Interpreting the new “Producer” era of Lay Zhang
2020 was a year of high production for Lay’s music. Not only did he release a two-part full album of 12 songs “LIT”, he also presented 9 complete tracks on the stage of CZR 2. Those 9 tracks are now put together for this studio version album “PRODUCER”.
Lay has always been the production leader of his music. He had showcased himself even more as a producer through the experience on the variety show “CZR2”. This time, he had re-produced and mixed all 9 tracks once again to put together this album “PRODUCER”. He wished to make up for that missing of an “official version” of the song per fans’ request. It is also a summary of the past, the revealing of a brand-new era of “Producer Lay”.
“What is a producer?” Lay has given his answers through this album.
From demo to single, a more defined presentation of himself
Through “CZR 2”, audiences have witnessed the whole production process from demos to singles of every song in the album “PRODUCER”. Although the detail arrangements are constantly being adjusted, the features of clear and strong self-expression remain unchanged.
From the noble “Love Lay” to a perverse and self-inspected “Joker”, from the enthusiastic “Descendants of the Dragon” to the return to his roots in “Xiangjiang River”, Lay is like a galloping king in his music, with his “Horse” as his companion, journey through East and West.
In his music, he passed through “Ambush”, “Stay With Me” through all ups and downs, seeking for his “Flipped” moment, fearlessly expressed his opinions about the world. What he insisted on and what he abandoned can all be heard through his music. In the world of a producer, music is the weapon of self-expression, is love, is “Obsessed”.
From live performance to studio recording, a clearer musical logic
From the live performance to this official studio version, “PRODUCER” uses more detail sound presentation to let the audience appreciate Lay’s logic behind his concept of M-POP.
In the Digitization Era, the challenges that music producers face are no longer creating and looking for new sounds, but to locate the suitable ones among thousands of genres, tone, and effects to be used in their own music.
In this album “PRODUCER”, Lay has once again made his East meets West fusion concept prominent through M-POP. The overall style of this album is a fusion between Chinese style with EDM, Hip-hop, and trap. On the musical instrument’s usage, Lay has surprisingly incorporated Morin Khurr, Guzheng, Pipa, bass drum, flute, xiao, 808 bass and synthesizer. For the vocal arrangement, he has put together Eastern throat singing and Western beatbox that echoes each other. Every tone and effect that was used in “PRODUCER” holds a define consideration from Lay.
From the show “CZR 2” to “PRODUCER”, a more comprehensive consideration for music production.
A singer-song writer only needs to write their songs and sing them well, but producer ought to think about the stage effect, needs of audience, feedback from the market, and even album cover and releasing plans in order to establish their unique musical persona. The intensive production of 9 tracks for the show “CZR 2” has forced producer Lay to grow up rapidly with his ability to oversee the entire situation.
Not only did he present the distinctive image of Joker, the song had also quickly become a hot trend on social media globally. He has also made Changsha hip-hop highly recognizable through “Xiangjiang River” — the title track in Changsha dialect. The live version of “Xiangjiang River” has dominated QQ music Changsha local chart for 14 weeks straight, this iconic song has received high recognition from its audience. This time, “Xiangjiang River ft Kungfu Pen” is a brand-new collaboration that is being added to the album — a more local, dominating, and sultry “plus edition”. It truly is a surprise addition to the album.
From 2020 to 2021, a more diverse music identity
Lay Zhang has gotten a new identity as the “beat maker” in music, he continues to strengthen the concept of M-Pop in his creation. As a musician, he has always been an explorer, a definer and dreamer, who is committed to deliver the unique charm of traditional music to more audience.
In addition, Lay Zhang’s identity as “Producer” has also expanded. During the preparation of “PRODUCER”, Lay welcomed a new transition in his life, the establishment of his Chromosome Entertainment Group, officially became the PD of Chinese domestic entertainment industry, aiming to search for more talented potentials. On the pathway as a “producer”, Lay will keep on going and march straight ahead.
Whether it’s about music or other aspects, the new era of “Producer” Lay has now begun.
Description via QQ music — LAY “PRODUCER”
Translation by XingTweetTRANS
