EXO’s Zhang Yixing: My albums are like my children

Pop star Zhang Yixing is proud of his Chinese roots.

The 31-year-old EXO member known as Lay draws inspiration from traditional Chinese arts and blends it with his signature modern sound.

He recently released West, a five-track EP that seamlessly weaves classical Chinese poetry and instruments. Its tracks include "Veil," "Understand," "3 Wishes," "I Don't Care," and an English version of "Veil."

Lay recently sat down for an online interview with Philippine media to talk about his album and career.

Daily Tribune asked how he regards West among his other works.

"Each album is important to me," said Lay. "They are like my children. This one is about having fun vibes while telling my truth."

West is a sequel to East, his 2021 record that also pays homage to his Chinese ethnicity and fantasy universe.

"It's not difficult. Everybody can create something new but it's hard to make people like it and know it," he said.

Lay's second solo tour, Grand Line 2: Infinite Lands, took him to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. The San Francisco is on 20 November.

Will he perform in Manila, too?

Lay told Daily Tribune: "For sure. As soon as possible. I've always wanted to meet my fans there."

Listen to West on bfan.link/west.