Electronic music visionary ZHU returns with BLACK MIDAS, a 14-track project that marks both a sonic homecoming and a deeply personal reset. Released April 24 via Broke and BLACKLIZT Sound Syndicate, the album sees the GRAMMY-nominated artist diving back into his club roots while pushing forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
Known for building immersive worlds that extend beyond music, ZHU once again blurs the line between sound, atmosphere, and experience. With BLACK MIDAS, he leans fully into dancefloor energy—crafting a body of work that prioritizes movement, mood, and late-night storytelling.
The album arrives in the wake of a turbulent chapter. Following displacement caused by the Southern California wildfires, which left his home and studio uninhabitable, ZHU spent much of 2025 living and creating on the road. Traveling across the United States in a converted van, he rebuilt both his life and his sound from scratch—connecting with collaborators remotely and producing music in motion. That experience ultimately shaped not only the album but also the evolution of his BLACKLIZT nightlife concept, a return to the underground ethos that first defined his career.
Sonically, BLACK MIDAS spans deep house and melodic techno, anchored by standout cuts like BLACK MIDAS and BURN featuring Joyia. Tracks like LEVELZZZ, a collaboration with GCBestBelieve and HNTR, bring a darker, driving edge, while 5STARR nods to R&B influences. The album closes with RAINDOWN, a slower, more introspective moment that pulls listeners away from the club and into reflection.
The project also features collaborations with Mahmut Orhan and ZONLY, further expanding its global and stylistic reach.
Rather than blending genres into a single hybrid, ZHU approaches BLACK MIDAS with a clear philosophy—separating experiences into distinct moments. Whether it’s music for dancing or music for listening, each track is designed with intention, reflecting a mindset shaped by extremes and reinvention.
That energy has already translated into powerful live moments. Over the past year, ZHU has performed alongside artists like deadmau5, Mathame, and Paul Kalkbrenner, with appearances at major events including Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Lightning in a Bottle. In 2026, he returned to Ultra Music Festival for the first time since 2017, delivering a striking “in-the-round” performance built around the BLACK MIDAS concept.
Looking ahead, ZHU will continue bringing the project to global stages, with upcoming appearances at Into The Horizon in San Diego, Audioriver Festival in Łódź, a headline show at Roundhouse, and Tomorrowland in Boom.
With BLACK MIDAS, ZHU doesn’t just return—he rebuilds. Rooted in resilience and driven by intention, the album captures an artist fully embracing transformation while reconnecting with the pulse of the dancefloor.