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Arcticloudz
Ziqian Liu
Music Composer | Film Scholar | Visual Artist | Motion Design Aficionado
Home: Welcome
Ziqian Liu | Arcticloudz: Branding and Meaning​
Arcticloudz is the artistic alias of Ziqian Liu, a music composer for film and classical music, film scholar, visual artist, and motion design aficionado. He is currently based in Montréal, Canada, working with both electronic and acoustic music. Beginning with electronic music production in April 2014, Ziqian approaches composition with a deep respect for Western classical music traditions, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century French composers, most notably Maurice Ravel.
The name Arcticloudz is a portmanteau of “arctic” and “clouds,” inspired by a trip to the Arctic Circle in 2013, where observing the landscape and listening to natural sounds fostered a sense of serenity and connection to nature. The stylized “z” references the first letter of Ziqian and adds a modern, distinctive touch.
Over years of creative exploration, Arcticloudz has developed a signature sound and visual aesthetic that blends serenity, ecological awareness, and the exploration of the boundary between sound design and music. The project embodies a commitment to immersive, thoughtful artistry in both composition and performance.
Services Provided

Ziqian Liu (Arcticloudz) offers a range of creative services spanning music, sound design, composition, and film scoring, as well as visual arts, animation, and motion design. By integrating auditory and visual elements, he crafts immersive, multisensory experiences that bridge electronic and classical music with storytelling and cinematic imagery.​
Spotlight: Recent Compositions (MIDI)
Danse pastorale​
Montreal, August 23, 2025
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A short composition inspired by the serene landscapes of Eyvind Earle, created in Logic Pro. “Danse pastorale” invites listeners to pause, relax, and experience a moment of calm through music.
Originally composed as a temporary track for an animation project, this piece reflects years of exploration across electronic music, film scoring, and classical traditions.
Jardin d’Éden (titre de travail : Oiseaux bucoliques)​
Montreal, August 14, 2025
A rediscovered fragment of an earlier composition, initially lost due to a data accident. The piece showcases a rhythmic signature and freer passages in the section “Flânant dans les bois,” reflecting the dialogue between my past and present musical explorations.
This composition is part of a continuing journey across electronic music, film scoring, and classical music, connecting past ideas with new inspirations.
Spotlight: Recent Piano Improvisations
Gentle Rain on Daphnis — an improvised sketch
Montréal, August 29, 2025
“Gentle Rain on Daphnis — an improvised sketch” is a piano improvisation inspired by a rainy bike ride with my mother while listening to Daphnis et Chloé. The harmonies float like reflections on water, each note a small sketch of mood—free, spontaneous, and intimate.
Piano Sketch — Original Composition and Improvisation
Montreal, July 29, 2025
​Recorded in tribute to René Lévesque Park in Lachine, Québec, a place I frequently biked to. This piece incorporates elements inspired by the great French composers of the early 19th century—most notably Ravel and Debussy, occasionally even quoting their melodic phrasing—and also references the soundtrack of Vincente Minnelli’s Tea and Sympathy opening titles, composed by Adolph Deutsch.
Improvising in the Spirit of Ravel: A Piano Homage (Dec 4 2024)
Recorded at midnight in Xinjiang, China Dec 4, 2024
I made a piano improvisation in the Impressionist fashion, recalling the techniques of Ravel and Debussy (borrowed certain chords from them). I have been focusing on the fleeting movements and use of extended chordal harmonies and progressions as well as parallel motions. Stacking minor seconds sometimes with arpeggiated chords to create a sense of fluidity. I tried to evoke a sense of melancholy and reflection. I also employed some modes such as lydian and whole tone scale. I also did not focus on one tonal center and constantly modulated to different keys. Use of pedals is extremely prominent to create a sense of movement.
In loving memory of Ravel, Debussy, Lili Boulanger, among many others…
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