QUIET CHAOS - here to train your ears for subtle nuances

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Music To Watch Seeds Grow By 005: Stella Z (FIG)

> IN DARK WE TRUST:
Youtube > https://bit.ly/IDWTYoutube
Soundcloud > https://bit.ly/IDWTSoundcloud

For tracklist contact:
> STELLA Z
- https://soundcloud.com/stella_zheng
- https://www.instagram.com/stella__zheng

Free Download

Stella Z - IN DARK WE TRUST #144

Joined by Zhuo @pupa-zyc , one of the best world and industrial music selector based in Shanghai, this episode is going to transmit you to a mysterious grand ceremony. You are expecting the up and down energy from the organic sound plus a surprise visit from Peking Opera. 

After that, myself is going to bring together a 30mins tribute to the electronic music pioneer Mort Garson, a pure Moog synthesizer appreciation in the psychedelic and space vibe.

Artwork by @jingyiyu

Mars Weather Today w/ Stella Z & Zhuo (*Shanghai)- 4 April 2022 | Threads

As a great film scorer, Lim Giong @limgiong has been working with many famous directors. Taking the film hat off, he showcased ace skills in sample selections, storytelling and showing off local culture to the world.

Mars Weather Today w / Stella Z - 林强 Lim Giong Special - 4-Apr - 22 | Threads

Stella Z recently released ‘In The Woods, Will Be Late' [Third Place], an effervescent record written in the mountainous seaside province of Fujian, China. She also holds a residency on Threads with her long-running Mars Weather Today show. This weekend, she shares a dreamy mix that veers between low slung rollers and transformational frequencies.

Mark Barrott - Kyoto (京都) [Self]
Frog of Earth - OY SEH UM [wherethetimegoes]
33.10.3402 - Iz Usta [Pu]
Lone Saxon - Raised By The Island (DJ Phidas Dub Mix) [Balearic Ensemble]
Olsvanger - Fishermen’s Blood [Tofistock]
Babylon X - Radical Guru [Tofistock]
33.10.3402 - Danasananas [Pu]
Francis Bebey - Forest Nativity [Born Bad]
DJ Food - The Dawn [Music For Dreams]
Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith - Expanding Electricity [Ghostly International]
Sam Goku - Things We See When We Look Closer [Permanent Vacation]
Gigi Masin - She Wears Shades [Music From Memory]
June 11 - The Luckiest Man [Stroom]
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Shanghai [KGLW]

Ep 338 pt.1 w/ Stella Z

Throwing the high energy wave in this hour. Thank you River club's invite. 
track list: https://baihui.live/shows/river-w-stella-z-23-04-06/en/

River w/Stella Z at Baihui Live 06/04/2023

This month's MWT show returns with guest @jingyiyu, also known as Copypasterepeat. We are glad to provide a platform for this new sonic explorer from China to broadcast her exceptional first mix. 

CP-R is designer Jingyi Yu's musical endeavour and a space for her  creative inspiration. Her selection of downtempo and ambient tracks serves as an attempt to interpret the fundamental loneliness of the human condition. In her own words, "A person on a journey searching for a jungle in the galaxy."

Mars Weather Today w/ CP-R (*Shenzhen) - 18-May-23 | Threads

Mars (Summer) Weather Today kicks off with Yinan @justyinan . She is based in Berlin hailing from China. In this hour, she is going to push the boundary of mixing and blending ambient, vocal and electronics through her unique theatrical narratives.

Get to know Yinan!

Yinan’s journey in electronic music started in the DIY scene of Rhode Island and was developed later in her hometown Shanghai. She has since co-organized club night + workshop series HTTP, centering queer FLINTA+ communities locally and across the China. Since moving to Berlin two years ago to pursue a graduate degree in experimental physics, she co-founded Sapphistry – a gender expansive, pleasure positive club night for qq flintaai+ bbs to exchange energy. Motivated by the nurturing power of collaboration and a deep love for the dancefloor, she is no genre purist as there are always so much out there on the music horizon to remain curious.

