Based in Taipei, Taiwan, ZY THE WAY emerges as a groundbreaking force in the global music landscape, seamlessly merging 3,000-year-old ancient Chinese poetry with cutting-edge multimedia elements and original compositions. Their music is not just heard; it is experienced, offering audiences an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of ancient folk poetry. Drawing inspiration from the Book of Poetry (Shijing 詩經) compiled by Confucius, ZY THE WAY breathes new life into these timeless verses with both depth and contemporary flair.

At the heart of ZY THE WAY is the visionary leadership of Australian-Taiwanese vocalist Caitlin Magee, two-time Golden Melody Awards-nominated composer and pianist Matt Fullen, and Taiwanese multimedia artist/poetry reader Bruce Tsai. Together, they curate an experience that acts as a cultural bridge, connecting the wisdom of the past with the expressive power of the present. Their music is a profound exploration of identity, tradition, and innovation.

The band boasts an impressive lineup of Taiwan’s top session musicians, including the versatile bassist/sound engineer Derrick Lin and the accomplished jazz drummer Steven Ma. Their debut EP, A Different Destiny, garnered critical acclaim for its originality and intricate arrangements, earning a prestigious 3.5-star review from Downbeat Magazine. Their unique blend of ancient poetry and modern soundscapes has led to highly successful tours of Taiwan and Australia, including sold-out shows at the prestigious Jazz Lab in Melbourne and the Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre, as well as a highly-acclaimed performance at the 2024 Thailand International Jazz Conference. They have also performed concert presentations at the University of Sydney and the Australian Centre on China in the World.

In November 2024, ZY THE WAY released their debut full-length album, Then And Now 溯, to critical acclaim. The album has been celebrated for its innovation and emotional depth, earning two silver medals at the Global Music Awards (band, composition) and praise from Worldwide FM’s Gilles Peterson, who remarked that after decades of searching for “Chinese jazz”, he finally found it with ZY THE WAY. Tracks from the album were also shortlisted as semi-finalists in the UNSIGNED ONLY music competition in the vocal performance and jazz categories.

With a mix of innovative compositions and remixes by renowned artists such as Mark de Clive-Lowe, DJ Spinna, and Ron Trent, ZY THE WAY continues to redefine musical boundaries. Their captivating live performances and critically acclaimed recordings offer an unparalleled experience that transcends cultural lines and resonates deeply with listeners worldwide.