It's so good to have her back. London's very own recording artist Layal returns to debut new single This State. The swayful and graceful singer songwriter shares another marvellous record for listeners to indulge in.
With it's soulful groove and mid tempo swing and harmonious and sultry vocals. Layal took time to chat with us about her newest song. how it came about and sharing her favourite songs, dream collaborations and what's coming next.
Stream the single on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
1. Hey Layal, It’s great to have you back to share behind the track This State.
For those who don’t know, what’s it all about ?
LAYAL: This State is about me being proud of my talent & power, giving it the respect it deserves. I’m no longer downplaying the things that I’m good at. It’s probably more for me
than anyone else. I’m saying it to myself. It’s all about the way you carry yourself. It all
comes within, I’m not basing my value on people think because it should come with within
first and the rest will follow. I’m especially not sharing my energy with those who won’t
handle it with care.
2. It’s an amazing track. How was the song writing process for this single? Did you find it simple and easy or challenging?
LAYAL: Actually the writing proccess for This State wasn’t so difficult once I knew
what I’m writing about. I think it’s been simmering in there for a while. It felt like therapytic
actually, as if it’s left mind now and out to the world to become a reality.
When it comes to writing, I make sure that I don’t force it, I let it come to me over time,
once the idea is in my head, I’ll see it everywhere around me, I’ll get inspired by life
happening to me and then it’s just connecting the dots together and making final tweaks
and changes.
3. The music Neo soul, rap and smooth elements, how was it working on the
track’s production, were there any artists and producers that inspired the sonics
of the song?
LAYAL: The instrumental was made by a producer called Mac Kay, I came across his
beats a while ago. Listening to the first 2secs, I immediately knew this is exactly the sound
I envisioned for myself. It was perfect. It’s inspired by Erykah Badu & Isaiah Rashad’s
work. The instrumental is as Neo-Soul as it gets, you know!
4. You released so many wonderful tunes. What would be your TOP 5 favourites?
LAYAL:
1.Madina
2. This State
3. Cosmic Greentea
4. Temporary Highs
5. June
5) Your music is booming with so much to look forward to. If you could work
with an artist and producer on a project who would they be and why?
LAYAL: I’ve been following a producer called Linden Jay for a while he’s worked with
amazing artists like Chloe Bailey, Maverick Sabre, JGrrey and Sinead Harnett. He produced on Doja Cat’s Woman. He’s just so good and creative. I would love to be in the
same room as him.
6. Finally, What’s coming up next from you. Any live shows or maybe you’ve got
an EP loading or more music videos ?
LAYAL: So since mid last year I’ve been working on this EP, Madina & This State will be
part of it. I wanted to make sure I got the promo right, I didn’t want to put all the work in and then it doesn’t get heard so I’m hosting a listening party for it on the
7th of May at 91 Living Room, Brick Lane. This will be before the actual EP is
released so it’ll be exclusive to the people who show up and they’ll listen to it
before anyone else.