With so many things to adore about this artist, Jay Chang of One Pact has made 2024 his year to shine. Busy could barely describe Jay’s intense work ethic and constant strive to succeed in his music career.
After successfully debuting as a member of One Pact in 2023 under Armada Entertainment, Jay Chang returned as a soloist under FM Entertainment after releasing his first EP Late Night, over a year ago. Through his second mini-album Neighborhood, Jay Chang showcased his musical growth by mixing vintage sounds of the 70s with a modern melody through the title track “LaSalle Ave.” The song emulates Bruno Mar’s signature sound and expresses the pleasurable moments of childhood.
Alongside juggling the responsibilities of a boy group member and soloist, Jay Chang also participated in ‘Build Up: Vocal Boy Group Survivor’ and debuted a third time under the project group B.D.U as of June 2024. Busy is truly an understatement. Jay met with ZAPZEE for an exclusive interview regarding his accomplishments, ambitions, and future in K-Pop. Check out Jay’s exclusive video greeting for his Sunlights and learn about his childhood in New Jersey, latest obsessions with video games, as well as what music means to him in our interview down below.
Tell us about your return with Neighborhood and “LeSalle Ave” – how is the concept different from your first album and what is the message behind the tracks?
JAY CHANG: In the first mini-album, Late Night, we touched on a little bit of my story as a child. However, in Neighborhood, childhood is something we went full force into and discussed the contrast between the stresses of adult life and remembering the freedom of being a child. It’s the concept for the album as a whole. As for the title track, “LaSalle Ave,” it is meant to be relatable to people who are struggling with the stresses of being an adult and miss the simpler times. Even though I’m 23,
What childhood are you missing and reminiscing a lot? What do you miss most about your old neighborhood?
JAY CHANG: I’m referencing my time back in New Jersey. “LaSalle Ave” is a retrospective song and even though I’m 23 I have a lot I look back on. I named the album Neighborhood in order to give that nostalgic feeling of home. I miss the quiet and simplicity of my old neighborhood which heavily contrasts the metropolitan city life of Korea. I remember my time outside with my friends. We had a big football field in our town and we had one of the best football playing teams in our state. I never played football but my friends and I would just go there to mess around and hang out in the fall. Feeling the wind and enjoying the quietness while chatting with my friends was such a simple time that left a huge impression on me.
How long did it take to work on this album compared to the first one and albums with One Pact?
JAY CHANG: The writing and putting together the song was easy but trying to find a concept or choosing songs for the album was the most difficult part. I wanted the tracks to be uniquely different yet fit the album concept well. I am satisfied with the central theme and how different all four tracks are. We also made photo cards and fans can find one of me with a cat because there are cats!
Any songs you recommend fans both old and new should listen to the most?
JAY CHANG: Late Night has many great songs but I suggest “Four Seasons” from Neighborhood. It is a slow blues track and it was the first song I’ve ever written in my life when I was 18. I’m glad it can finally be put out into the world and it means the most to me.
What do you enjoy most about being a soloist?
JAY CHANG: It feels the most personally involved with my music, ideas in my mind, and fans. It’s the purest way fans can get a look into what makes Jay, Jay. In a group we are like-minded individuals coming together to be a collective but being a soloist offers a look into my inner self.
Is there any artist you wish to collaborate with?
JAY CHANG: Definitely Bruno Mars. I feel like our vocal styles are similar. As for Korean artists, I’d say Crush. It would be a huge honor.
Q7. How was it performing on stage again with your group One Pact at the 2024 Dream Concert? Did you enjoy being back on stage with them?
JAY CHANG: Honestly, the Dream Concert was like a blur because I had just gotten back from the B.D.U WISHPOOL Tour so I only had three days to prepare for that stage. However, I was so happy I was able to perform and bring it on stage for the fans. My managers encouraged me and told me, ‘Just do what you do best’ and so I did! I hit the high note perfectly, too. Being back with my members felt comfortable and I can’t wait to do more with them.
You currently promote as a soloist but also perform in B.D.U as well when you’re not busy with One Pact. What is something you bring to the table in each group?
JAY CHANG: There is a huge difference between both groups. For such a heavily performance group like One Pact, supplying my vocal ability and range is my key strength. As for B.D.U I like to bring my soul and R&B sounds to the group’s aesthetic and musicality.
How do you unwind and release stress during such a busy schedule? What is something that helps you find peace and feel calm?
JAY CHANG: Outside of music, the only two things that keep me sane are video games and basketball. I really like basketball. I haven’t played for a while in Korea because it’s cold and not many people play basketball here. I play when I can though. As for video games, I am recently into League of Legends because of Matthew from ZEROBASEONE. My main are Sett and Caitlyn.
Any shows you’re watching these days?
I haven’t been up to date with K-Dramas lately but because of League of Legends, I’m really interested in Arcane.
If you had a time capsule what would you put in it?
JAY CHANG: “My album and song “Four Seasons.”
Do you have a signature pose?
JAY CHANG: I do – rockstar hands!
With such an enthusiastic personality and infectious smile, it is no wonder Jay is the golden retriever of boy groups and making fans feel joyful. Before finishing the interview, Jay Chang had one more wonderful message to leave for his sunlight!
JAY CHANG: I just wanna say I hope everyone can give my album Neighborhood a try. It has something for every kind of music listener – so if the title track doesn’t meet your fancy, check out the other songs. I want to thank the sunlights that have been supporting me the past year since my debut and even before that. I will keep making you guys proud!
Now, Jay Chang is gearing up for his official U.S.A Fansign Tour and will be promoting his songs not only in his state of New Jersey but also in various cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, Miami and more! See the full list of cities down below and exclusive photos of Jay Chang.
Don’t forget to follow Jay Chang on his Instagram and Twitter and also follow ZAPZEE on social media for more K-Pop news and exclusives.
