Laura Weissbecker Bridges Cultures with New Pop Single “Gallop – Year of the Horse”

Laura Weissbecker, Gallop of the Horse

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, Franco-American singer, actress, and author Laura Weissbecker unveils Gallop – Year of the Horse, a pop single recorded and produced in Los Angeles, available worldwide since February 27, 2026. Inspired by her experience on the international blockbuster Chinese Zodiac, directed by and starring Jackie Chan, the song celebrates the spirit of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac — a symbol of freedom, strength, and forward momentum.

Blending contemporary Western pop with evocative Asian sounds, Weissbecker creates a musical bridge between Los Angeles and China, weaving English and Mandarin together in a single breath. This track marks the first official release of an ambitious series dedicated to the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, a long-term project that reflects her international journey and deep commitment to intercultural dialogue.

Laura Weissbecker with Jackie Chan in Chinese Zodiac, China, 2011. Courtesy of the artist.

FQM: Your new single is directly inspired by your experience on the film Chinese Zodiac with Jackie Chan. How did this adventure transform your artistic and personal journey?

Laura Weissbecker: Yes, my new single is directly inspired by my experience filming Chinese Zodiac.

It all began at the start of shooting in France. We were waiting between takes, and Jackie Chan, impressed that I was learning Chinese, told me that if I really wanted to master the language, I should learn to sing in Chinese. I followed his advice, and it was a turning point.

There was also a scene where I rode a magnificent white horse — a scene that was ultimately cut — but Jackie insisted that my character ride a horse, and he personally chose that white horse.

Then, during filming in China, I discovered and fell in love with Chinese culture, especially the symbolism of the zodiac animals, which is central to the film. I learned Mandarin, and after the film’s success, I was invited each year to perform during Lunar New Year celebrations.

Over the past three years, I decided to compose my own songs. Gallop – Year of the Horse is the first that I am releasing officially on all platforms. The songs for the Year of the Dragon and the Year of the Snake had only been performed live.

Film Chinese Zodiac

FQM: “Gallop – Year of the Horse” blends Western pop and Chinese inspiration. How did you create this musical bridge?

LW: I love American pop — artists like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Ava Max — but I also enjoy French and Chinese pop.

For the past three years, I’ve been creating songs that connect the West and the East. The song starts in English, continues in Chinese, then returns to English. The lyrics correspond and maintain the same meaning in both languages.

I sing with my slight French accent, whether in English or Chinese, which gives me a unique identity — European, American, and Chinese all at once.

Musically, I worked with my Franco-American producer Elijah. We used classic pop instruments — guitar, drums, keyboards — but I was determined to include the sound of a horse galloping, as well as small bells, which evoke Asia for me.

Laura Weissbecker - photo credit Christine Ledroit Perrin

FQM: The horse symbolizes freedom and strength. How does this symbol resonate with your journey?

LW: To be an artist, you have to be free, and that’s not always easy.

A few years ago, I was horseback riding in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles. Being in nature, connected with the horse, gave me a sense of freedom.

This symbol also reflects my journey. I’ve lived and worked in France, China, the United States, and Germany. Each time, I had to start over, learn a new language, and adapt to a new culture.

It requires courage, but it also nourishes my artistic work.

Today, my projects — both musical and literary — are strongly connected to women’s experiences. I want to tell stories of strong, independent women who follow their own path.

FQM: How did you come to musical writing?

LW: I’ve always loved writing. My book Comment je suis devenue Chinoise, published in 2016 and awarded the Prix du Lys at the Saint-Louis Book Forum in 2017, already reflects my deep connection to China. I’ve been writing poetry since childhood.

Writing songs is a form of poetry that is more accessible.

My experience on the film Covid-19 Ground Zero, for which I co-wrote the screenplay, was a turning point. I also wrote the lyrics and performed the two songs for the film, Remember Their Lives and NY Is Tough. I loved this creative process, and it inspired me to compose my own songs.

Since then, I’ve started creating a series inspired by the Chinese zodiac. My goal is to compose the twelve songs corresponding to the twelve animals, which will form a complete album… in nine years!

FQM: Why release this song now?

LW: This song is being released for the Lunar New Year, a very symbolic moment for me. It’s a way to celebrate the culture that has profoundly influenced my life.

FQM: Are you currently working on other projects?

LW: Yes, I am developing several film projects as a screenwriter, as well as the next songs in my zodiac-inspired series. I’m also preparing the release of the next track, “Step in Year of the Snake.”

Instagram : @lauraweissbecker