"The best thing you can do is take what you have & make it work" - The LAYA Interview
Straight from Staten Island is singer/songwriter/producer, and all around creative LAYA! Once you get a taste of her vibe, you're bound to be entangled. With a few years in, she has steadily gained a following, and is improving with every release.
She caught your attention with her R&B and pop sounds that show different perspectives, and you can't help but see that her style is ahead of the pack. Since LAYA's breakout single "Sailor Moon" in 2020, she has been putting in the work in the studio and on stage, and she's not slowing down anytime soon.
She makes an re-introduction with the re-release of her 2019 EP, "Um, Hello", and we got to speak to her about the project, her artistry, Missy Elliott, signing to Warner Records, and more. Check out the interview below!
Thanks for coming through! For those unfamiliar, tell us how you started making music.
I’ve been singing and making up songs all my life. Since I could remember, I was singing in front of mirrors and improvising my own shows. There really isn’t a single starting point. It’s something I’ve always done.
I can hear a lot of Missy Elliot’s influence in your sound. What other artists have had an impact on the way you approach music?
I can definitely say Brandy, Destiny’s Child, Rick James and Lady Gaga among MANY others have influenced me. I love, love, love R&B music, especially strong female driven R&B. I love the approach that artists like Gaga and Missy take to bringing their music to life through art.
At what point in your life did you realize that you had the gift of music and art?
Lol! As soon as I opened my mouth. My parents would have to rip me off of any platform that even remotely resembled a stage. Being artistically creative was also something that just came natural to me. My mother is a 3rd generation visual artist. There were always paints and various art supplies in my house.
My greatest goal is to contribute to music and culture in ways that influence (in the best way) generations to come
So, you just released your debut album, “Um, Hello”. In what ways was putting together a full project different from releasing singles?
You know, I love how people call it an album. It’s only an EP. I’m flattered. When people say this it tells me that I accomplished my goal at making an enjoyably cohesive body of work. It’s like a book or a film. That’s the difference between a single and a project, be it EP or album. A single is like only one scene in a movie or a single chapter in a book. A full project is the whole story. I got to show the world different sides of me and express different moods and feelings instead of a single one while remaining the same girl in the same story.
How did putting together “Um, Hello” stretch your creativity?
I was able to have fun with it. I took the tools that I had available to me and made it into something. The best thing you can do is take what you have and make it work.
Speaking of creativity, where do you think yours comes from?
My creativity definitely comes from my parents. My father’s side of the family is all pretty much singers and musicians of some sort and my mother’s side of the family were all visual artists who painted and sculpted. It was only natural that I would pick something up.
What does “Um, Hello” mean to you as a title?
It’s my call to the universe. A big ol’ “Hey! Look over here!”. I want the world to know that I’m here and that what I’ve got to deliver is pure fire!
What advice do you have for fellow creatives when they feel uninspired?
Write about being uninspired. Literally. Whatever you are thinking or feeling is relatable to someone. Put that feeling back into your craft.
So, you’re signed to Warner Records now. Congrats! Why did you decide to make that move, as opposed to staying independent?
I wanted to take my music and my career to the next level. I have big ideas and wanted to bring them to life and who better to do it with than with a major label.
You should know that there’s nothing you can’t do
What similarities and differences have you noticed between being an independent and signed artist? What’s your greatest goal for your music and career?
When I was independent I was able to create what I wanted and release music when I wanted the way I wanted. Since being signed there’s a lot more red tape that things have to go through. I’ve also noticed that many of my creative instincts that I’ve had while being independent have served me well in this new chapter of my career. I trust myself and my creative vision now more than ever and it’s a blessing to have a team of people to help me elevate that vision.
What’s your greatest goal for your music and career?
My greatest goal is to contribute to music and culture in ways that influence (in the best way) generations to come. Music lasts forever. My music will outlive me and I intend to leave something of substance for the future. I hope to inspire and influence in the same ways that my influential mothers and fathers influenced me.
We saw that you’re about to head out on tour with Teyana Taylor… how does it feel?
It feels incredible! I’m humbled to say the least. She is an absolutely amazing performer. To grace the same stage as her in the same night and on my FIRST tour no less is a blessing in every sense of the word.
Anything else we should know?
You should know that there’s nothing you can’t do. I know it sounds like preschool mumbo jumbo but it’s the truth. Believe in yourself. Trust yourself, always.
Tap in with LAYA @layaface
Stream "Um, Hello" below for creativity in it's highest form
