Van Ness Wu —one of Asia’s most iconic entertainers— releases his new single and music video, “It’s On,” via Virgin Music. The dance-ready track, complete with driving synths and hip-hop inflected drums, is the latest glimpse of Van Ness’ forthcoming English album, Take A Ride, which is set to release July 8th.
Directed by Ares Wu, the “It’s On” music video captures Van Ness’ infectious, care-free spirit and shows off his affinity for dancing as a lively house party unfolds. Today’s release builds on the momentum of “Chill,” a feel-good number that set the stage for Van Ness’ highly-anticipated comeback. The album, Take A Ride, marks a pivotal moment in his career where he’s taking full creative reign to deliver music in the way that he has always envisioned. Stream “It’s On” here and stay tuned for more news on the upcoming album.
Van Ness Wu is a key player in defining Asia’s pop saga and is part of its early generation of globally transcendent stars. The Taiwanese multi-hyphenate artist, who was born and raised in Santa Monica and Orange County, has established an illustrious career that spans two decades and includes groundbreaking work in music, film and television. For the first time, he is circling his career back to the States and is releasing his first full length English album, Take A Ride, a project that marks Van Ness coming to a place of contentment and respecting the reality of the present.
Van Ness, who describes himself as a dancer first, catapulted from SoCal’s dance scene into global stardom after making his debut as a member of F4, a pop group that originated from the hit Taiwanese drama series Meteor Garden. With his beginnings in the boy band crazed era of the early 2000s, Van Ness has remained as one of Asia’s most recognizable faces. Over the years, Van Ness has been a sought after, go-to collaborator for international acts like Beyoncé, who tapped him for the Chinese remix of “Crazy In Love,” and Kanye West, who brought him along for the China leg of his Glow in the Dark Tour. Van Ness has found tremendous success on the screen, starring in massive hits such as The Princess Weiyoung and Ip Man 4: The Finale, and has been a key judge on reality shows like Asia’s Got Talent, Amazing Race, Street Dance of China.
In addition to launching his own clothing line, xVESSEL, Van Ness has been tapped as the face of globally renowned brands, including Mercedes Benz, Pepsi and Levi Strauss & Co. Years in the making, Van Ness’ upcoming album was a physical undertaking as it was recorded throughout the world, from a beach house in Malibu to a home studio in London and in the mountains of Kyoto. Along with producer David Lucius King, Van Ness helped shape the album’s sound, energy and atmosphere.
“Creating this album is like finding my own direction as I am coming of age,” he shared.
With today’s release of “It’s On” and the already announced, next single “Take A Ride” in the pipeline, this album’s rollout is a testament to Van Ness’ tenacious artistry.