Today on our blog, there’s a new visionary in town. Adai Song (also known as her EDM persona ADÀI) is a singer, producer, DJ, and songwriter splitting her time between the streets of New York City and the historic alleyways of Beijing. With ‘The Bloom Project,’ she rises as an innovator in contemporary C-pop, blending the nostalgic essence of 1920s Shanghai shidaiqu—a marriage of Chinese folk and Western jazz with futuristic electronic soundscapes. This album is a carefully crafted experience, reimagining tradition through the lens of feminism, empowerment, and modern sonic exploration.
Adai Song’s vocals are at once ethereal and commanding. She effortlessly traverses a range from airy, delicate melodies to bold, rhythmic phrasing that carries the emotional weight of each song. Her performance is intimate yet cinematic, making listeners feel present in a smoky Shanghai club and soaring over neon-lit cityscapes.
The production is clean and inventive. Layers of synthesizers, lush pads, and electronic beats blend smoothly with traditional Chinese instruments, giving each track a place and narrative. The mixing is deftly balanced, allowing Adai Song’s vocals to float above complex arrangements without ever losing clarity. Let’s dive into the album track by track:
The album opens with “A Lost Singer,” a haunting, echoing track that evokes a lonely night in old Shanghai. Her vocals glide like a wandering spirit, recounting the story of a performer seeking her voice amidst the cacophony of modern life. The subtle inclusion of traditional string instruments hints at her cultural roots, setting the stage for the album’s thematic journey of rediscovery and self-assertion.
A seductive, groove-driven track, “Night Shanghai” immerses listeners in a glittering nightlife, combining jazzy piano motifs with pulsating electronic bass. ADÀI’s delivery oscillates between sultry whispers and vibrant refrains, capturing nostalgia and futuristic reinvention.
An assertive, feminist anthem, “Make Way” features stomping beats and staccato synths that mimic the clatter of heels on cobblestone streets. ADÀI’s voice is confident and fierce, commanding attention while layered vocals create a sense of communal empowerment. Traditional percussion punctuates the track, giving it an organic energy that balances the electronic drive.
In “I, I Want,” vulnerability meets ambition. Soft, floating pads provide a dreamlike backdrop as ADÀI delivers introspective lyrics with raw clarity. The layering of her voice conveys longing, while subtle electronic textures and airy strings give the track a bittersweet, cinematic feel.
A bold reimagining of classic operatic drama, “Carmen 2025” infuses flamenco-inspired guitar riffs and dramatic EDM crescendos. ADÀI’s performance is theatrical yet nuanced, capturing the seduction and defiance inherent in her storytelling. The track demonstrates her versatility and fearless genre-blending approach.
A celebration of heritage, “Wuxi Tune” blends traditional folk melodies with shimmering electronic arpeggios. The pipa dances alongside synths, while ADÀI’s voice bridges the past and present, evoking landscapes both rural and futuristic. It’s meditative yet propulsive, embodying her ability to innovate without erasing cultural identity.
This standout track, “Wild Thorny Molihua,” reinterprets a classic Chinese folk song with a daring electronic twist. ADÀI’s delivery is tender and powerful, navigating the song’s poetic imagery with deft control. Lush synth textures, subtle basslines, and delicate traditional instrumentation create a layered, emotive sonic tapestry.
Closing the album, “River Run” is a flowing, cinematic finale. Gentle piano, soft electronic beats, and wistful string arrangements accompany ADÀI’s reflective vocals, evoking the cyclical nature of life and art. It’s an ending and a promise, a testament to the evolution of sound, culture, and self-expression.
Overall, “The Bloom Project” is a manifesto. ADÀI has carved a space where the echoes of Shanghai’s golden era coexist with the pulse of modern electronic music. Her vocals, bold production choices, and fearless genre fusion make this record stand out. She doesn’t just ask for attention; she demands it, transporting you through time, space, and sound with unrelenting vision.
If you seek innovative, culturally rich, and emotionally resonant music, “The Bloom Project” is a must-listen. ADÀI is a true luminary and deserves to be spoken of alongside the pioneers of global pop and electronic music.
Listen to “The Bloom Project” on Spotify
Follow Adai Song here for more information
