Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series 🎼 On this episode, we talk with Shanghai, China-born, New York-based arranger and composer Zhengtao Pan about his third studio album Air With Layers, released on Pinch Records.

At just 22 years old, Zhengtao dives into his first fully orchestrated Symphony and Piano Concerto — marking his bold entry into contemporary classical music. The album showcases his versatility, cinematic sensibilities, and global musical perspective.

We discuss:

The creative process behind Air With Layers

Writing his first Symphony and Piano Concerto

His musical beginnings in Shanghai, China

Growth and evolution in New York

Influences from video game soundtracks and film scoring

His studies at Berklee College of Music, the Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio, and the Film Scoring Academy of Europe

This is a powerful story of international artistry, youth, and creative ambition bridging contemporary classical, orchestral music, and cinematic sound.

🎧 Get the album:
https://www.zhengtaopan.com/music

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