Zhuli’s latest release “Bleach“, which dropped on the 31st of January this year,  is a mesmerizing Indie-Pop track that explores the concept of falling for someone who is toxic.

The song captures the essence of being infatuated with someone to the point that their flaws and mistreatment are overlooked, making it relatable to many listeners. The lyrics, from the perspective of an obsessive person who is willing to do anything for their crush, are beautifully written and convey a sense of vulnerability.

Produced by Harry James (Hi Life, Franko Gonzo) and mixed by Tim Watt (Kota Banks), The production on “Bleach” is thought-provoking and complements Zhuli’s elegant hooks perfectly.

Hypnotic melodies, infectious hooks, and a lush feel form a mesmerizing blend of atmospheric and unconventional sounds. There is also a Hyperpop element which helps create a romantic, synth-heavy focus in the song, conveying the theme of blind adoration.

Taking inspiration from the likes of Charli XCX, Tinashe, and Ariana Grande, Zhuli’s music straddles the line between mainstream and experimental, creating a cohesive sound that is inimitably hers. Bleach is a perfect showcases of her unique musical style. 

The name Zhuli is derived from the book “Do Not Say We Have Nothing,” which recounts the events of the Cultural Revolution in China. This background adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to her music, making it more poignant and reflective.

“Bleach” is a beautifully crafted track that highlights Zhuli’s musical prowess and her ability to delve into complex emotions through her music. It is a captivating and sophisticated indie-pop track that will stay in your head long after it ends. It is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates sophisticated and experimental Indie-Pop music.

We had the opportunity to do an online Q&A where we were further blown away by Zhuli’s brilliance!

Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got into music?

A: I was always drawn to music and the arts. I started playing piano at age 4, and auditioned for my school stage band with it in year 4. I wasn’t good enough at piano so they asked me what else I could do. I said I could sing (I hadn’t before this point) and it turned out I had a pretty good voice so I sang with them until the end of primary school. I picked up guitar at 12 and I’ve been writing my own songs since then. My mum and my teachers at school were always really supportive of me pursuing music, and even though I’ve explored other hobbies and potential careers, I never really drifted that far from music. I studied at the Sydney Conservatorium and now here I am, with no plans of stopping anytime soon.

Q: Your new single “Bleach” has been creating a buzz, can you share with us the inspiration behind the track?

A: We wrote Bleach to a track that Harry had previously made and kinda workshopped the beat and the song together. I was watching Bleach (the anime) at the time so it was a word that was very present in my mind, but the song is basically about being so infatuated with someone that you can’t see the red flags and the shitty ways they treat you. It’s a big overwhelming, blinding kinda crush – something that I’ve definitely felt before. There’s also that obsessive tone from the speaker though, so even though the person they’re singing about is flawed, so are they. I was listening a lot to hyperpop and electronic music at the time, especially Charli XCX who is a big inspiration of mine.

Q: You have received support from some of Australia’s top music platforms, including Triple J unearthed and Luna Collective, can you tell us about your experience working with these organizations?

A: The Australian music industry is pretty small, but triple J unearthed provides a platform for independent and upcoming artists to get their music out there and connect with other artists. It’s created a great little community, and the more I am involved with it the more rewarding it is. Triple J and Triple J unearthed have kind of a monopoly on the indie music scene, but it provides a direct avenue and if they support you it can be amazing for your career!

Q: Your collaboration with Holly Hebe and Ivoris on the track “Supervillain” received a lot of attention last year, how was the experience of working with other artists in the industry?

A: It was amazing! Collaboration is so important to me in this industry, and Holly and Ivoris are both really close friends of mine. It was cathartic and inspiring to work on something so fun with people I love, and it made the whole release process so much more relaxed because the three of us were doing it together.

Q: What do you hope fans take away from your music and what message would you like to send through your work?

A: All I really want is for people to connect to my music and enjoy listening to it, whether that’s through the sounds or the lyrics and melodies. I have fun making music and it’s a way to express my feelings so as long as people enjoy it it’s worth it for me. If anything, I want people to be able to relate to my songs through their own experiences. Sometimes feelings can be hard to express, so if my songs hit on any feelings or emotions people are feeling that they don’t know how to express, that would be v cool.

Q: What can we expect from you in the future, are there any plans for more releases or collaborations in the works?

A: I have a jam packed schedule for releases this year. The more I release, the less anxious I am about releasing, so this year I just really want to get all my music out. I have a few older songs to be released after Bleach, and also a few collaborations spread out throughout the year with some really sick electronic artists, and then onto the new stuff! Expect a lot of new music from me this year.

Q: Can you walk us through your creative process for producing a new track, from concept to completion?

A: I collaborate on most of my music with a producer. Usually we sit down, talk about music we’re listening to at the moment, talk about how we’ve been feeling recently, and then see what we’re inspired by. They flesh out the beat while I start to think of melodies and lyric ideas. Sometimes I flesh out ideas based on how I’m feeling or experiences I’ve recently had, sometimes hypotheticals, sometimes I just write the syllables in to kinda cement the melody and then that gives me a starting point. We usually try to get the song pretty fleshed out in the first session or two, and then we both finesse the track until it’s done. Sometimes it’s good to have some time away from a song so you have a clear perspective when coming back to it!

Q:How have you adapted to the current music industry landscape and what do you think sets you apart from other artists?

A: Honestly I’m just focusing on doing my best. I think there’s a lot of amazing artists out there and it’s hard for everyone to stand out. I’m still growing as an artist and still finding my niche, but I’m really enjoying the process of getting there. I put a lot of myself in the music I write, it’s a big part of who I am, and I hope with time and consistency that my audience will recognise that. I am so grateful to already be doing music full-time, and i believe in myself and my music!

Q: Can you share with us any challenges you have faced in your career as a musician and how you overcame them?

A: The biggest challenge I’ve faced is imposter syndrome. I didn’t believe in myself for the longest time and I was always comparing myself to others around me. The pandemic and lockdowns actually helped me get out of that rut – it made me realise that there’s no point in thinking like that, and that believing in myself and my music is the only thing that can keep me grounded through all the rejection you face in a creative industry. If you don’t believe in your own music, why should anyone else?

Q: What advice would you give to other aspiring musicians looking to break into the industry?

A: The best advice I can give is to just do it. Release that song, tell everyone about it, never stop promoting and backing your own music. Make and release the music that you like and that you believe in. I heard somewhere that the average popular artist released 32 songs before they got noticed, which is a crazy number, so just start releasing and learn from each release!