How HAYLA Captured the Start of a New Musical Era With Her Experimental Debut Album, DUSK

If there's one vocal sensation we associate with our favorite electronic music, it's English singer-songwriter HAYLA.

The artist is perhaps best known for viral features with the biggest EDM stars in the world, from Kx5 and John Summit to KYGO, Sub Focus, deadmau5 and Kaskade and more, and today, Nov. 1, she's released her can't-miss debut solo album, DUSK. It features 10 poignant tracks driven by her soaring and captivating vocals, including powerhouse singles "Embers," "Fall Again" and "Freefall," serving as a diary of sorts as she pours her heart and soul into sharing her own personal story. We were smitten from the very first listen, and had the pleasure of chatting with HAYLA to learn more about this very special album and how it came to be in the interview below.

Sweety High: What does the album name DUSK mean to you? Why did that closing title track feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?

HAYLA: Dusk is my favorite time of the day—it's the ending of something and the start of something new. The title track "DUSK" I have had the most anxiety and anticipation about. It's the first track that I've ever recorded, produced and written by myself so it has been a real "feel the fear and do it anyway" exercise. I'm so glad that I decided to add this to the album as I've been able to show a different side of myself and lean into something that I was initially nervous about sharing. My reasoning for placing that track at the end of the album symbolizes the start of something new both musically and mentally.

 

SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the album? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?

HAYLA: This album is a diary piece and I hope that people feel like they know me a little bit more after listening. The subject matter in this album is that of lost love, new love, anxiety, regained strength and dreams. I hope that if people find a little bit of themselves within these tracks they feel like they are not alone.

(Photo credit: Daniel Mutton)

 

SH: How would you describe the album's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?

HAYLA: This album was created over a period of three years and so there is a real mix of style and genre. I have been fortunate enough to work with some incredible co-writers and producers on this album. Stylistically the music moves from electronica to EDM with some UKG elements added and an experimental piece by me.

 

Also read about: American Idol Alum Jovin Webb Shares the 'Process' and 'Journey' Behind Debut Album, Drifter

 

SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you all are in life right now?

HAYLA: I can pinpoint moments in my life over these past three years by reading the album track list. Just in the same way as everyone changes throughout the years, it's interesting to see just how much has changed and how much I have moved through and grown from. It's been an incredibly cathartic process to be able to piece it all together and I'm so happy to finally have a piece of work out in the world.

 

SH: What is your favorite song on the album? Why?

HAYLA: My favorite song on the album is "Unfold" which was co-written and produced by my long term collaborator Andy Sheldrake. This song is a downtempo electronica piece that has a storytelling style of songwriting. This piece is a song to myself. Am I all I've ever wanted? The subject matter surrounds the internal battle of wanting connection but understanding I need to spend time on my own to be myself and heal. It's a song about self acceptance, how I see myself and my thoughts surrounding how much of myself I give away to others. I really love singing this one.

 

SH: Was there anything that surprised you about the process of recording and putting together your debut album?

HAYLA: Over the course of three years I have been writing material with the aim to create this body of work. However as some of the tracks on this album were released as singles it diminished the pressure element. I think the best thing about creating this album was the lack of stress to create it. I'm not sure if that makes any sense but it felt like each track was created in the most organic and honest way possible.

 

Also read about: Liamani on Celebrating Her 16th Birthday With Debut Single, 'Sunkissed'

 

SH: How are you feeling about releasing this debut to the world?

HAYLA: I am incredibly proud, humbled, anxious and grateful to be able to put this album out. I really hope people love it as much as I have loved creating it.

(Photo credit: Daniel Mutton)

 

SH: Is there anything else we should know about DUSK?

HAYLA: I would love for you to listen to the title track "DUSK" at dusk and take some time out just for yourself.

 

For more on the stories behind our favorite new music, click HERE to read our interview with Lanie Gardner on her debut album, A Songwriter's Diary.