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Monsune
Monsune
Monsune
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Key Information

Scott Zhang, performing under the stage name Monsune, is a Canadian indie pop and synthpop musician from Toronto, Ontario.[2] He is noted for his 2019 single "Mountain", which was a nominee for the SOCAN Songwriting Prize in 2020.[3] However in recent years is his song "OUTTA MY MIND" (which has amassed over 30 million views on youtube) has gained him far more recognition and popularity.

Zhang released "Nothing in Return", his debut single as Monsune, in 2017.[4] He followed up with the EP Tradition in 2019.[1] Other notable work includes co-producing "Race My Mind" from Drake's sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy,[5] and "Saturn" from SZA's second studio album re-issue, Lana.[6]

When he launched his music career, he was a student in radio and television arts at Ryerson University.[7]

Discography

[edit]

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details Track list Ref.
"Tradition"
  1. "1998"
  2. "CLOUD"
  3. "OUTTA MY MIND"
  4. "MOUNTAIN"
  5. "JADE"
 [8]

Singles

[edit]
Title Details Ref.
"Nothing in Return"
  • Released: October 13, 2017
  • Label: Monsune
  • Format: digital download, streaming
 [9]

Production discography

[edit]
List of song production, with selected information
Year Artist Album Song
2024 Luna Li

When a Thought Grows Wings

 "Confusion Song" (produced with Andrew Lapin)
2024 Sza

Lana

 "Saturn" (produced with Carter Lang, Rob Bisel, & Solomonophonic)
2021 Drake

Certified Lover Boy

 "Fountains" (featuring Tems) (produced with Batundi, TRESOR, & 40)
"Race My Mind" (produced with 40, & GOVI)
2021 Fousheé

time machine

 "my slime" (produced with Jonah Yano, & Noah Williamson)

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Monsune

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Monsune is the stage name of Scott Zhang, a Chinese-Canadian musician, producer, and songwriter based in , , renowned for his and R&B work that incorporates techniques, blending eclectic samples to fuse nostalgic and modern sounds. Born and raised in , Zhang emerged in the late indie scene with his self-produced debut single "Nothing in Return" in 2017, which garnered millions of streams and established his signature style of soulful, sample-heavy tracks. His 2019 single "Outta My Mind" featured a self-directed viral and marked a pivotal moment before the release of his EP on September 20, 2019, mixed by engineers Jeff Ellis and Mike Malchicoff, showcasing tracks like "" that highlighted his evolving R&B influences. Shifting focus from solo releases after 2019, Zhang has built a prolific career in songwriting and production, collaborating with high-profile artists including a contribution to Drake's 2021 album on the track "Race My Mind", as well as work with Foushée and . In 2024, he co-wrote and provided keys for SZA's double-platinum single "Saturn", earning his first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song in 2025; the track ultimately won at the 67th Annual on February 2, 2025, marking Zhang's debut win in the category as part of the songwriting team with , Carter Lang, Rob Bisel, Jared Solomon, and . During the acceptance, Zhang thanked his parents and noted his recent move to , reflecting over a decade in the industry. His work continues to bridge bedroom production roots with mainstream impact, earning recognition in lists like Ones To Watch's 2020 Artists to Watch.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Scott Zhang, known professionally as Monsune, was born in , , Canada, to Chinese immigrant parents who arrived from in the 1980s. Raised in the quiet suburbs of , a multicultural environment that exposed him to a variety of cultural influences, Zhang's early life blended immigrant ambition with suburban tranquility. From a young age, Zhang showed a keen interest in music despite his parents not being particularly engaged with it themselves, as they rarely played music or turned on the radio. His introduction to music came through his brother, who sang in elementary school and shared songs by , sparking Zhang's curiosity. He begged his parents for lessons and began playing the instrument at a young age, developing a foundational skill that he later supplemented by picking up the guitar. This self-driven pursuit was further fueled by an early obsession with , whose melodic style captivated him amid the diverse sounds of his surroundings. The family's emphasis on stability and shaped a supportive yet structured home environment, where artistic interests like were encouraged alongside academic priorities. Though modest in its musical household dynamic, this setting allowed Zhang to explore his talents informally, laying the groundwork for his later formal studies in radio and television arts.

University studies

Monsune, whose real name is Scott Zhang, enrolled in Ryerson University's Radio and Television Arts program—now known as the Media Production program at —during the mid-2010s. As a student in this undergraduate program, he developed foundational skills in media production, , and , with coursework emphasizing hands-on training in audio engineering and video direction through state-of-the-art studios and projects in areas such as podcasts, radio, and multi-camera productions. Throughout his studies, Zhang balanced academic demands with his burgeoning music career, often creating tracks in a modest bedroom setup in . This period marked the production of his early demos, including his debut single "Nothing in Return" released in 2017, which showcased his sample-based approach. By his fourth and final year in 2019, he was actively writing, arranging, producing, and even directing music videos for tracks like "Outta My Mind," integrating skills from his program into his artistic output. Zhang graduated in 2020, coinciding with the momentum from his debut EP , which elevated his profile in the indie scene. His time at Ryerson, located in the heart of , facilitated initial networking opportunities within the city's vibrant music community, leveraging university resources like student media outlets to connect with collaborators and industry figures.

