Meet Ziwen Zhang | DJ/Sound Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ziwen Zhang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ziwen, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I feel happiest when my body syncs with sound in a rhythmic way. For me, it’s the ultimate sensation of wholeness in my physical form. When my auditory senses align perfectly with my body’s movements, it creates a profound joy, almost like merging my mental energy with my physical self. When I’m DJing, it takes this experience to another level—I’m not just feeling the rhythm; I’m controlling it. That’s when my creative energy fully channels through sound, allowing me to express myself in the purest way possible.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
‘m an intuitive person when it comes to career choices. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a keen ear for music and have been deeply in love with it my whole life. Though I’ve studied various instruments over the years, I’ve always known that being an instrumentalist wasn’t quite my path. My obsession with sound eventually led me to study music technology at New York University. During my three and a half years there, I was exposed to every aspect of audio, and I found myself captivated by sound design, layering different textures, and interactive audio.

From that point, I began working as a sound designer for films and commercials. I truly enjoyed the process of translating my sonic imagination to complement visual storytelling, but I often felt confined by the visuals. That’s when I started looking for new ways to channel my creative energy. DJing came to mind, especially since rave parties had become my go-to way of unwinding. I discovered a profound sense of freedom, not only on the dance floor but even more so behind the DJ booth.

My background in audio engineering gave me a solid foundation when I first started DJing. I picked it up quickly, playing high-BPM tracks that reflected the energy I felt. DJing became the perfect outlet to fully express my imagination of sound. At raves, music transcends mere listening—it becomes a physical experience. The resonance is palpable; it’s not just about hearing the beat but feeling it, using your body to move with the rhythm. This concept of merging auditory and physical sensations is something I’ve also applied to some of the film scores I’ve worked on. I’m fascinated by creating meaningful connections between the auditory experience and unique sound textures.

On the flip side, networking has never come easy for me. It took me a while to realize that success isn’t just about personal capabilities; it’s also about who you know and how you leverage your resources. Building a network feels like navigating a map—I need the right connections and the perfect timing to link up with the people I want to meet. But I’ve learned that it’s essential to stay proactive rather than waiting for others to approach me.

Growing up, I often felt confused when people reacted unexpectedly to things I’d say or do. I’d worry that I might have said something wrong or offensive, which made me hesitant to socialize. But over time, I realized I’m at my most relaxed and sociable when I stop overthinking how I want to present myself. Instead of trying to be the “perfect” or “well-behaved” individual, I found that when I genuinely want to connect, I just approach people and share my true self. That’s how I’ve built some of the most meaningful connections in my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I moved to LA in June, and I’ve never lived in a city as spread out as this one. It took some adjusting, but I’ve come to fully embrace the slower, more laid-back lifestyle here compared to the fast-paced East Coast.

Eat: For starters, you can’t miss In-N-Out. It’s a California classic—the best cheeseburger you can get for the price, with fresh, real ingredients. Then, I’d take them to BCD Tofu House in the heart of Koreatown. The side dishes there are amazing, and their spicy soft tofu stew is simply unbeatable. Another must-visit is Quality Seafood Inc. at Redondo Beach. It’s a perfect spot with a gorgeous beach view and a bustling port atmosphere. You can choose live seafood and have it cooked to your preference—super fresh and at a fair price.

Visit: For views, I’m a fan of the iconic Griffith Observatory at night, but parking can be a nightmare. Instead, I have a hidden gem on Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills. It’s a peaceful spot where you can see the stars and take in LA’s sparkling night view away from the city’s hustle. It’s my little escape when I need to disconnect from the world.

Parties: Of course, weekends are reserved for parties. The rave scene in LA is fantastic, with most events happening either outdoors or in warehouses. Thanks to Southern California’s perfect weather, outdoor raves have a unique vibe—open, free, and full of energy. There’s nothing quite like dancing under the dark sky with the breeze of the night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Shanghai underground club scene, especially the club Elevator.

In 2021, during my gap year between finishing my bachelor’s degree and starting my master’s, I spent a year working in Shanghai. Back then, I was a passionate raver, showing up at underground raves at 10 pm and staying until 4 am, sometimes 3-4 nights a week.

Even though I’d already studied audio engineering for four years by that point, I knew next to nothing about DJing. But after months of raving, I finally took the plunge. With support from Mau Mau, the owner of Elevator, and Eva, a minimal techno DJ within the Elevator community, along with countless raver friends, I began my journey as a DJ.

I was terrified before my first show—so nervous, in fact, that I almost didn’t go through with it. But it was the unwavering support of the people there that kept me grounded and encouraged me to keep going. I’ll never forget what Mau Mau said to me before my debut set: “You’ll make a few mistakes, and then you’ll move on.” That simple sentence held so much power, and its wisdom still resonates with me to this day. It is just what I need at the time, but also what I am going to keep for a very long time.

Website: https://psycho-nozomu.squarespace.com

Instagram: nozomuzhang

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziwen-zhang-759b371a7/