboard China has officially announced the inaugural Billboard Global No. 1s selection for the China region. In a collaboration with TME Chart — part of Tencent Music Entertainment Group — Billboard China has analyzed the annual performance data from TME Chart, which encompasses the UNI Chart and Wave Chart, to curate a shortlist of 50 […]
On Thursday (Oct. 17), Tencent Music Entertainment Group announced a strategic partnership with Galaxy Corporation, the agency representing the influential global musician G-Dragon, for his upcoming regional tour.
The collaboration marks a significant step forward in TME’s ambitions to expand its global presence and further solidify its position in the international music scene. As part of this agreement, TME will act as the proprietary tour partner for G-Dragon’s concerts across various markets, including most of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, TC Pan, group vice president of Tencent Music Entertainment, highlighted the importance of this partnership. “Collaborating with a renowned global musician like G-Dragon aligns perfectly with TME’s vision of connecting international audiences with exceptional music experiences. This partnership not only strengthens our presence in the global market, but also underscores our commitment to empowering music partners and artists to reach their full potential on the world stage.”
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Yongho Choi, CEO of Galaxy Corporation, also shared his enthusiasm. “We are delighted to partner with Tencent Music Entertainment, a global entertainment-tech company listed on NYSE and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Building on this strategic partnership, we plan to integrate AI, AR, mixed reality, and robotics into entertainment to create a new kind of concert experience for global audiences.”
TME has been making efforts to broaden its international footprint through a range of initiatives like its Global Music Outreach program, which seeks to showcase Chinese music artists on international platforms and facilitate cross-border collaborations. It also operates the JOOX streaming service in Southeast Asia.
With this strategic partnership, TME aims to elevate G-Dragon’s overseas tour experience by expanding its reach and providing fans with new opportunities to connect with his music and brand, while reinforcing TME’s growing influence in the global music industry.
The 2024 Tencent Music Entertainment Awards (TMEA) were staged at the Galaxy Arena in Macau, China, from July 19 to 21.
Themed “High Five. Music Drive” and organized by Tencent Music Entertainment Group, the TMEA showcased a three-day music extravaganza, featuring a stellar lineup of international top artists and more than 100 performances, alongside a two-day indoor music festival and music ceremony.
The titles of Best Male Singer of the Year and Best Female Singer of the Year were awarded to Zhou Shen and Zhang Liangying, respectively, while Xue Zhiqian received recognition for Best Concert of the Year.
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Zhou Shen
Courtesy of TME
Wang Yuan was honored as the Most Influential Male Singer in the Chinese Mainland, while Yuan Yawei (TIA RAY) was awarded the title of Most Influential Female Singer in the Chinese Mainland. Additionally, the Most Influential Male and Female Singers from Hong Kong and Taiwan were awarded to Eason Chan and G.E.M., while the honors for Most Influential Singer-Songwriter and Most Influential Mandarin Group went to Jay Chou and Mayday, respectively.
The evening also featured the announcement of the Best of the Year awards: the titles of Best Male and Female Singers in the Chinese Mainland were awarded to Xue Zhiqian and Shan Yichun, while the Best Male and Female Singers from Hong Kong and Taiwan were given to Wilber Pan and Angela Zhang.
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Shan Yichun
Courtesy of TME
International artists were also in the spotlight, with Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift awarded Best International Male Artist and Most Influential International Artist of the Year, respectively.
The TMEA Music Ceremony brought together a lineup of iconic Chinese-language singers. Wang Yuan, Wilber Pan, Zhang Liangying, Tia Ray and Zhou Shen all performed, showcasing their hit songs and diverse musical styles.
Tia Ray
Courtesy of TME
In addition to established artists, the TMEA also highlighted many emerging stars in the Chinese music scene.
As a world-class choreographer, RIKIMARU served as the dance director for the 2024 TMEA and debuted his new song “Can’t Get Enough.” A representative of Chinese electronic music, who was the only Mandarin artist to perform on prestigious international electronic music festival stages such as Tomorrowland, Ultra, ADE and EDC, CORSAK delivered an electrifying DJ SHOW at the gala.
Established in 2019, the Tencent Music Entertainment Awards is an annual music awards ceremony that has captivated millions of music enthusiasts.
TMEA
Courtesy of TME
On June 13, the Chinese video platform Bilibili officially launched the “New Generation Musicians Program – Original Season.” This program features a large-scale music creation and musician selection contest for singer/songwriters. It will also provide a 5 million RMB (renminbi) fund, along with diverse exposure opportunities for participants. The initiative aims to empower musicians to […]