Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I grew up on a farm in a house on a hill, with timber walls and big glass doors looking out over a valley. It was a pretty special place to sit and find my way around a guitar, pour out my feelings onto a notepad and write hundreds of songs. My Dad loves listening to music, so we used to sit in the lounge room at night, with the big pot-belly fire going, and just listen to albums. Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, John Mayer… I loved the songwriting. Nothing was more exciting than hearing a line and thinking ‘ohh, that’s so clever!’ It was a great way to fall in love with songwriting, and that’s always been the most important part of the music for me. I love exploring songwriting in different space, from more acoustic beginnings, to trying my hand at pop, electro and indie styles.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “AYLA”?
A: By being featured in Bored City! I think just trying to get out of my own head/way and just keep making music, keep making content and be a bit more vulnerable with what I put out online – and put more out! Videos/music/photos/captions! All of the things. I think having fun with it all is a really great way to go, and it comes through. A message for anyone about to discover ‘AYLA’… probably thank you! And welcome haha. I would love to know what other music they’re loving and why!
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I’ve been loving SZA at the moment. I’m really into that RnB meets pop world at the moment, and I think her music is such a great example of fantastic pop production, mixing organic with electronic sounds and really interesting lyricism. That’s goals! I also love that her music is pop, but it’s not, well… boring! I can appreciate pop music that’s been written for the sake of writing a good pop song, but music just hits differently when you can feel the emotion and story behind it. I think she’s great on socials as well, and that’s something I’ve found to be difficult for my own project (just knowing what to post and say!) but I think she keeps it very cute and engaging.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Fire And Wine.”?
A: My producer Sam sent through a synth idea that gave me a feeling of nostalgia to write from. It shaped into a story of navigating growing up and heartbreak – with an uplifting anthemic attitude. The verses explore youthful relationships, where everything is new and charged with emotion (in the first, I was remembering my best friend picking me up from home when I’d gotten drunk on red wine and didn’t want my parents to know). The second verse is based on a romantic relationship, specifically one where we slept in all the time and watching too much tv. Both friendships and love break your heart, but the chorus breaks into this anthemic place of uplifting togetherness, through all the hardship, which I love. Ultimately, it’s just a really fun pop song! I can’t wait to share it and play it live!
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Tricky! Maybe ‘moody’?
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Fire And Wine”?
A: Fire & Wine was co-written with Sam Thomlinson (Bad Pony, Oh My My). Sam and I have worked together on some other tracks, including a co-write on a previous release ‘Manic’. We were trying to get together to write again, but covid got in the way of a few planned trips (Sam lives near Sydney, and I’m on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland). After a few covid-canceled plans, Sam and I tried an online co-write. This was the first time I had really done an online co-write, so I was a bit unsure of how it would go. We used the Discord platform, and the track actually came together really smoothly from that point!
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Writing songs has always been a really useful way for me to process thoughts and feelings and things going on in my world, and the world around me. I find it to be sort of like journalling, but with the parameters of a pop structure and form, and I find that to be a fun challenge to keep (mostly) within, while still pushing myself to be vulnerable and honest in the lyrical content. The most rewarding thing for me as an artist is to hear people say that my songs have been relatable, or even helped them process a hard time. I suppose that’s really my goal as an artist, to write honest music that people can enjoy and relate to.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I think Mark Ronson! I’ve loved his work since watching he and Amy Winehouse in the ‘Valerie’ video clip on RAGE when I was young and dancing around the living room. I think he’s a very smart pop producer and would love to work with him to create music together. It would be incredible to watch his process and to be inspired by his work. So, if anyone has his contact details…
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Don’t be scared of rejection would have to be a big one! Everyone is so busy in this world, so they may not get back to you, but don’t let that stop you reaching out as well! I’ve found a lot of people to be very willing and happy to help, so don’t be scared to reach out to people. Another big thing would be just to keep the love of music at the heart of everything: stay inspired, and try not to let the industry and other frills distract you from the real purpose.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Both of the above! I suppose I would also let my younger self know that it’s okay to be sensitive, which I always have been, and that this is something that helps me to get in touch with that creative and vulnerable place for songwriting. I would also encourage her not to get too caught up in this though, and let her know that everyone is only really thinking about themselves, so don’t be scared to put yourself out there or take it personally if things don’t go perfectly!
