Bio Image

Unapologetically embracing the electric nostalgia of a younger generation, Sebastian Zhang (b. 2003) is a composer-percussionist influenced by the modern chiptune scene, jazzy video game music, and upbeat anime soundtracks. His music draws upon scenes of everyday life—from chasing tadpoles to memories of cartoon ice cream—and how they echo grander themes of merry wonder and existentialist hope.

Sebastian has written for Sandbox Percussion, the University of Texas Percussion Ensemble, and Blacktop Percussion. An award-winning composer, recognitions include the Tribeca New Music Emerging Composer Award, I Exist Project Emerging Composer Award, and finalist for the Icarus Quartet iQ Test call for collaborators. His music has been performed across the United States, at events such as the Round Top Festival Institute and the Great Plains International Marimba Competition; several of his works appear on the Texas UIL Prescribed Music List (PML) and the Missouri MSHSAA PML.

Fostering connections between art and people, Sebastian is the co-founder and co-artistic director of the Austin Percussion Collective, a chamber percussion group immersed in the singer-songwriter live music scene of Austin, Texas.

Sebastian is currently pursuing a BM in Music Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. His instructors include Ivan Trevino, Yevgeniy Sharlat, and Thomas Burritt.