Mars Weather Today w/Yinan(*Berlin) - 13-Jul-2023 | Threads

full tracklist: https://www.dublab.com/archive/stella-z-guest-mix-apex-07-16-23

dublab - APEX Guest Show 07/16/2023

On a rainy summer day in London, Stella shares tunes ranging from ambient to industrial, catering to both serene and up-beat moments. https://baihui.live/shows/quiet-chaos-w-stella-z-23-08-03/en/

QUIET CHAOS w / Stella Z at 百会 Baihui - 03/08/2023

Throwing some mid-tempos favs in Norrm (Bandung, Indonesia). Thank you team 100.000's invite.

Guest Show For 100.000 at Norrm Radio - Mid-Tempo

Stella is a DJ/producer based between China and the UK. On her first full-length set of productions, ‘In The Woods, Will Be Late', Stella lands on @thirdplacerecords with six delicate, effervescent, and deeply expressive sonic trips written in the mountainous seaside province of Fujian, China.

B3 - In The Woods, Will Be Late (Ambient Version)

B1 - Good Night Fire Lily

A3 - East Egret Pond Road

A1 - In The Woods, Will Be Late

Stella Z (China) - Que Sakamoto  思考と発想 Thoughts And Ideas Vol.15 [27.09.2023]

QC proudly presents our first guest, the incredible Anatolian Weapons @anatolianweapons. Based in Athens, Aggelos Baltas has amassed over 15 years of experience in music production and DJing. Anatolian Weapons is one of his musical projects, characterised by psychedelic and tribal-influenced dance music, making waves in clubs worldwide and significantly influencing DJs and producers alike.

His works have been released by numerous renowned record labels. Stay tuned for his latest upcoming stunning releases, set to be launched by three prominent labels: Subject To Restrictions Discs, Sound Metaphors, and Transmigration.

In this episode, Anatolian Weapons interprets the concept of QUIET CHAOS in his unique style, guiding us through a journey of emotional ebbs and flows. He also treats us to a selection of unreleased tracks, both his own and from fellow producers. 

https://baihui.live/shows/quiet-chaos-w-anatolian-weapons-23-10-05/en/

QUIET CHAOS w / Anatolian Weapons at 百会 Baihui - 05/10/2023

Lusophonica Radio, Lisbon - 17/09/2023

We've made it to Isle of Wax Mix number 20. This one comes courtesy London-based, Fujian-born DJ and producer Stella Z (@stella_zheng).  Her first single was released on La Bonne Musique (@lbmldn) in 2021 and earlier this year she released her excellent debut LP, "In The Woods, Will Be Late," on @thirdplacerecords, which features captivating soundscapes spanning downtempo, cosmic, and tribal genres, inspired by her mountainous seaside hometown.

Stella has been actively sharing her music as a DJ, bringing her unique selections to clubs and listening bars. Moreover, her skills and taste have earned her invitations to showcase her mixes on renowned programs like Dream Chimney, Friendly Potential, and more.

Beyond the stage, Stella showcases her curatorial passion as the host of "Mars Weather Today" on Threads Radio and "QUIET CHAOS" on Baihui.live, solidifying her versatility as a selector of both uptempo and downtempo sounds. Stella's talent and artistry have earned her a spot as one of the six Future Proof artists by the formidable Rhythm Section.

Needless to say, we're stoked to have her on board for number twenty. Tune in!

Isle of Wax 020 by Stella Z

Introducing our first guest of 2024, the remarkable Kaolinite @kaolinitesound ! Hailing from Tokyo, she's not just a DJ but a true selector extraordinaire. Known for her eclectic style and keen ear for the unexpected, Kaolinite's sets are a journey through the realms of house, techno, dub, and jazz, all woven together with an organic and minimalistic touch.

She has graced the airwaves of Netil Radio and left her mark on Serafin audio imprint with her distinctive mixes. Currently, she's at the helm of "Fantastico!" in Tokyo, Japan, where she curates events that delve deep into the spirit of house music with an approach that knows no bounds.

At the heart of Kaolinite's craft is her commitment to creating immersive sonic landscapes, transporting her audience into inner scenes filled with limitless possibilities.

