With Over 10 Million Streams & Global Music Awards, Musician Zixiao Revels in Music’s Magic

“While winning a Grammy may be the ultimate achievement for musicians, what truly matters to me is whether my music brings joy and resonates with my audience. It was a truly remarkable experience when I performed ‘Vetrate Di Chiesa’ on piano with the Brevard Music Center Orchestra. The acoustics at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium were just amazing, allowing the music to indescribably come to life. And the audiences were passionate and engaged. It felt like a real connection between us and them, and the room’s energy was just electric. Being able to play the piano as part of the orchestra was a very unique experience for me.”— Zixiao ‘Sean’ Ye

China-raised but now US-based composer-musician-educator Zixiao Ye was seemingly born to play music. He was brought up in a music-loving family including a music professor father whom he fondly recalls taking him to concerts and recitals. Zixiao began learning piano at age five and got profound advice from his piano teacher, Bin Li, who said to him: “Be humble to music, and be humble to life.”

And, so, there was a natural path for him to pursue the study of music. Now Memphis-based Zixiao combines playing, composing, and also teaching at Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis. He says his “teaching philosophy centers around fostering talent, igniting passion, and instilling a lifelong love for music.”

Recording-wise, enthusiastic Zixiao has independently released several albums and dozens of singles since 2020, creating popular covers: “There's probably an element of luck involved, but I'm genuinely grateful for every listener who finds their way to my music.”

Indeed, Zixiao has 60 thousand followers, and he proudly exclaims: “I’m amazed that my music has reached more than ten million streams on major music platforms. And, I’ve been fortunate to earn another 10 million streams on video platforms—where my major video platform is based on Bilibili, a similar platform to YouTube. To date, hitting 10 million streams means a lot to me, including: 8 million streams on QQ Music, the largest music platform in China; 1 million streams on Spotify; and an additional 2 million streams on various other platforms combined. The feeling is truly amazing, knowing that people from all around the world have tuned in to my recordings. This serves as a powerful motivator to continue doing what I love.”

Moreover, Zixiao has earned Global Music Awards for the instrumentalist category from his album “Run Away from the Noise II”, and one for ambient music category for “Je Te Laisserai Des Mots”; and, he also earned Best Instrumentalist for covering “Je Te Laisserai Des Mots,” awarded by Intercontinental Music Awards. And, while he appreciates the acclaim, he confesses: “Certainly, winning a Grammy is the ultimate achievement for musicians, and it's a dream I aspire to achieve. As a musician, I know the importance of awards in this industry, but I firmly believe that winning awards is not the measure of success or the most crucial aspect. What truly matters to me is whether my music resonates with my audience, brings joy, and offers comfort to people in their lives.”

Indeed, his new EP, “Silver Lining,” is resonating with listeners, as it features the superb musicianship of Zixiao Ye, including: Home, Sweet Home—haunting and seductive, it’s almost like an instrumental ballad that could work with lyrics; The Mist—has a film-like sound, like Vangelis’ moving end credits score for the brilliant movie, Blade Runner, with an on-the-road feel; Silver Lining—a faster tempo piece, reminiscent of one of Beethoven’s sonatas; Silent Solace—gloriously sad and funereal, but a beautiful instrumental, that’s almost hymn-like.

Composer-musician-educator Zixiao talks to us about his artist persona, the impact of AI on the industry, what he’s learned and teaches his students, and how he sees music as a sanctuary in today’s troubled times.

How Does Choosing “Lazypianist” as Your Artist Name Inspire Others Like Your Students?

Firstly, I thought it was a fun and memorable name that wouldn't create distance between me and the audience. Additionally, I noticed that many people who aspire to learn the piano often claim they don't have time. My aim with this name is to encourage piano students and amateurs to pursue their musical dreams, emphasizing that even those with busy schedules can make time for their passion.

What’s the Good and Bad of Social Media’s Influence on Music?

