Los Angeles, CA - Oct 9, 2025 - Chinese mainland’s emerging musician William Dong (Xuanyou Dong) delivered a remarkable debut performance at the historic Velvet Martini Lounge in Hollywood, a venue with over 50 years of musical legacy. The showcase marked the first-ever live performance of his six original songs, drawing attention from veteran producers and local musicians alike.
Velvet Martini Lounge has long been regarded as a cultural hub in Hollywood’s music scene, hosting legendary acts including pop icon Neil Sedaka and Grammy-winning singer Melissa Manchester. At just a high school student, William Dong became the youngest Chinese mainland artist to headline a solo concert at this iconic jazz venue — setting a new milestone for Asian representation in Hollywood.
During the concert, Dong performed six original tracks: “Reason Why,” “Like,” “I’d Miss Me Too,” “I’m Yours,” “We Almost Said Forever,” and “Forever Starts Tonight.” Despite being his debut, Dong displayed remarkable stage presence, delivering a flawless performance that showcased both technical control and emotional depth. His calm confidence and powerful vocals were met with repeated rounds of applause from the audience.
Following the performance, Dong engaged in in-depth discussions with local California musicians about creative ideas and future collaborations. Several Hollywood-based producers praised his musical maturity, noting that his work blends the depth of seasoned musicians with the innovative spirit of youth. Many expressed confidence in his future, affirming they will continue to follow his artistic journey closely.Dong also announced that his first English-language album will be released in the coming weeks across major digital streaming platforms, including Spotify and Amazon Music, featuring all six tracks performed at the concert.
Beyond the stage, Dong is actively shaping his career as an entrepreneur. In 2024, he founded his own music company, Temple Tides, in California. This debut concert not only marked his first live performance as an artist but also served as a promotional showcase for Temple Tides. Dong expressed hopes that the company will attract other talented musicians and serve as a cultural bridge between China and the United States.
William Dong’s journey reflects years of steady growth. In 2024, he co-founded the APOLO Music Festival in his hometown, successfully transforming a small student-led initiative into a large-scale city-level event with over 1,000 attendees. The festival became a cultural symbol for young people in the region, earning widespread praise from local media and music fans.
In early 2025, Dong’s talent began receiving international recognition when he was nominated in two categories at the 67th Grammy Awards — Best Pop Performance and Best Arrangement — and won the “Best New Artist” award at the World Entertainment Awards (WEA).
Looking ahead, Dong emphasized his commitment to continuous learning and growth: “I know I still have a lot to absorb from the global music industry,” he said. “I want to keep gaining stage experience and gradually share more of my musical ideas with the world.”With his strong debut, growing recognition, and entrepreneurial drive, William Dong is well on his way to becoming one of the most promising new voices in international music.
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