LAYA Talks Touring with Teyana Taylor, “Um Hello,” and More
Photo by Jabari Jacobs
With exceptional lyricism and remarkable vocal agility R&B singer-songwriter LAYA is a standout among rising stars in the genre. The Staten Island native has been exercising her creativity through many mediums for as long as she can remember. From teaching herself how to engineer her own songs, to making her own video props, to shooting music videos on her iPhone, LAYA has always found a way to see her creative visions through. Now with the backing of a major label, she’s able to realize her creative potential on a larger scale.
LAYA’s debut EP Um, Hello, released under Warner Records earlier this year, has garnered millions of streams and brought the singer to a whole new level. Her 90s R&B inspiration finds its way into tracks like “Calling Me,” while still brightly showcasing LAYA’s individuality and modern influences. She draws listeners in on breakout track “Sailor Moon,” with her smooth vocals and dreamy melodies.
This year has kept LAYA busy, as she recently wrapped up a tour with Teyana Taylor and is soon to begin touring with Phabo at the end of September. She released a new, up tempo version of “Sailor Moon,” titled “Sailor Moon 2.0” featuring Baby Tate. The best is yet to come for LAYA, and as she states in her song “Brag,” “If you snooze, you lose / Don't hop up on the bandwagon when it's in the news.”
LAYA spoke with Amplify Her Voice about her creativity, goals, and advice about the music industry.
How would you describe your music to people who have not heard it before?
My music is reminiscent of 90s R&B but as if it were reborn in today’s world. It’s a fusion of all my favorite parts of R&B, Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, and Alternative music.
Can you describe your creative process?
To be honest, I can’t describe it. Things just come to me. I couldn’t tell you where they come from. I hear melodies and phrases all the time and in everything. Sometimes I’ll start with a beat, other times I’ll create something out of thin air. It’s the same when I’m creating my videos. While listening to a song a visual idea will fly into my head. The more bizarre the better. I just trust whatever comes through me.
You’re a born and raised New Yorker. How has the city influenced your creativity?
Being born and raised in NYC has instilled a bigger than life hustle mentally. When you’re from one of the biggest cities in the world, they say “If you can make it here you can make it anywhere,” you see the opportunity and potential for any dream to grow and become a reality. My creativity is often driven by that “small girl, big city” mentality. Making my larger than life ideas and concepts come to life is a reflection of the energy of my city.
How did you start collaborating with ORA? What do you like about collaborating with them?
I was introduced to them by a mutual friend. I laid something down on one of their beats and they instantly were like “Let’s do a whole EP!”. That became Um, Hello. We were all creatively and energetically on the same page. It was like we were in each other’s heads. I love working with them because of that. We don’t have to talk too much. Everything is expressed and comes together through the music. It’s like we’re part of the same tribe.
From teaching yourself how to engineer your own songs to shooting music videos on your iPhone, you are extremely resourceful and truly take charge of your creative vision. What advice do you have for women trying to make their creative ideas come to life?
My advice is simply to go for it. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and discover what’s on the other side. When it comes to making art there is no “right” way to do anything other than what feels right to you. Trust yourself and have fun with it. I learned how to do so many cool things and create so many cool effects by simply trial and error. So I say again, just go for it.
What is the best advice you have received about the music industry?
The best advice I’ve gotten was to trust myself. To trust myself as the artist and creator of my work and my brand, and to trust myself as the CEO of my business. My strength comes from knowing who I am as an artist, knowing what I have to offer, and therefore knowing my worth. Different people will pull you in a number of different directions if you have no identity. Being solid with myself has been the best advice I’ve received.
In what settings is the gender divide in the music industry most apparent to you?
I can say recently I observed a disappointing scenario where I attended a summer hip-hop concert that had a full list of talent. I’m talking about the who’s who of today’s urban music. What was crazy was that while the sun was still up and the stadium was half empty they had every female act go on first. The rest of the show including, of course, all of the prime time slots were left to the men. They basically just had the hottest females in hip hop (dressed to the nines, full on production, dancers and all) open for the rappers who just stood there and gave mid energy. That was the first time I witnessed that type of shade on that level.
You’re on tour right now with Teyana Taylor! How have the shows been going? What have your interactions with fans been like?
It has been absolutely incredible! I would never have imagined that my first tour would be opening for Teyana Taylor. It’s a super big deal. She’s insanely talented, and if you haven’t noticed she hasn’t been known to have many (if any) people open for her so I take it as the highest compliment and absolute blessing. Being in front of sold out rooms in cities I’ve never been to has been like living in a real life dream. Of course most of them are discovering me for the first time but in every city I’ve been to there have been LAYA fans sprinkled about singing my lyrics back to me and by the end of the show I’ve gained a sold out room of new fans.
How do you want listeners to feel when they listen to your music?
I want people to feel motivated and empowered when they listen to my music. I want them to feel strong and unstoppable. My music carries a lot of self love energy. There is no room for doubting yourself when you’re listening to LAYA. I also want people to sit back and purely enjoy my music. Music is meant to be an escape and I intend to always provide a smooth ride for my listeners.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
I think so far aside from opening for Teyana Taylor it would have to be the interview of Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer for their new movie NOPE where they mention my song “Sailor Moon.” Keke starts singing it and everything and before it ends Daniel lets her know that I’ve got a new song that she should check out. I couldn’t believe it! A fan had sent it to me and when I saw it I was in disbelief. It felt like being in the twilight zone, but in the best way.
What’s one bucket list goal you’d like to achieve?
I intend to win Grammys. On period. Straight like that.
What can fans expect from you over the next year?
You can expect new music and new collaborations! I’ve got some bangers tucked up my sleeves that I can’t wait to drop. A whole new flavor LAY is about to emerge. Make sure to have your popcorn ready.