COMPOSITIONS | Annie Zhou

Out of the Blind is an upbeat song that Annie Zhou wrote for Guzheng and is accompanied by drums, piano, guitar, and other instruments.

It is about her own journey, as the title says, the power in the music that wants to break through the lows, come out of the daze and gain a new light. The main instrument Guzheng in this song is a rarely seen Chinese folk instrument, and its audience size is small.

In this song, Annie used some cool Guzheng techniques, such as tremolos and bending to show its charm and adapted them with pop style.

Related Interview:

https://lamusicreview.com/2023/01/16/annie-zhou-gains-new-light-in-out-of-the-blind/

Over the Bridge, 2023

Meditative

"Over the Bridge" is a soothing instrumental piece written for the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument. It creates a vivid journey through China's landscapes, instilling peace and relaxation. The use of tremolo mid-track brings a unique expressiveness. Listening to it, one can almost feel immersed in serene landscapes, with the music bridging nature and the listener in harmonious unity.

Out of the Blind is an upbeat song that Annie Zhou wrote for Guzheng and is accompanied by drums, piano, guitar, and other instruments.

In this song, Annie used some cool Guzheng techniques, such as tremolos and bending to show its charm and adapted them with pop style.

Related Interview:

https://lamusicreview.com/2023/01/16/annie-zhou-gains-new-light-in-out-of-the-blind/

Out of the Blind, 2023

Alternative Guzheng

"Out of the Blind" is an upbeat song by Annie Zhou, showcasing the Guzheng's captivating charm alongside an accompaniment of drums, piano, guitar, and other instruments.

The song is about her own journey, embodying a potent musical power aimed at surmounting hardships, emerging from confusion, and discovering newfound illumination. Despite the Guzheng being a lesser-known Chinese folk instrument with a niche audience, it takes center stage in this track.

Annie masterfully integrates fascinating Guzheng techniques like tremolos and bending, cleverly incorporating them into a modern pop-rock style, demonstrating the instrument's versatility and appeal.

Related Interview:

https://lamusicreview.com/2023/01/16/annie-zhou-gains-new-light-in-out-of-the-blind/

West Lake Wander, 2022

Meditative

"West Lake Wander" exudes a tranquil, introspective resonance. The piece is influenced by a leisurely stroll around China's illustrious West Lake, its calming ripples inviting moments of introspection and serenity.

Expressly composed for a Guzheng solo, the musical arrangement is intricate. The left hand provides rhythm in the lower register through adept string plucking. Meanwhile, the right-hand constructs a sturdy, melodious narrative, softly and deliberately articulating in a minimalist musical style, fostering an ambiance of peace and contemplation.

Annie Zhou: Works for Strings I, 2021

Four pieces for Western strings

Countryside Rhapsody (String Quartet)

Evils Dance Before Dawn (Cello and Bass)

Last Solitary (Cello)

Winter in You (Violin, Cello)

Maybe Wondering, 2020

For Guzheng, Piano, and Cello

"Maybe Wondering" is a song that weaves a narrative imbued with gentle melancholy. The main body of the song unfolds like a slow-moving story, while the chorus serves as an exploration, finding some semblance of stability.

Written by Annie Zhou, this piece is a beautiful fusion of Guzheng, Piano, and Cello -three instruments from distinct cultures. They continuously interweave and harmonize throughout this easy-listening song, masterfully blending their unique and touching tonalities. The result is a tranquil tableau, evoking peaceful imagery and eliciting an emotional response from the audience.

Amare Girls, 2021

For Guzheng, Pipa, Violin, and Flute.

Composed by Annie Zhou, "Amare Girls" is a heartfelt tribute to her ensemble, the Amare Girls Band. This unique band is a rare blend of Asian and Native American female artists, a distinction that is scarcely seen in the United States music scene. The band stands as a powerful advocate for female and racial minority representation.

The mission of the Amare Girls Band is to introduce diverse cultural sounds to a broader audience. They tirelessly experiment and innovate, bringing instruments from varied cultural backgrounds and histories to the stage, resonating with the sounds of the new century.

