In the summer of 2024, a university student's bedroom recording conquered the world. Vancouver-based Chinese-Canadian singer-songwriter Yung Kai's "blue" exploded on TikTok, eventually surpassing one billion streams across all platforms. Its dreamy guitar intro — occupying nearly half the track — became its most distinctive signature.
An Emotion Born from a Chinese Drama
Yung Kai, born Max Aloyious Zhang, was raised between Canada and Shanghai before returning to Vancouver for university. While studying at the University of British Columbia, he challenged himself to post a cover song on TikTok every day, gradually building a dedicated following. The spark for "blue" came while watching the 2023 Chinese drama "When I Fly Towards You." The emotions he felt watching the show alongside someone he had feelings for, combined with the drama's soundtrack, crystallized into a single song.
From Bedroom to the World
The songwriting process was deeply personal. Having started making beats in high school using FL Studio, Kai began with guitar chord progressions, layered drums and leads, then returned days or weeks later to arrange and write lyrics. Released on August 2, 2024, "blue" went viral on TikTok almost immediately. Kai only realized he had a hit when he started hearing his own voice in countless videos while scrolling through social media.
"It's like a dream. Hearing my own voice while scrolling — it felt absolutely crazy"— Yung Kai, Billboard Philippines Interview
"blue" topped the charts in Indonesia and reached the top 10 in India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. By June 2025, it had surpassed one billion streams globally, proving the limitless potential of independent Asian artists in the digital age.
A New Lo-Fi Icon
The most striking feature of "blue" is its dreamy guitar intro that occupies nearly half the track. This long, slow introduction defies conventional pop formulas, yet it draws listeners deep into an emotional world. Inspired by romance dramas and anime, his music opens new frontiers in lo-fi bedroom pop. Still a university student who spends time with friends at Stanley Park and plays Valorant and League of Legends, Kai's musical ambitions stretch to stadium tours. "blue" is more than a viral hit — it's proof that authentic emotion can transcend borders in the digital age.
