Brian Zhang Journalist Profile

Articles

My immigrant parents attended my Yale graduation. Seeing them on the Ivy League campus for the first time was surprisingly moving.

1 week ago | businessinsider.com | Frank Olito |Brian Zhang |Henry Blodget

The night before I left for my senior year at Yale, my mom and I joked that we would find each other again in the next lifetime, but as classmates. We imagined ourselves sitting in the back row of some old lecture hall, whispering about which New Haven spot to try next for dinner. "And Dad?" I asked. "He would probably be in the very first row," Mom laughed. "You know he loves to talk."That fantasy came to life in May when my immigrant parents finally came to visit me at Yale for the first time.
How to Find Hope in a Broken Music Industry

Jan 24, 2025 | medium.com | Brian Zhang

Two moments that reminded me why music still mattersBrian Zhang·Follow5 min read·--Being a musician today feels like swimming against an endless current. Sorry I didn’t have a photo of myself swimming. So here’s a funny meme I got from Google imagesLive music venues are disappearing. Streaming royalties are insultingly low. And for every glimmer of success, there’s a mountain of stress, burnout, and self-doubt.
How To Put Your Health First As a Musician

Jan 14, 2025 | medium.com | Brian Zhang

The journey to a healthier, more fulfilling music career starts nowBrian Zhang·Follow4 min read·--It’s strange how the tradition of the “tortured artist” persists. There’s a narrative that to be truly great, a musician must suffer, be broken, and live in turmoil. Think about legends like Charlie Parker, who struggled with addiction — not because he glorified it, but because he was dealing with chronic pain. He openly admitted that drugs didn’t improve his playing; they made it worse.
Why Criticism Is the Best Thing That Can Happen to You

Dec 4, 2024 | medium.com | Brian Zhang

What Tommy Emmanuel Taught Me About Staying True to MyselfBrian Zhang·Follow4 min read·--Criticism is the shadow that follows every musician. From the moment you pick up an instrument, it’s there. At first, it comes in small doses — feedback from teachers, a comment from a peer. But as you step into the professional world, it grows louder, sharper, and harder to escape. The truth? You can’t outrun criticism. But you can decide what you’ll do with it. For years, I let criticism define me.
The Hardest Year of My Life

Nov 15, 2024 | medium.com | Brian Zhang

(Or: How I Realized Just Making it Through is a Win)Brian Zhang·Follow5 min read·--2024 has been okayFor me, this past year felt like someone hit “repeat” on the worst day of my life. Over and over, the mental exhaustion piled up until I seriously started questioning my path. Some mornings, the motivation to get out of bed just wasn’t there. I even debated stepping away from music altogether, despite how central it’s always been to who I am.
The Great Amsterdam Thong Sprint

Aug 29, 2024 | medium.com | Brian Zhang

Ever had one of those moments where you’re simultaneously the hero and the fool of your own story? Where your confidence sprints ahead of your common sense? Well, grab a seat and a cold one, because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through the streets of Amsterdam, where I learned that sometimes, the sun isn’t the only thing that doesn’t set when you think it should.
A Path Most Musicians Never Find

Aug 26, 2024 | medium.com | Brian Zhang

Most musicians won’t admit it, but we often play it safe, sticking to what we know, hoping that’ll be enough. It wasn’t for me. For years, I ignored the discomfort, staying in my comfort zone and convincing myself that I was on the right path. But deep down, I knew I was avoiding the inevitable — I had to break out of my lane and step away from outdated traditions in the music industry. Not just to give myself a real shot at career success, but to ensure I stayed healthy while pursuing it.
I Sang “Let It Go” On A Roller Coaster In Japan

Aug 21, 2024 | medium.com | Brian Zhang

I Sang “Let It Go” On A Roller Coaster In JapanBeing a struggling musician is like riding a roller coaster. As you approach the theme park with your friends, you find every reason, mostly irrational and outrageous to get out of the ride. • “What if I pass out on the ride?”• “What if the person next to me leans too far and squashes my bones broken?”But despite this, you end up waiting in line anyways because you still have this hope that all your fears will be put to bed.
How Embracing the Past Shapes Our Future

Aug 20, 2024 | medium.com | Brian Zhang

How Embracing the Past Shapes Our FutureSometimes, showing up is the hardest part — especially when everything beneath the surface is crumbling. As a business owner, I’ve learned that real connection with clients goes beyond the polished exterior. It’s about being honest when things are far from perfect, even when the weight of keeping it together feels overwhelming. In the spirit of authenticity, I recently shared a personal message with the parents at our music school.
Just Another Week

Aug 10, 2024 | medium.com | Brian Zhang

After the third abusive text from a parent in as many weeks, I wrote this 200-word story in my journal to cope:Friday 8th August 2024: A crisp winter’s night in Sydney closes another week — another week of quiet battles. As I reach for the light, a familiar ping breaks the silence. I pause, staring at the glow from my phone. Not this again, I think, feeling the weight behind those words. I knew what the message would say. I barely twitched as I slid my finger across the screen.