In "Amare Girls," Annie adeptly employs specialized techniques from Chinese instruments such as the Guzheng and Pipa, including string bending and tremolos. She crafts a dialogue in the violin and flute solo sections, designing two distinct yet harmonizing melodies that fully exhibit each instrument's unique attributes. Contrasting traditional Chinese music, the rhythm is notably vibrant, mirroring their fervent passion for transcending musical boundaries.

Comtemplation, 2020

Guzheng Solo

"Contemplation" is a captivating Guzheng solo Annie Zhou composed at the close of 2020, featuring a distinctive and uncommon scale for Guzheng. The intro delicately brought to life through gradual tremolos. An exotic flair emerges in the subsequent section, where the left hand performs a bass accompaniment while the right-hand takes on the primary melody. The intricate and fast-paced passages employ challenging Guzheng techniques, skillfully building an evocative ambiance. As the piece nears its end, the music gently dissipates with the help of another tremolo, returning to the distant, silent, and ethereal atmosphere reminiscent of the into. "Contemplation" weaves a spellbinding journey that lingers in a realm of introspection and echoes its origins.

Guzheng Improvisation: Blue Crush, 2020

Guzheng solo improvisation.

"Guzheng Improvisation: Blue Crush" underscores the power and immediacy of pure improvisation. This direct form of expression often conjures the most profound emotional resonance. In this piece, Annie Zhou takes on the role of a guide, steering the listener through an impeccable auditory journey, creating an intimate and immersive listening experience.

Lunar New Year Overture, 2019

Pop, Festive

"Lunar New Year Overture" by Annie Zhou is a vibrant tribute to the grandest of Chinese traditional festivals - the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. This season of gathering and celebration among family and friends is captured in the melody's jubilant atmosphere.

The song uniquely employs a special Guzheng technique bending on the left side of the bridges, mimicking conversational tones and adding an intriguing allure to the music. With the accompaniment of Western instruments like the Guitar, Bass, and Drums, the song deftly marries the Guzheng's folk allure with contemporary pop elements.

"Lunar New Year Overture" highlights cultural diversity while amplifying the unique resonance of the Guzheng. This piece's popularity has soared among filmmakers and YouTubers seeking licensing for songs that encapsulate the Chinese New Year's spirit.

Unsettled, 2019

Guzheng solo with arrangements

"Unsettled" represents Annie Zhou's foray into cinematic music composition. It features the Guzheng as the primary instrument, played in a non-traditional scale, and is enriched by a symphonic blend of strings, sound effects, and synth elements. This innovative piece has been meticulously mixed by Emmy Award-winning sound artist, Kristopher Carter, contributing to its unique allure.

Moon Dance, 2017

Guzhen Solo, Mysterious

"Moon Dance" is a mesmerizing composition Annie Zhou wrote for moments of solitude. The piece unfolds with an enchanting intro and adagio, characterized by a distinct pizzicato technique and a gradual increase in tempo, evoking a sense of mystery and distance akin to an unexplored cosmos. The melody paints a vivid picture of a vast and unfamiliar universe.

As the music transitions to the Allegro section, a lively and spirited atmosphere emerges, and the imagery of a lone figure dancing with enthusiasm amidst the lunar solitude comes to life.

In the final section, the music suddenly recedes into silence and loneliness, echoing back to the initial contemplative mood. "Moon Dance" is a captivating journey that reflects the complexities of solitude and the enigmatic wonders of the moonlit universe.

Raining Dream, 2017

Meditative

"Raining Dream" is a refreshing and soothing Guzheng solo, whispering melancholic sentiments reminiscent of a gentle drain. The composition is further enriched by the addition of rain sound and Western string accompaniments, reinforcing the theme of rain and capturing the essence of a contemplative rainy day. This combination creates a serene auditory experience, allowing the listener to almost feel the comforting embrace of a dreamy rainfall.

Spring Sprouts, 2017

Guzheng solo

"Spring Sprouts" is a charming and uplifting Guzheng solo by Annie Zhou, capturing the enchantment of spring's arrival. A keen lover of the outdoors, Annie was inspired during a spring hike, where she observed fresh grass and flower buds on the cusp of blooming. She was deeply moved by the transient beauty and fragility of life.

This piece serves as a musical metaphor for a bud blossoming into a flower after enduring winter's trials, symbolizing the resilience of life. Through this composition, Annie hopes to convey feelings of love and hope, mirroring the invigorating spirit of springtime.