INTERVIEW: What’s Next For Lay Zhang? – West, Infinite Lands, and the Next 10 Years

When he made his debut as a member of K-Pop boy group EXO, the next ten years felt far away for 20-year-old Lay Zhang who had spent the previous four years studying and training nonstop in order to compete in SM Entertainment’s fierce debut group competition.

But, after a decade, the now 31-year-old global superstar emerged as one of the most successful musicians of his generation, breaking record after record, adding achievement after achievement, and establishing himself as the multi-talented Lay Zhang of China.

Despite all of his achievements, the multi-hyphenate refuses to be described as “successful.” “I don’t think I am very successful,” he said.

In an interview with the Philippine media in support of his most recent album, West, he said, “For me, [being] successful is a moment.”

These remarks are no longer surprising to those who have followed his career and development; Lay Zhang never stops. He has a relentless zeal for improvement and a strong sense of duty to his community, profession, and nation.

“We have to keep our mind to look ahead. Dream big and never give up. Always try your best —that will make great things happen.”

True to his words, he accomplished great things, and his most recent album, West, is proof of his unshakable dedication and hard work.

Lay Zhang gave his fans a five-track album, West, with the single “Veil” in September to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his debut. The album is a follow-up to his album East from 2021.

While East plunges into the world’s Eastern side and transports listeners on a fanciful eastward voyage, West transports listeners on a westward journey and lifts the curtain on the world’s mysteries.

Through the inventive use of oriental musical instruments, symbols, and expressions as well as the fusion of traditional and contemporary components, it creatively tells the story of the difficulties we confront and the path we travel in everyday life.

As someone who is proud of his Chinese heritage, it is also significant for him to include his culture.

“I am a Chinese person first before an artist. I want to share the good things about my culture. I hope to inspire others to do the same.”

Lay Zhang brought out his producer side to create an astounding album in West – now one of his “children”, together with Lose Control, Winter Special Gift, Sheep, Namanana, Honey, Lit, Producer, and East, among other releases.

The album’s songs “Veil” and “Understand,” which encourage listeners to lose their masks and reveal their true selves, are among Lay Zhang’s favorites. Notably, the international superstar added an English version of the album’s lead track, “Veil,” in an effort to connect with his global fanbase. “As a Chinese person, Chinese comes easier to me. I also want more people to know what I am singing about, so [I came out with an] English version as well,” he explained.

Given his busy schedule, many are curious about how he balances his roles as a brand ambassador, producer, actor, singer, songwriter, and more.

“It’s not difficult. Every day, I try to do something. Everybody can create something new.”

Nonetheless, he acknowledged the challenges he has as a solo musician. “Being a solo artist is a little bit though because you have to do all things by yourself,” he admitted. But being a solo artist also offers him the independence and flexibility to experiment around with ideas.

Lay Zhang made his solo debut in 2016 with Lose Control, his first extended play. The EP landed at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and is the ninth best-selling album of 2016. Following the release of his debut solo album, he had a string of extremely popular albums that broke sales records and furthered established his unshakeable position as one of China’s and the world’s most loved and acclaimed stars.

And, for him, the greatest achievement of all is the adoration of his supporters.

“My achievement is that I have lots of fans who support me. I can see the fans’ love and support. I have a lot of motivation to do a lot of things and keep doing what I want to do.”

Fueled by this love, and in true Lay Zhang way, the singer-songwriter will continue to refine himself in order to improve and uncover his sound with each record. More than perfection, the “Veil” singer seeks progress—-constant growth and steps toward the fulfillment of a dream, such as his Grandline 2: Infinite Lands concert tour.

As part of the Grandline 2: Infinite Lands tour, the multi-hyphenate completed three concerts in three Asian cities. On October 17, he began his concert tour in Malaysia, his first offline performance since the pandemic, followed by Singapore on October 19, and Bangkok on October 22. He intended to unite his audience through the concert tour, inspiring them to think bigger, dream bigger, and just keep moving forward, hence the concert’s title, “Infinite Lands.”

Lay Zhang also promised to bring the breathtaking views of Infinite Lands to his Xbacks in the Philippines. “My Philippine Xbacks, thanks for your support and love. I hope we can meet soon and immediately,” he remarked.

In the last 10 years, Lay Zhang has made a name for himself, solidified his position in the industry, and paved the way for other young musicians. With his extremely outstanding career and all of his accomplishments, we came to ask: what’s next for Lay Zhang? And, as always, the singer-songwriter strives to give his all every day.

“The next ten years are so far and yet so close. When I was 17 years old, I did not [think] it’s very quick to be 31 years old. Time goes by. [But] for me, I don’t want to waste time, so every day, [I] just do my best [in] whatever I can do.”

When Lay Zhang first took the stage as a member of EXO ten years ago, the next ten years seemed so far away. But years later, the singer-songwriter is still here — never quitting and continuing to lead an industry for the next generation of musicians who will look up to him.

Are you ready for the next decade with Lay Zhang?

The group interview was attended virtually by Danica Lacson.

Words by Danica Lacson | Edited by: abbyinhallyuland