Will Jay
Will Jay Behlendorf (stage name Will Jay) is an American singer who is influenced by pop, jazz, and Motown.[1] He appeared on The Voice of China and released a self-titled EP in 2019. He regularly uploads music videos on his YouTube channel.
Will Jay | |
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Born | Will Jay Behlendorf Los Angeles, California |
Occupation | Singer, songwriter, actor |
Years active | 2012–present |
Musical career | |
Genres | pop, jazz |
Instruments | vocals |
Website | https://www.willjaymusic.com/ YouTube channel |
Personal life
Jay was born in Los Angeles to a German father and Chinese mother.[2]
Singing
Jay was part of the boy band IM5 (created by Simon Fuller) from 2012 to 2014.[3] He is best known for his appearance on The Voice of China, though he was eliminated in the knockout round.[2] He has been applauded by some for his stance on social issues, like whitewashing in film as represented in the video for his single "Leading Man"[4] and toxic masculinity as represented in his single "Gangster."[5] Guy Aoki said that he should be the next Asian-American pop star.[4][1] Millions have viewed his work, which he regularly uploads on YouTube.[6] His songs have been recognized as telling clear stories.[7] His dancing style in music videos for his songs has been described as reminiscent of Fred Astaire.[1]
Discography
Jay has released the singles "Anti-Social Media" and "Version of Love." He also released a self-titled EP in 2019 that contained the single "Gentleman."[2] A review of the EP by Lucid Magazine called it "something to be proud of" and also says it has strong jazz influences.[8]
References
- Xie, Gus. "Will Jay's "Gangsta" presents a countercultural vision of masculinity". Kurrent Music. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
- "Will Jay | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- "INTERVIEW: Will Jay talks about his single 'Gentleman'". United By Pop. August 3, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- Aoki, Guy (September 18, 2017). "Meet Will Jay, the Man Who Should be the Next Asian American Pop Star". nextshark.com. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- Peoples, Landon. "Through Fashion & Music, Will Jay Tackles The (Toxic) Masculinity Debate". refinery29.com. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- "Will Jay Shares His Deepest Secrets with New Single, "Lies"". The Prelude Press. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- "Will Jay Dishes On His 'Never Been in Love' Music Video – Exclusive". Celeb Secrets. April 19, 2018. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- Muffett, Hannah (June 7, 2016). "EP Review: Will Jay's Self-Titled EP". Lucid Magazine. Retrieved April 7, 2020.