HAYLA's Five Favorite Voices in Electronic Music
Following the release of her debut album, the prominent electronic music vocalist and songwriter HAYLA lists out five of her favorite singers who helped her find her own voice.
Over the last three years, the UK-born GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter, HAYLA, has carved out a career for herself as one of dance music's most sought-after vocalists. Her tremendous vocal chops and emphatic lyricism have attracted superstar DJ/producers from across the electronic music spectrum to grace their track arrangements with her voice, turning them into smash hits. These high-profile artists include John Summit, Sub Focus, Kx5 (deadmau5 & Kaskade), Wilkinson, Example, KYGO, Ben Nicky, and more.
Earlier this month, HAYLA dropped her debut album, Dusk — a ten-track collection of original tracks that floats and weaves through themes of "love lost and won to anxiety, regained strength, and dreams."
In celebration of her new album and ahead of her first-ever headline show at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, Beatportal reached out to HAYLA to learn more about the singers/artists whose work has inspired her to passionately persue her career. Check out her selects below.
Romy
One vocalist that has really inspired me over the years is Romy. I’ve always loved The XX and was so happy to see that Romy had a debut album called Mid Air! It’s incredible to see what artists create in solo projects outside of their usual band aesthetic. So, the song I wanted to showcase from the album is Romy's "The Sea."
Björk
I’ve been a fan of Björk since I was a teenager and was first introduced to her incredible album Post when I was nine years old. Björk's sound and vocal style is like no other. A true innovator and trailblazer. My choice of track is Björk's "Hyperballad."
FKA Twigs
The emotion and vocal tone in FKA Twigs' technique really elevates the story behind each song. The artistry behind each composition and concept especially with FKA Twigs new teasers for the hotly anticipated new album Eusexua really draws you into FKA’s world. The track is have therefore chosen is from this body of work, FKA Twig’s "Perfect Stranger."
Grimes
I have followed Grimes since 2010 when she released her album Geidi Primes. I love the ethereal tones, textures, and soundscapes she creates with her voice, which add a cinematic level to her productions. The track I have chosen is from a newer album, Miss Anthropocene. This is Grimes - "Violence."
Elizabeth Fraser
Part of some of the most prolific tracks of the '90s and early 2000s, Elizabeth Fraser's beautifully emotive and somewhat haunting vocal work is something that is surely etched into the fabric of many people’s lives. I was lucky enough to watch the Massive Attack collected tour show at Brixton Academy back in 2007 and caught this song live. The track I have chosen is ‘Massive Attack and Elizabeth Fraser's "Teardrops."
HAYLA's debut album, Dusk, is now out via Restless Minds Music/Believe UK. Listen below or get it on Beatport.