Warner Music China has signed what it says is a “landmark” deal to distribute the next album by Lay Zhang, who it describes as “one of the biggest superstars in Greater China”.
The launch ceremony of Warner’s strategic partnership with Zhang took place this week at Warner Record’s headquarters in Los Angeles.
Zhang, an artist, producer, actor, and dancer, is also the CEO of Chromosome Entertainment.
His career in the entertainment industry began in 2005 as a finalist in the talent competition Star Academy. Then in 2008, he was chosen to be a trainee at SM Entertainment, one of the biggest entertainment companies in Korea.
Xhang made his debut in 2012 as a member of South Korean-Chinese boyband EXO. Most recently, according to Warner, he sold out “within seconds” a two-day concert in Beijing, China with 30,000 attendees.
Warner says that his recent film, No More Bets, in which he plays the lead role, “has been breaking records” and has surpassed USD $410 million at the Chinese box office.
Elsewhere at Warner Music, earlier this year, Chinese Superstar G.E.M, one of the top-selling female artists in China, partnered with Warner Music Asia to release a full-length Spanish-language album called, Revelación.
In October 2022, Sherry Tan, Managing Director of Warner Music China told MBW that the company’s “vision [is to become] the most localized international label in China”.
China was the 5th largest recorded music market globally in 2022, according to IFPI, growing 28.4% YoY.
“I deeply appreciate Warner Music’s global influence and the possibilities it presents.”
Lay Zhang
Lay Zhang said: “I am delighted about this album distribution deal with Warner Music China. I deeply appreciate Warner Music’s global influence and the possibilities it presents.
“Working with such a prestigious label provides an incredible opportunity to bring my music to fans worldwide. I am eager to share my new songs with a broader audience, and this collaboration marks an exciting chapter in my musical journey.”
“Lay is an exceptional and extraordinary superstar who has made significant impact in the music industry.”
Jonathan Serbin and Chris Gobalakrishna, Warner Music Asia
Jonathan Serbin and Chris Gobalakrishna, Co-Presidents of Warner Music Asia, stated: “Lay is an exceptional and extraordinary superstar who has made significant impact in the music industry.
“His remarkable talent, charisma, and versatility set him apart, and we have confidence in his tremendous potential as we launch him onto the global stage. We are honoured that he has chosen us to introduce his new music to audiences all around the world.”
“We are delighted to work with Lay on this strategic partnership.”
Sherry Tan, Warner Music China
Sherry Tan, Managing Director of Warner Music China, added: “We are delighted to work with Lay on this strategic partnership.
“Leveraging our extensive global network and expertise, we are committed to bringing his music to fans across the globe, both loyal and new, showcasing the captivating voice of Chinese singers to the world.”Music Business Worldwide