QUIET CHAOS w / Kaolinte at 百会 Baihui - 02/04/2024

In this edition of QC, we are thrilled to welcome the one and only Philipp Otterbach @philipp-otterbach , long-time record collector of all kinds of music, DJ and producer, who would approve his words. Back in the 2000s, he and his close friend Vladimir Ivkovic spearheaded some forward-looking dances in the Ruhr region of Germany, leading the way at the forefront. When the legendary Salon Des Amateurs club opened its doors in the Dusseldorf, Philipp was undeniably among its first resident DJs.

As for his musical productions, his discography spanning from releases on Knekelhuis, R.i.O, Music From Memory, to Offen showcases a diverse range of styles, from modern classical to ambient, industrial, and electronic, each imprinting his distinctive sonic signature. Listening to his set feels like delving into a vast museum like archive, where genres intertwine, swiftly transition, and surprise with their narrative twists.

He also enjoys acting like a social otter, spending time with his deer and feeding the squirrels.

QUIET CHAOS w/ Philipp Otterbach at 百会 Baihui Radio - 07/05/2024

We are thrilled to welcome the adventurous soul Rati Eradze, known as 
 Sportsmanship @sprtsmanship , from Tbilisi, Georgia, to this month’s QC. As a resident of Left Bank, a post-industrial club venue and community space at the heart of Tbilisi’s nightlife, Rati is part of the new generation of talents they are championing.

Sportsmanship’s music is a journey through diverse sonic landscapes. Whether it's playful, percussive bass, droning, beat-driven ambiences, or straight-up techy bounce-steppers, a sense of adventure always accompanies his sound. His productions, sets, and live performances are marked by both swift genre and tempo shifts, as well as simpler, more linear grooves.

When hosting "Sports!" on Mutant Radio, Rati showcases stunning collections of non-dance music, which is why we couldn't help but invite him to be our guest. Let's jump into this great exploration!

QUIET CHAOS w / Sportsmanship at 百会 Baihui - 04/06/2024

In October 2023, Cosmo Vitelli @cosmo-vitelli played an unforgettable set at System Shanghai, thrilling the electronic music community. He later recalled it as one of the best time of his touring experiences. It's rare to see Cosmo Vitelli appear on a radio show these days, aside from his and DJ Sundae’s monthly NTS show, No Weapon Is Absolute. So, we are extremely thrilled and grateful to welcome him back to China through this summertime transmission.

Cosmo Vitelli has created a universe of his own. As the label captain of I’m A Cliché, he has been releasing music from some of the most exciting sounds since 2004, including Red Axes, Simian Mobile Disco, Azari & III, and many more. The label's name references Poly Styrene and X-Ray Spex, reflecting his deep love for punk and DIY culture from the late 70s. This influence traces back to his early days in Paris in the 90s when post-punk and krautrock played significant roles in shaping his sound. In other part of this universe, he has been tirelessly exploring and impacting electronic dance music as an esteemed producer since his first release in 1998.

Without further ado, let’s dive into this special treat.

QUIET CHAOS w / Cosmo Vitelli at 百会 Baihui - 06/08/2024

A Twist Of Lemon w/Stella Z at Noods Radio 03082024

For Viscera 123, Stella Z (@stella_zheng) pilots the latest voyage.

"Stella Z, a London-based selector and producer originally from China, is one of six artists chosen for the Future Proof artist programme by the legendary Rhythm Section label. Known for her captivating soundscapes, she artfully blends organic and object sounds with nature-inspired textures.

Stella first gained recognition with her debut LP, In The Woods, Will Be Late, released by Third Place Records in February 2023. The EP, which features effervescent sonic journeys inspired by her mountainous seaside hometown in
China, has received acclaim and support from industry heavyweights like Ben UFO, Alexis Le-Tan, Cosmo Vitelli, and Ciel, as well as from media outlets including The Vinyl Factory, Mixmag Asia, and Electronic Sound. Her downtempo remix of "Red Sun" for Echo Juliet released in May 2024 has
been spotlighted twice on BBC Radio 6 Music, further establishing her signature sound.

Beyond the studio, Stella has opened for esteemed artists such as Marcellus Pittman, Bolis Pupul, Sean Johnston, and Mogwaa. Her DJ sets span a wide range of genres, from slow pulse, psychedelic burners to tribal rhythms and industrial beats, all while uncovering hidden Asian dance gems."

