Hon Jao

Hon Jao is a Maryland and D.C.-based violinist and DJ known for his unique blend of classical and electronic music. With a deep-rooted passion for music that began with studying classical violin and piano at the age of three, Hon Jao's journey has been shaped by extensive orchestral performances and private musical tutelage.

In the East Coast electronic music community, Hon Jao stands out for his ability to weave soaring, improvised violin melodies with primal, earthy beats. His live DJ sets are best described as a spontaneous, closed-eyes journey that captivates and transports his audience.

He is versatile in his musical styles, playing progressive, melodic house and techno, as well as organic afro beats, mid-tempo, and psychedelic half-time beats that move crowds to an otherworldly groove. His performances range from live looping to live DJ sets to solo DJ sets, showcasing adaptability, improvisation, and creativity.

Hon Jao's discography includes a notable feature with Enamour on the track "Dragonfly," released on Kindisch in 2021 — described as a spine-tingling track with gentle beats, lush spiritual chords, and delicate melodic motifs. He was also featured on Neekola's playa-inspired progressive house track "A Message," released in 2022, and collaborated with Ursidae on the jazzy neo-classical track "It Comes in Waves," part of the BearHeart EP in 2024. Hon Jao continues to add a distinctive, ethereal quality to the musical projects he is a part of, infusing each track with emotive depth and a sense of timeless beauty.

Beyond the dance floor, Hon Jao is a vital part of the yoga, dance, and meditation community. He frequently performs at private sound healing and meditation workshops, as well as at events such as Daybreaker, Ecstatic Dance, and transformational music and art festivals. Hon Jao's mission through his music is to uplift and create a positive atmosphere, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience his performances.