HAYLA Talks about Her Debut Album ‘DUSK’ [Interview]

Hailing from Formby, Liverpool, HAYLA is a GRAMMY-nominated, singer and songwriter, that is enchanting the masses with her extraordinarily powerful voice. Over the last couple of years she has emerged as one of the most in-demand vocalists and songwriters in global dance music, featuring on a number of significant records alongside high-profile artists such as: John Summit, Sub Focus, Kx5 (deadmau5 & Kaskade), Wilkinson, Example, Ben Nicky, to name a few–to write with and perform on their biggest singles.

Now To celebrate the release of her debut solo album DUSK the talented HAYLA has taking some time out of her busy schedule to sit down with us and talk about her life, DUSK and other interesting things. Dusk is an sonic journey with each song running deep exploring different themes of love lost and won to anxiety, regained strength and dreams. The ten-track collection recorded over three years, consists of all original songs along multiple styles and genres, penned and performed by HAYLA with production from a variety of producers including Andy Sheldrake, Blanke, Carl Ryder & Nick Henriques and more.

Nocturnal Times: Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Big gratz on releasing your album Dusk. Your music and voice have changed the EDM landscape over these last couple of years. How excited are you that your debut album finally sees the day of light?

HAYLA: Thank you so much for having me!! Ah and thank you! I’m so happy to have this body of work out and for people to get to know me more.

Nocturnal Times: Your debut album is called Dusk, would you care to enlighten us on why you choose that title?

HAYLA: Dusk is my favorite time of the day and the name of the final track on the album which was completely written, recorded and produced by me. Dusk is the ending and the start of something new. This album signifies a new chapter for me.

Nocturnal Times: With Dusk you are releasing 10 heartfelt tracks. Tell us more about the story you want to tell us with this album?

HAYLA: Behind the scenes its been three years in the making so it’s a real diary piece. There is a mixture of style and genre within this body of work which I think shows the different sides of my listening habits and loves. I can pinpoint different moments in my life reading through the track list. I think and hope that if people find a bit of themselves or their story within these tracks that they feel like they’re not alone.

Nocturnal Times: During the past summer you had many live performances. Which one was one that stand out for you and why?

HAYLA: Oh wow! So many amazing moments to choose from. One that really stands out is Madison Square Garden. I’ve always heard of this venue but I’d never been there before so getting to sing on that stage was absolutely incredible.

Nocturnal Times: On the 4th of December you have a special show planned. Want to tell us a little bit more about it?

HAYLA: This performance is my first ever headline show which is also acting as my album launch party. I’ll be performing a lot from the album and a few of the collaborations I’ve been a part of. I have been working with an incredible team to get visuals, sound and lighting just right and I am so excited to start off my solo artist performances.

Nocturnal Times: Is there a huge difference between the crowds? Inside Europe, or compared to the USA?

HAYLA: You know what the only difference I suppose is where a track may have been released. Sometimes something stylistically resonates with different crowds so I’ll find different tracks may be more instantly recognizable in the US and then one more instantly recognizable in Europe. Every place always has that one big thing in common however – the love of music.  

Nocturnal Times: Who or what inspires you the most? And who has been a great influence on your musical career? And is there any artist you really would like to collab with in the future?

HAYLA: One artist that has been a big influence on my career is Sia. I love how she’s managed to move through genres. From the more electronica ambient with the likes of zero 7 – to her own solo project and then amazingly her Christmas album. I have a great amount of respect for her songwriting and voice.

Nocturnal Times: During your career you had probably had many highs and lows. Do you want to share a moment that has had a huge impact on you as person?

HAYLA: There’s been many moments. Most recently though it’s selling tickets for my show in December. Performing is where I feel most myself and I’ve been feeling quite emotional (in a really good way) about being able to showcase everything I’ve been working on over these past few years.

Nocturnal Times: We appreciate taking time for this interview and we know you are busy! Let’s wrap this up with a question. Have you ever been at an event/party that got shutdown?

HAYLA: Thank you for having me!! Oooo no I haven’t! 

To support the release of DUSK in the U.S., HAYLA will make her first ever major headlining performance December 4 at The Roxy Theatre on the world famous Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. The high-production album release party will have HAYLA performing live many selections from DUSK as well as her popular collaborations such as “Shiver,” “Escape,” “Without You” and “Another World.” A limited number of tickets remain here.