Enjoy! Cosmic thumpers await.

@stella_zheng

Stella Z | 123

Live from The Gun spaceship. Thank you Club SC&P and Harry James invite. @clubscp

Harry James B2B Stella Z, Live from The Gun -  19 July 2024

Excerpt from 4hours live recording from Sauna Social Club in Peckham, London
Samples, library music, unreleased tracks and film dialog...

Live From Sauna Social Club, 07 Sep 2024 (Ambient Set)

Kiosk Radio is an online community radio streaming 24/7 from a wooden shack in the heart of Brussels’ historic “Parc Royal”.
More info and music: https://kioskradio.com
 

Stella Z @ Kiosk Radio 12.10.2024

We are thrilled to have Yewen Jin @aurhya11 to this episode. She is a sound artist and event curator who dazzled audiences at QUIET CHAOS's Listening Session event this summer, turning the decks into instruments with her improvisational performance, sparking creativity. Just like this episode, you won’t be able to predict the next track or how it will be introduced.

From high-energy dance floors to deep listening sessions, she moves seamlessly through different spaces. With a multidisciplinary background, she blends technology and music, making each performance a one-of-a-kind sensory experience. As part of the audiovisual art duo Solar Rocks, she co-hosts a monthly show on London’s Netil Radio, using music and guests to broadcast East Asian cultural frequencies and diverse global sounds to the world.

QUIET CHAOS w/ Yewen Jin at 百会 Baihui - 08/10/2024

This is the sonic universe of Eiger Drums Propaganda, where sound transforms into a boundless, surreal experience. In this vivid, psychedelic realm, krautrock, tribal rhythms, and dark experimental textures swirl and ascend, reimagining the Neo Trance genre.

Led by Louis Ebola, half of The Pilotwings, Eiger Drums Propaganda is an electronic project formed in collaboration with various musicians. Together, they created a powerful triptych of albums on the renowned Macadam Mambo label, blending krautrock, ritualistic tribal beats, and shadowy experimental sounds. This artistic journey inspired Louis to develop a solo live set, where he brings these albums to life through a fusion of electronic equipment, electric guitar, wind instruments, and a vast range of vocal experiments.

This November, Eiger Drums Propaganda will bring this immersive experience to China. Catch him in these tour dates:

11.15  Loopy, Hangzhou
11.22 Zhaodai, Beijing
11.23 Riff, Changsha

QUIET CHAOS w/ Eiger Drums Propaganda 百会 Baihui - 05/11/2024

We’re buzzing to bring in 2025 with our first guest, Katzele @katzele —the mastermind behind Malka Tuti @malka-tuti , a label that’s less of a record label and more of a portal to a whole new sonic dimension. Co-founded with Asaf Samuel, Malka Tuti is a melting pot of electronic, world, and experimental sounds, smashing through genre walls and championing cultural diversity like no other.

As a self-confessed Malka Tuti addict, we’ve fallen down the rabbit hole with artists like Khidja, Tapan, Decha, Die Orangen and Black Merlin —and the list doesn’t stop there. This isn’t just a label; it’s Katzele’s personal escape hatch—a creative playground where cross-cultural collisions and mind-bending aesthetics reign supreme.

Katzele delivers his iconic “Trance-not-Trance” vibes in every set, weaving together global grooves, hypnotic beats, and unexpected sonic twists. This mix was recorded live in October 2024 at Heiners Bar, Katzele’s home away from home for the past 10 years—a spot where DJ nights are long, diverse, and unbound by convention. What you’re about to hear is a 1-hour excerpt from an epic 8-hour session. Enjoy!

QUIET CHAOS w/ Katzele at 百会 Baihui 07/01/2025

IWD 2025 For Orientate x Bouncy Bouncy 
1-2am 
Before the amazing mentors of the ESEA community - Ciel and Manami

Live at MOT, London - 8 March 2025 (1-2am)

Welcoming Guangdong-born DJ and producer Tseër @tseersounds to the studio for this episode!  An emerging player in London’s underground electronic scene, his sound is inspired by natural imagery and hypnotic rhythms—blending ambient, experimental, tribal, minimal, and dub influences to create immersive, otherworldly sonic landscapes.

