Chinese pop star Lay Zhang is celebrating his 10th anniversary this year as an artist.
He debuted in K-pop boy band EXO in 2012 and branched out to a solo career. Last month, he released his new five-track album “West,” fronted by “Veil,” released in English and Mandarin.
Lay also held his “Grand Line 2: Infinite Lands” concerts in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. He will headline the MetaMoon Festival that will be held at Barclays Center in New York City on Nov. 26.
Lay, who turned 31 last Oct. 7, recently met with Philippine media online wherein he talked about his career, plans and the new album.
Manila Bulletin asked him what changed in him in the last 10 years in terms of music to pursue and personal goals.
“I also have more freedom to choose and (the) concept I want to try. That’s what I try to experiment as much as I can. So I’m still finding my sound. It’s a process and it’s fun to make all kinds of music,” Lay said.
He added, “So my goal is just to get better each day and discover my sound. This album is a progress.”
Lay has become one of the Chinese artists who has become successful internationally but he said, “I don’t think I’m very successful.”
“For me, successful is one moment. At that moment, maybe you are a success. Well, I think that our life is a long time so we have to keep our minds, look ahead and dream big and never give up. Always try your best. So that is when we make great things happen,” he explained.
Lay has scored numerous personal awards in his career.
These include the Best Selling Digital Album of the Year and Most Popular Digital Album of the Year at the 2019 and 2020 Tencent Music Entertainment Awards.
He has 50.97 million followers on Weibo, the Chinese microblogging site, and 14.2 million followers on Instagram.
The “West” is Lay’s way of “seeking the West Continent” in which he presents the fusion of ancient, modern and real dreams. The album blends oriental musical instruments, symbols, and expressions, and modern sound.
Lay said incorporating Chinese culture in his music is important.
“It’s very important in my culture. I am a proud Chinese person first before artist so I just want to share all the good things about my culture. I hope it inspires others to do the same,” he replied to one of the questions during the group interview.
Last April, Lay made a surprise announcement, revealing that he was leaving SM Entertainment, EXO’s agency.
“Ten years of growth, thank you all. Thank you to my EXO brothers for your company and encouragement,” he said in the letter.
He added, “Thanks to my colleagues at SM for witnessing every step of my growth and achievement. Thank you to all of my fans for your unconditional love and support.”
“It’s time to say goodbye as an employee of SM. It’s also my new beginning as a 30-year-old. But I will always be the Lay when my members need me. I’m your family member in China, Zhang Yixing. Love you forever EXO. This decade is one of the greatest gifts I could’ve ever received,” he said.