Social media has revolutionized how musicians share their music with the world, offering a fresh and effective way to connect with audiences and promote music, especially for independent artists. From my perspective, this is the golden age for musicians. But I do have concerns about the impact of TikTok and the trend of hyper-short music. The younger generation has grown accustomed to listening to brief, 15-30 second excerpts of songs as content. It raises questions about whether this might diminish their ability to appreciate full-length albums or major classical symphonies.

Similarly, What Are Some Good and Not-So-Good Uses of AI in Music Creation?

AI’s impact is profound, already bringing about significant changes in the art industry. For example, AI image generators can produce artwork in mere seconds based on your request—I’ve used it to create my new album cover! I've also listened to music created by AI, and I must admit it's surprisingly good. It's somewhat unsettling to witness AI completing tasks that would typically take weeks for a human, in a matter of seconds. And the whole AI thing will create chaos in copyright law. It's gonna be a new battlefield for all the artists, not just the writers and actors who were on strike.

What’s it Like Teaching in Memphis, a Deep Hotbed of Music from Elvis, Delta Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Soul, and Rockabilly?

Memphis is a city filled with musical life. You can easily span from blues, jazz, and pop to classical music. You can enjoy a cold beer while listening to the legendary BB King on Beale Street or attending a symphony concert by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra just a few blocks away. I always actively encourage my students to follow their musical interests and I’m delighted to see that they are open to explore different music genres.

How Do You Deal With Self-Doubt and Pass That On?

During my musical journey, I've encountered challenges that led to self-doubt and a desire to give up. Being a classically trained pianist, criticism is something we often face. But, handling these negative feelings is essential. I can still remember my worst moment when I had a memory lapse during a competition, and that mistake weighed on me for a long time. I owe a debt of gratitude to a mentor, Dr. Victor Asuncion, who once told me, "Your performance is an inspiration. Don't dwell on your mistakes." His words have been a source of motivation, sustaining my passion for music and keeping me moving forward. I learned to tune out external criticism and sought inner peace through music. In many ways, having self-belief is crucial for success, and it’s a core value I always emphasize to my students. I also teach them to trust their instincts, when creating music and not worry too much about what others think. Seeing them develop their skills, find their unique musical voices, and apply what they’ve learned in our lessons to their performances is incredibly rewarding.

What’s Your Dream Performance Venue?

The Carnegie Concert Hall in New York is a dream venue for every musician, and I hope that one day I'll have the opportunity to perform there. I remember being at Carnegie Hall in 2019 to see Mitsuko Uchida, one of my favorite pianists. Her performance was absolutely incredible! She played two Schubert piano sonatas, and the way she played those keys was like pure magic. I could feel the music deep in my soul. The place was packed, and the whole atmosphere was electric. It's one of those nights that just sticks with me.

What is Your New Album About?

My new EP called “Silver Lining” is centered around post-minimalism music, and features four original pieces that reflect on the recent conflicts and wars around the world. The music conveys a strong desire for peace. My sincere hope is that it can offer comfort—“a silver lining”—to those who need it. I believe that music has the power to bring people together and enrich our lives in countless ways, and I’m dedicated to sharing my love for music with others. Additionally, I will continue to release more of my original works and hope that one day they will resonate with a movie/television director who appreciates my music and offers me the opportunity in the TV/movie industry!

Tell Us About Your Overall Goal in Music, What Do You Hope For?

My long-term goal is to continue creating emotionally resonant compositions. I am also dedicated to sharing this goal with my students. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the opportunity to collaborate with my students on music projects, including choir, musical, band, and more. Whether we’re rehearsing or preparing for a performance, I love being able to share my expertise with my students and learn from them in turn. Overall, in a world filled with uncertainty and numerous challenges, music serves as a sanctuary. I hope music can provide comfort to those who seek it, to be a safe haven in these turbulent times.

Drop in on Zixiao Ye’s music site, on the Lazypianist YouTube channel and on Bilibili. And, check out his new EP, “Silver Lining,” on YouTube and Spotify.