Lay is making a huge next STEP, and we want Just Jared readers to get to know him even better.
The 32-year-old former EXO member-turned-solo star is releasing his highly anticipated English album on Friday (June 14).
Following the global success of “Run Back to You” with Lauv, Lay released “Psychic,” the second lead single from the record, offered in English, Chinese and Korean, demonstrating his commitment to a global audience while exploring themes of intense understanding and anticipation that border on the psychic.
Collaborators on the new song include Rykeyz, Sean Douglas, JHart and Kyle Reynolds, which is visually represented in a gorgeous Andrew Donoho-directed video shot in Dubai over two intense days.
The clip even features Lay doing his own stunts and special effects throughout Burj Khalifa and Atlantis, The Palm.
Get to know Lay Zhang even better with 10 Fun Facts!
Keep reading to find out more…
10 Fun Facts About Lay
1. Born in China, Lay has been singing, dancing and acting since he was just six years old. He made appearances in several variety shows, TV shows and even movies as a child star.
2. Before embarking on making music as a solo artist, Lay was a member of popular boy group EXO.
3. As a global superstar, Lay is tri-lingual, speaking English, Korean and Chinese fluently.
4. Lay is known for being hands-on in his career and creative process – he has served as a producer, director and choreographer for much of his music and music videos.
5. Lay has a strong passion and love for fashion, having been the ambassador of brands like Valentino, Calvin Klein, Mac Cosmetics and watch brand Hublot.
6. Lay’s music video for his most recent single, “Psychic,” was filmed in Dubai and featured a cast and crew from over 20 different countries. Lay’s goal was to bridge cultures and emphasize global connection – one of this main goals through his art.
7. Lay’s English album, STEP, releases on June 14. On the album, Lay collaborated with some of the best Grammy-Award winning, heavy hitters pop songwriting and producing who have worked with major superstars including Selena Gomez, Jungkook, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa and more.
8. LAY’s collaboration with popstar LAUV on their song “Run Back To You,” reached No 2. iTunes’ U.S. chart this past February (bested only by Beyonce’s megahit “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
9. He is hitting the road in the coming year making stops all across Asia.
10. Not only a talented musician, Lay is a decorated actor in his own right – with leading roles in several major projects including Chinese box office smash No More Bets, one of the country’s biggest hits of the summer last year.
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