In 2024, he dropped his debut EP Unknown Voyage on Portuguese label Atmos.lab Records, weaving together field recordings, ambient textures, hypnotic grooves, and deep techno elements. The release has gained support from platforms like Anodynic Frequencies and Echobox Radio.

Over the past year, Tseër has brought his deep, rhythmic explorations to venues like Avalon Cafe, Sauna Social Club, The Old Blue Last in London, and Kiosk Radio in Brussels.

QUIET CHAOS w/ TSEËR  at 百会 Baihui - 20/03/2025

Following the contemplative explorations of previous works in the series and hot on the heels of the beautiful Cosmos from E Ruscha, Stella Z's "Figs" emerges as a delicate meditation on growth, patience, and the hidden life of fruit.

PREVIEW: Music to Watch Seeds Grow By 005: Stella Z (Fig)

Music To Watch Seeds Grow By welcomes Stella Z to the family, with her ode to the Fig.

PREMIERE: Stella Z - Moraceae Family [Music To Watch Seeds Grow By]

🔊 https://youtu.be/pUN59k6gR_g
https://soundcloud.com/stella_zheng: This mix drifts through shadowy, percussive terrain, layering folk-tale melodies and vocals into dark, weighty, tribal-infused club tracks. Music to move your body while transporting your mind somewhere higher in the mountains. 

Stella Z has a new album that opens up a trip to the weird and wonderful world of fig and personal story, landing at the end of April on Music To Watch Seeds Grow By label. Previews and pre-orders via https://stlaz.bandcamp.com/album/music-to-watch-seeds-grow-by-005-stella-z-fig

Artwork: https://soundcloud.com/oniss

Stella Z is a London-based composer, and DJ whose music bridges cultural roots with contemporary electronic experimentation. Growing up in a mountainous seaside town in China, she was immersed in Mandarin and Cantonese pop, post-punk, and world music—an eclectic foundation that continues to shape her sound. A rising name in underground music, she was named a Mixmag “Artist to Check Out” in November 2024, selected as a Rhythm Section Future Proof mentee in 2023, and is a resident selector at London’s legendary Jumbi bar.

Her sound is defined by intricate textures, deep atmospheres, and organic sound design, infused with emotive personal storytelling. This vision unfolds in her 2023 debut LP, In The Woods, Will Be Late (Third Place Records)—a tribute to her hometown. The album received praise from The Vinyl Factory, Mixmag Asia, and Electronic Sound, with support from Ben UFO, Cosmo Vitelli, Ciel and more. Her signature sonic world also extends into remixing, from her downtempo rework of Echo Juliet’s “Red Sun” featured on BBC Radio 6 Music to her atmospheric cut of Derek V Bulcke’s “MAKE UP” for La Bonne Musique featured in Mixmag.

On the dancefloor, Stella Z crafts multi-genre, unpredictable sets, weaving slow-burn psychedelia, tribal grooves, and industrial beats while uncovering hidden Asian dance gems. She has opened for Marcellus Pittman, Bolis Pupul, Sean Johnston, and Mogwaa.

Beyond DJing and production, she has made various radio appearances on NTS, Kiosk Radio, Mutant Radio, and more while also curating QUIET CHAOS—a show exploring darker tone of listening music and the subtle nuances of sound.

Play on YouTube

LAYER #422 | Stella Z

Pre-order: https://stlaz.bandcamp.com/album/music-to-watch-seeds-grow-by-005-stella-z-fig

@stella_zheng's new record 'Figs' emerges as a delicate meditation on growth, patience, and the hidden life of fruit, landing via @the-ransom-note's Music to Watch Seeds Grow By imprint.

"The fig tree was the big, generous presence in our old home, feeding my family and neighbours every summer," Stella shares. "When we moved to an apartment, we thought we had lost the fig tree. But my mum took a cutting and planted it at our new place. To our surprise, a small fig tree started growing again, as if it had never left."

