Chinese pop artist 张钰琪 (Rachel Zhang) has gained attention for her captivating performances and musical contributions. A central figure in her creative journey is Derek (Jiajun) Ouyang, her primary songwriter and collaborator. Together, they have developed a working relationship built on a shared passion for music and storytelling, which has shaped her evolving artistic direction and gained recognition within the music industry.
A Collaborative Journey
Derek Ouyang, born in Shenzhen, China, and Rachel Zhang first crossed paths while attending Berklee College of Music, where their shared musical sensibilities quickly became apparent. This partnership led to the creation of several projects, including multiple EPs, where they blended introspective lyrics with melodies that connect deeply with listeners.
One of their collaborations, the track “Moonlight,” gained attention and was recognized by the Asian Pop Music Awards, where it earned a spot in the Top 10 on the awards chart. This achievement highlights the growing impact of their work together, and “Moonlight” has since been performed at various prominent music festivals in China, such as the Strawberry Music Festival and the Midi Festival.
The songs they’ve created together have collectively amassed millions of streams in China, indicating a strong listener connection with their music. Derek’s skill in crafting melodies that complement Rachel’s vocal style continues to foster a productive partnership, with each new project offering a chance for creative exploration.
Rachel Zhang’s Career Development
Rachel Zhang first gained significant public attention after winning the Chinese talent competition The Coming One, a platform that has helped launch the careers of various well-known Chinese artists. Following her victory, Rachel built on the momentum of the win, refining her musical style and gaining recognition as a talented singer-songwriter. Her subsequent appearances on Singer (歌手), a well-known music competition program in China, helped to raise her profile in the industry.
Throughout her career, Rachel has connected with a diverse audience who value her emotive lyricism and distinctive vocal style. These qualities have helped her build a reputation as an artist whose music resonates with listeners on a personal level. With a growing fan base and increasing recognition, Rachel is regarded as a rising figure within China’s evolving music scene.
Photo Courtesy: Younger Entertainment / Rachel Zhang
Derek Ouyang: The Creative Collaborator
Behind much of Rachel’s music is Derek Ouyang, a talented songwriter known for his ability to craft songs that evoke a range of emotions. His work with Rachel has resulted in a series of tracks that highlight not only her vocal abilities but also themes that resonate with a wide audience, such as love, resilience, and personal identity.
Derek’s songwriting approach emphasizes authenticity and emotional depth, with each piece of music carrying a distinct narrative that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences. His compositions are often drawn from personal insights, literature, and observations of human relationships, enabling him to create music that feels intimate yet universal in nature.
While much of Derek’s recognition stems from his work with Rachel, he is also carving a path for himself in the wider Chinese music industry. Collaborating with a variety of artists and producers, Derek is expanding his creative presence and building a reputation as an emerging voice in music.
Looking Ahead
As the Chinese music scene continues to grow and gain international visibility, Derek and Rachel remain at the forefront of this movement. Their future collaborations include a highly anticipated album scheduled for release in late 2025, which will feature several of Derek’s compositions. This project aims to further refine their artistic identities and solidify their place as an influential musical duo.
Additionally, they are exploring opportunities for international collaborations, which could help introduce Chinese pop music to new, global audiences. Their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity, along with their proven ability to craft music that resonates with listeners, positions them as an exciting partnership with potential for future success.
Photo Courtesy: Derek Ouyang
About Derek Ouyang
Derek Ouyang is a songwriter, producer, and musician, known for his work with 张钰琪 (Rachel Zhang). A graduate of the Bandier Program at Syracuse University, Derek brings together a deep passion for storytelling and a sophisticated understanding of musical composition. His songs are characterized by their emotional resonance, blending personal experience with universal themes to create music that is both memorable and relatable.
As Derek continues to grow as a songwriter and producer, he remains committed to expanding his influence within the Chinese music industry and beyond. With each new project, Derek continues to refine his craft, eager to contribute to the ongoing evolution of Chinese pop music on the world stage.
Published by: Cammy V.
