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
Born
Will Jay Behlendorf

Los Angeles, California
OccupationSinger, songwriter, actor
Years active2012–present
Musical career
Genrespop, jazz
Instrumentsvocals
Websitehttps://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
  1. Xie, Gus. "Will Jay's "Gangsta" presents a countercultural vision of masculinity". Kurrent Music. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  2. "Will Jay | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
  3. "INTERVIEW: Will Jay talks about his single 'Gentleman'". United By Pop. August 3, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
  4. 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.
  5. Peoples, Landon. "Through Fashion & Music, Will Jay Tackles The (Toxic) Masculinity Debate". refinery29.com. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
  6. "Will Jay Shares His Deepest Secrets with New Single, "Lies"". The Prelude Press. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  7. "Will Jay Dishes On His 'Never Been in Love' Music Video – Exclusive". Celeb Secrets. April 19, 2018. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  8. Muffett, Hannah (June 7, 2016). "EP Review: Will Jay's Self-Titled EP". Lucid Magazine. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
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