Musical career

Debut and early releases

In 2017, Scott Zhang adopted the stage name Monsune for his musical endeavors while studying media production at Ryerson University in . Monsune's debut single, "Nothing in Return," was self-released on October 13, 2017, through independent platforms such as and . The track was recorded in a bedroom studio setup, employing techniques that incorporated samples from artists like , , Skull Snaps, and to create a soul-influenced pop sound evoking nostalgia. For promotion, Monsune shared the single and its music video across and , where the video amassed initial traction within Toronto's scene and reached approximately 9.5 million views by late 2025. The video, directed and produced by Monsune himself in with Jonathan Matta, featured whimsical imagery such as a merry-go-round to complement the song's themes of unrequited expectation. During his university years, Monsune began forming connections with local artists and performed at small venues, including The Drake Underground, helping to build a presence in the city's emerging music community.

Breakthrough with

Monsune's debut , Tradition, was released on September 20, 2019, via his independent label, comprising five tracks that built upon the style of his 2017 debut single "Nothing in Return." Notable inclusions are "OUTTA MY MIND," which Monsune directed and produced alongside Jonathan Matta, achieving over 30 million views by 2025, and "." The EP delves into themes of personal relationships and emotional turmoil, employing and indie elements to convey introspective narratives of growth and chaos. Largely self-produced by Monsune with contributions from collaborators like Jonathan Matta, the project showcases his bedroom-studio approach to layering samples and vocals for an intimate, hazy sound. Critics acclaimed Tradition for its innovative plunderphonics, highlighting Monsune's mastery in blending soulful influences with modern production. The track "Mountain" earned a nomination for the 2020 SOCAN Songwriting Prize, underscoring its lyrical depth. propelling features in Wonderland Magazine and Ones To Watch that cemented his rise in the indie pop scene.

Ongoing work and tours

Following the release of his breakthrough EP Tradition in 2019, Monsune performed select live shows, including a headlining performance at Toronto's The Drake Underground on November 16, 2019, where the setlist featured tracks from the EP alongside special guests. These appearances focused on intimate indie venues in around the time of the EP's release. By late 2025, Monsune had not released a full-length album or new solo singles, instead prioritizing features on collaborative tracks and production work, with no significant solo touring activity since 2019. This approach has allowed him to maintain a dedicated audience, evidenced by approximately 330,000 monthly listeners on as of November 2025. Media coverage of his work includes a 2019 feature in The Eyeopener, where he discussed the premiere of his single "Outta My Mind" and his artistic evolution during his university years. He continues to engage fans through regular updates on his official account (@monsune.inc), sharing insights into performances and creative processes. Monsune's career trajectory since 2019 has involved a strategic shift toward balancing solo endeavors with production roles, which have amplified his industry profile without overshadowing his independent releases.

Production work

Initial production credits

Monsune began exploring production work during his time at Ryerson University's Radio and Television Arts (RTA) program, where he honed skills in media creation that extended to and audio tracks for fellow students and local artists. His initial forays focused on efforts within the indie scene, starting around 2018 when he provided notable credits on projects by emerging peers. One of his earliest documented contributions was directing the music video for Brahny's single "Bloom," released in May 2018, which showcased his ability to collaborate with local talent in the bedroom pop and indie realms. This project, produced alongside Jonathan Matta and featuring cinematography by Carl Andre Solis, marked a key step in building his portfolio through visual storytelling for others' music. Around the same time, Monsune self-produced and directed videos for his own tracks, such as "Nothing in Return" in , where he handled editing and with assistance from collaborators like Carolyn Campbell. By 2019, these efforts expanded with the release of his single "OUTTA MY MIND," for which Monsune again directed the video, co-producing it with Jonathan Matta and employing Carolyn Campbell as director of photography alongside Simon Tesfay. This work highlighted his growing role in supporting emerging indie acts, including indirect ties to peers like Brahny through shared crew networks in 's DIY scene. Throughout these early projects, Monsune emphasized techniques, utilizing synthesizers, samples, and plunderphonics-inspired methods to craft lo-fi, dreamy soundscapes from his home setup. This approach, rooted in self-taught experimentation, helped him amass a foundational portfolio that paved the way for broader opportunities in the industry.

