.layzhang opened up to us about honoring his grandma with 外婆, and his plans for 2020
, music is personal."Music is my life," he tells me over the phone from China, where he’s in the midst of preparing for a series of concerts in Shenzhen. And anyone who knows the 28-year-old Chinese performer and actor knows he’s not exaggerating. He’s constantly consumed by music — performing it, listening to it, and making it. And he’s not one to slow down, even when real life brings everything to a stop.
His latest single,"外婆" , is a tribute to her and the encouragement she gave him throughout his life and career."My grandmother was my biggest fan," he says. Through this song, he adds,"I want my grandmother to know that I’m going to work hard and achieve my dream."Zhang wrote the song in Los Angeles in the fall. It started as an outlet for his grief, a way to express the feelings he was still having a hard time processing himself.
Bringing his culture to the West through Mandopop is important to Zhang. He views music as a conversation, a way to"connect the world" across languages and time zones. It's not easy, of course. Being a pioneer is equal parts intimidating and invigorating."It's difficult. I have experienced some prejudice," Zhang says."But it makes me want to work harder to share my Chinese culture. I want people to see something new.
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