Love for strangers

Zhang Yadong has an instinct for both composing music and a knack for producing it. A decade ago that combination led to his successful collaboration with Asian pop diva Faye Wong, whose silky voice brought his skills to a huge audience and whose album I Love Strangers Only has reportedly sold 25 million copies and become the best-selling Chinese album ever. Wong has since retired from showbiz but Zhang's talent still shines brightly.

China's most sought-after music producer has polished many artists and bands, including Xu Wei, Pu Shu and Catcher in the Rye. He also set up the Chinese record label Dong Music International in 2006, to promote China's rising stars at home and abroad.

The album Dong Music Land, is Zhang's latest assault on the mainland market. Featuring 12 tracks by four singers and two bands, it is a collection of different musical styles and showcases the artists' creative talents. Zhang says he hopes to breathe fresh air into the local music scene and develop the potential of newcomers.