Major collaborations

Monsune's major production collaborations from 2021 onward have marked his transition to mainstream recognition, building on his earlier indie work. One of his breakthrough credits came with co-producing Drake's "Race My Mind" on the album , released in September . The track blends shimmering elements with a mellow, introspective hip-hop beat, creating a pulpy, atmospheric R&B-rap hybrid that highlights Drake's vulnerable lyricism. He also co-produced "Fountains" from the same album. In 2024, Monsune contributed to SZA's "Saturn," the from her deluxe SOS Deluxe: LANA (a reissue of SOS), collaborating with producers , Rob Bisel, and Solomonophonic. The song features ethereal, atmospheric synth layers that evoke an otherworldly, emotional depth, complementing SZA's themes of disillusionment and through stacked harmonies and smooth vocal runs. He provided keyboards on the track. This production played a role in SOS Deluxe: LANA's commercial success, as the topped the chart in late 2024 with 178,000 equivalent units in its first week, marking SZA's second consecutive No. 1 project. That same year, Monsune co-produced several tracks for Luna Li's album When a Thought Grows Wings, including "Confusion Song," "Golden Hour," "I Imagine," and "Enigami," working alongside Andrew Lappin and the artist herself. "Confusion Song" incorporates harp-inflected elements into a dissociative, upbeat pop structure, reflecting Li's personal experiences of emotional confusion during its creation. Monsune has also received production and songwriting credits on works by Foushée, though specific tracks are not widely detailed in available sources. Additional credits include Lola Young's "Messy." These high-profile partnerships have significantly elevated Monsune's industry profile, expanding his production discography to over five notable contributions by 2025. This evolution from his initial indie productions underscores his growing influence in blending synth-driven sounds with and hip-hop.

Musical style and influences

Genre characteristics

Monsune's music primarily operates within the and R&B genres, blending introspective songwriting with electronic elements to create immersive listening experiences. His tracks feature lush synthesizers that form the backbone of wavy, atmospheric arrangements, often evoking a sense of nostalgic haze. Emotional vocals, delivered in a soulful and silky manner, add depth, conveying vulnerability and yearning that resonate through layered production techniques. A signature aspect of Monsune's sound is his use of , where he samples and recontextualizes audio from , pop, and other sources to build rich, collage-like compositions, frequently produced in a bedroom setup. As a proficient in , drums, guitar, and , he crafts dense, atmospheric soundscapes that layer organic instrumentation with electronic textures, resulting in hazy, dream-pop-infused pop. Lyrically, Monsune explores themes of , relationships, and urban isolation, often reflecting the emotional turbulence of transitioning from to adulthood in a context. Songs like "Nothing in Return" delve into and broken promises, while broader works address uncertainty and personal growth amid city life. These narratives are delivered in a dreamy, ethereal style, enhancing the music's and isolating mood.

Key influences

Monsune's musical style has been profoundly shaped by a diverse array of artists and genres, particularly those emphasizing innovative sampling and emotional depth in R&B and pop. This is evident in his self-described "bedroom boy" production ethos, where he layers multiple samples to create soulful, hazy tracks. Additionally, icons like Prince provided a blueprint for blending funk, R&B, and psychedelic elements, while OutKast's eclectic hip-hop fusion and J Dilla's intricate beatmaking informed his rhythmic complexity. His formative years in Toronto's suburbs exposed him to the city's vibrant, multicultural music scene during the , a period marked by the rise of and indie electronic acts. Growing up as a Chinese-Canadian, Monsune's obsession with Western pop was sparked by his older brother introducing him to , contrasting with his immigrant parents' limited engagement with music, which stemmed from their arrival from in the . The Beatles also played a pivotal role in his childhood, fueling a deep dive into and songcraft that differentiated him from peers in Toronto's diverse creative environment. Attending Ryerson University (now ) for media production further broadened his production palette, allowing him to refine technical skills in audio manipulation and visual storytelling alongside his musical pursuits. Influences like reinforced his affinity for sample-based pop, emphasizing playful yet sophisticated rearrangements. Following his debut releases, Monsune's style evolved to incorporate hip-hop elements, particularly through collaborations within Toronto's rap and R&B circles, such as his production on Drake's "Race My Mind," which refined his foundation with moody, introspective beats. This shift highlighted the ongoing impact of the local scene's boundary-pushing ethos on his work.

Discography

Extended plays

Monsune's sole extended play as a lead artist is Tradition, a self-released project that marked his debut full-length release. Issued on September 20, 2019, the EP consists of five original tracks clocking in at a total runtime of approximately 19 minutes, blending neo-soul, alternative R&B, and bedroom pop elements with introspective lyrics exploring themes of emotional turmoil, identity, and nostalgia. The tracklist for Tradition is as follows:
No.TitleLength
119984:00
2CLOUD3:00
3OUTTA MY MIND3:46
44:40
53:36
Total length: 19:02 Commercially, Tradition achieved modest but notable success, particularly in , where lead single "OUTTA MY MIND" garnered significant streaming attention shortly after its August 30, 2019, video premiere. The track alone has amassed over 79 million streams on as of November 2025, contributing to the EP's approximate total of 100 million streams on . Monsune directed the music video for "OUTTA MY MIND" himself, employing a continuous long-shot style that captures a hazy, nostalgic aesthetic aligned with the song's sampled elements from Donny Hathaway's "Love, Love, Love." As of November 2025, remains Monsune's only EP and primary solo body of work, with no full-length albums released to date; it encapsulates his early artistic vision before shifting focus to production collaborations and singles.

