Lay Zhang Drops Title and Release Date of U.S. Debut LP

Chinese singer-songwriter, actor and producer Lay Zhang has confirmed the title and release date of his U.S. debut LP. Due on October 19th, NAMANANA will feature 22 tracks–11 songs in Mandarin with their English versions. The pop star also teased the album’s visual design on his official website earlier today.

Zhang, who is also part of world-famous K-pop group EXO, has written and co-produced every track on the album. NAMANANA will be his second solo LP since 2017’s LAY 02 SHEEP and follows his December 2017 EP Winter Special Gift. The musician made his solo debut in 2016 with the highly successful EP Lose Control and has since been focusing on his solo career in China. He established his own production company there, Zhang Yixing Studios, in 2015.

NAMANANA will feature “Mine” hit-maker Bazzi and Los Angeles-based Grammy-nominated producer duo Rice n’ Peas. According to reports, Zhang hopes to put a spotlight on Mando-pop (Mandarin pop) and promote it among global audiences. The pop star began his crusade to conquer the Western market earlier this month with his first solo U.S. appearance at Lollapalooza, where he performed a remixed version of his track “Sheep” with Norwegian producer Alan Walker.