Self-Portrait As A Fig

More exclusive music

Premiere: Stella Z 'Self-Portrait As A Fig'

Opening set for LVRA & Soda Plains and Yumé NET at Ormside Projects
Darkroom downtempo, experimental and spoken words

Opening set at Ormside Projects, 1 May 2025

A unique collaboration between Composer and DJ Stella Z and Cellist and Producer VERA SACRA, this live set weaves ambient electronics with modern classical in a deeply immersive mix. Featuring a blend of solo explorations and live jamming, the performance layers synth and cello improvisations over textured soundscapes - where deep resonance softly collides with meditative stillness.

Stella Z & VERA SACRA | Ambient Sauna | June 25

Two hours of leftfield electronics. Music for wandering minds and curious ears.

STELLA Z - 19 JUL 25

Opening set for Taiga -  8 Aug 2025

Invited by @merakiparty to do this childhood influence special edition. 

C-pop (Chinese pop) is the ultimate music that I have grown up with. The mix flashes back my memory of 90s sound, from Shanghai old-school jazz, balearic downtempo, Wuxia (Martial heros) movies theme song to Italo and disco inspired pop. Get ready to jump on this strange land of various genres and tempo!

Special Edition of C-pop at AAJA Music - 23/06/2020

In search of organic, trippy, leftfield, tribal, industrial sounds. 

2025 Upcoming Dates

6,13,20,27/11 The Marque Moon Residency, London
6/12 Sauna Social Club, London (Hybrid)

Past Selected Gigs

2025
26/01 The Gun, London
07/02 Brilliant Corners, London
15/02 Jumbi Residency, London
21/02 Niche x Control Freak, The Bath House, London
08/03 Orientate w/Ciel, Manami, MOT, London
15/03 Jumbi Residency, London
22/03 Half East, Exchange, Bristol
01/05 Ormside Projects, London
30/05 - 01/06 Watching Trees Festival, UK (Live)
08/06 Perfetti Gallery, London
12/06 Spanners, London
14/06 Cello x Ambient, Sauna Social Club, London (Hybrid)
12/07 QUIET CHAOS, Drawing from Music, Shai Space, London
19/07 Swirl w/ Budino, The Greyhound, London
08/08 TAIGA UK Tour, The George Tavern, London
5-7/09 Eternal Sun Festival, Sougia, Greece
14/09 Plant Can Dance x Music To Watch Seeds Grow By, London (Live)
18/09 Fiasco, Porto
19/09 Lux, Lisbon
27/09 Paesaggi Records, Ziegrastrasse 11, Berlin
28/09 Kwia, Berlin
4/10 Heiners, Berlin
18/10 Live AV ambient session, Sauna Social Club, London
14/11 The Old Blue Last, London

2024
15/04 Andet, Shanghai
11/05 Half East Records, Art Club, Bristol
15/05 Bolis Pupul UK Tour, Hackney Social, London
24/05 Space Talk w/Donna Leake, London
16/06 Swirl w/Sean Johnston, London
22/06 Mogwaa UK Tour, The Glove That Fits, London
19/07 The Gun, London
07/09 Sauna Social Club, Ambient Set, London
12/09 Lounge, Lisbon
14/09 COMANDANTE, Arroz Estúdios, Lisbon
12/10 Abrupt Festival, Brussels (Live)
07/11 The Glove That Fits, London
08/11 Half East Records, Night Tales, London
21/12 The Social Xmas Special w/ Jezebell, Jaye Ward, London

2023

17/05 - Rhythm Section, Peckham Audio, London
03/06 - Lighthouse Art Festival, London 
13/07 - Pitch Black UK tour, Colours Hoxton, London
18/07 - Brilliant Corners, London
27/07 - The Standard, Library Lounge, London
25/08 - BT&S, Corsica Studios, London
15/09 - Lounge, Lisbon
16/09 - QUIET CHAOS, COSMOS, Lisbon
22/09 - East And Most, The Carpet Shop, London
23/09 - Back To Ours, Margate Art Club, Margate
13/10 - All My Friends w/ Marcellus Pittman, London
09/11 - Goldener Reiter, Munich
07/12 - Rhythm Section, The Standard, London

Stella Z

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