Singles

Monsune's discography as a lead artist includes a limited number of standalone singles and lead singles from his extended plays, with releases primarily concentrated in the late . His debut single, "Nothing in Return," marked his entry into the scene with exploring themes of unrequited effort and emotional vulnerability, released on October 13, 2017. The accompanying , directed and produced by collaborators including Scott Zhang himself, achieved approximately 9.5 million views on , contributing to its grassroots popularity in bedroom pop circles. In 2019, Monsune released "OUTTA MY MIND" as the lead single from his EP Tradition, premiering via Wonderland Magazine on August 29. This track blends groovy synths with soulful vocals reminiscent of neo-soul influences, capturing a sense of infatuation and mental preoccupation. The official video amassed over 43 million views on YouTube, underscoring its breakthrough impact and streaming success, with more than 28 million Spotify streams reported by 2021. As of November 2025, Monsune has not released additional singles as a lead artist since 2019, focusing instead on production collaborations and features, resulting in a core catalog of two key releases: the standalone single "Nothing in Return" and the "OUTTA MY MIND."

References

  1. https://www.onestowatch.com/en/artist/monsune
  2. https://www.cbc.ca/music/2025-grammys-lowell-jack-rochon-aaron-paris-1.7440985
  3. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/monsune-interview-drake-race-my-mind-1221366/
  4. https://montreal.citynews.ca/2025/02/02/toronto-songwriter-scott-zhang-wins-grammy-for-szas-saturn/
  5. https://rutvnews1.wordpress.com/2017/11/17/exclusive-interview-with-monsunes-scott-zhang/
  6. https://www.cbc.ca/music/who-is-the-best-canadian-songwriter-right-now-1.6176130
  7. https://www.torontomu.ca/rta/
  8. https://theeyeopener.com/2019/08/monsune-premieres-video-for-long-awaited-new-track-outta-my-mind/
  9. https://monsune.bandcamp.com/track/nothing-in-return
  10. https://open.spotify.com/track/2r0pJWxAyYVQTHTwcnbM8A
  11. https://kidwithavinyl.wordpress.com/2018/02/11/monsune-nothing-in-return/
  12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDN2wbm6zi8
  13. https://fromtheintercom.com/mv-throwback-monsune-nothing-in-return/
  14. https://www.facebook.com/events/2892181904129647/
  15. https://www.celebritytalent.net/sampletalent/24028/monsune/
  16. https://genius.com/albums/Monsune/Tradition
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjgMmo6_DH0
  18. https://www.onestowatch.com/en/blog/monsune-debuts-a-musical-whirlwind-of-soulful
  19. https://www.thefader.com/2019/09/19/monsune-tradition
  20. https://onculturedays.ca/story/staff-picks-music-to-keep-on-keeping-on/
  21. https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2019/08/29/premiere-monsune-outta-my-mind/
  22. https://www.songkick.com/artists/9976744-monsune
  23. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6NgYKD0TKGjwtRFqTyyqKF
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfVIotbxeWk
  25. https://www.purenowherearchive.com/blog/2018/10/4/a-little-bit-of-dizzy-heartfelt-love-bloom-by-brahny
  26. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/song-of-the-day/monsune-outta-my-mind
  27. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/sza/saturn
  28. https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-sos-returns-number-one-billboard-200-after-deluxe-lana-edition-release-1235866616/
  29. https://northerntransmissions.com/luna-li-debuts-confusion-song/
  30. https://genius.com/albums/Luna-li/When-a-thought-grows-wings
  31. https://genius.com/artists/Monsune
  32. https://asia.onestowatch.com/en/blog/monsune-debuts-a-musical-whirlwind-of-soulful
  33. https://www.onestowatch.com/en/blog/monsune-treats-us-to-the-grooviest-synths
  34. https://www.viberate.com/artist/monsune/
  35. https://illustratemagazine.com/outta-my-mind-monsunes-mesmerizing-blend-of-dream-pop-and-rb/
  36. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Monsune/Nothing-in-Return
  37. https://acidstag.com/2019/09/monsune-tradition-ep-review/
  38. https://music.apple.com/us/album/tradition-ep/1479246092
  39. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/ep/monsune/tradition/
  40. https://music.apple.com/us/song/nothing-in-return/1494051693
  41. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/monsune/1331245229
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