Mark Zhu

Speaking up can be daunting. Through a breathy whisper to a powerful belt, 17-year-old Asian American singer, songwriter, and producer Mark Zhu manifests a wide range of expression, ranging from piano-driven ballads to synth-driven indie pop, creating art that empowers unheard voices. Mark brought his unique take on pop to the world at age 14 when he started writing songs.

Delicate piano instrumentals, shimmering acoustic guitars, and lush synths create a unique ambience in the midst of a bustling world. Punchy melodies and tight harmonies, when coupled with energetic synth leads and dynamic programmed drums, spark festivity, igniting a party in the absence of high spirits. Mark uses soaring and soulful melodies to connect these various styles and tell deeply-personal stories about growing up in a massive yet isolated world. Cinematic orchestras, foley, and non-conventional samples further proliferate the breathtaking flurry that is Mark’s sonic identity. He pays homage to Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Blackpink, Blake Rose, BTS, Claude Debussy, Conan Gray, Debussy, Eric Nam, Finneas, Frédéric Chopin, Fujii Kaze, Girl in Red, Jeremy Zucker, Keshi, Lana Del Ray, Lauv, Lyn Lapid, Nick Wilson, Sam Smith, Sasha Alex Sloan, Seori, Tate McRae, and UMI, among others, for the development of his rapidly evolving style and voice.

Mark took on music and visual arts at an early age. At age 11, he composed his first piano score, and at age 12, he performed on the piano at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City after winning honorable mention in the 2018 American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition. He proceeded to take home acclaimed titles, including first place in the 2019 Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition; a winner of the 2020 American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music, Summer Gala; and first place in the 2022 International Music Competition “London” Grand Prize Virtuoso. Mark performed at Carnegie Hall a total of three times. He has also won numerous recognitions in visual arts, including second place in the 2020 Federal Duck Stamp Contest and several gold and silver keys in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. On top of writing, producing, recording, mixing, and mastering his own music, Mark designs his own album covers and promotional materials, honing his graphic design and editing skills. When he is not producing a radio hit or designing his next release campaign, Mark can be found editing videos, drawing, taking care of his last surviving avocado plant, coding, or eating cheese.