Known for her collaborations with industry giants like Meduza, Kygo, and John Summit, Hayla steps into the spotlight with a deeply personal project that has already captured the hearts of listeners and critics alike. With poignant lyrics, emotive vocals, and a journey that spans three years of introspection and growth, Dusk invites fans into Hayla’s world like never before. In this interview, she opens up about the cathartic process behind the album, the inspiration for its evocative title, and her creative journey from chart-topping collaborations to solo triumphs. Her debut solo album, Dusk, marks a transformative milestone in her career, showcasing her evolution as an artist and storyteller.

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Your debut solo album Dusk has been receiving lots of praise. How does it finally feel to share this project with the world?

HAYLA: How do I feel sharing it? It took about three years to get all of this work together and it was definitely the most cathartic process to put it all together. Hopefully, it gives fans a better feel of who I am. The tracks, having taken three years to come together, have a good ebb and flow, storyline, and feel for the things I like. I’m really proud to share it, and I hope listeners feel like they get to know me a little better. 

What inspired the title for the album?

HAYLA: Dusk is one of my favorite times of the day. It symbolizes the ending of something and the start of something new. It’s quite a poignant title for me. There’s also a track on the album called “Dusk,” the first track I ever wrote, recorded, and produced by myself. I was nervous about including it on the album, but once I decided to, it felt right to make it the title. It ties into the whole theme of feeling the fear and doing it anyway—letting go of overthinking and just creating.

The video for “Only I” is beautifully done. Can you tell us about the creative process behind it?

HAYLA: “Only I” was written with Blanke, an amazing producer and artist. The track came together quickly, mostly in one day, apart from a few final tweaks later. The story behind it is about someone being on your mind so much that they consume your thoughts day and night. It’s about the loneliness of being without them, and the exhaustion of carrying those feelings into your dreams and daily life. That’s where lyrics like “darkness encircles my eyes” come from—the bags under your eyes from sleepless nights.

“Another World” recently returned to number one on the dance charts. What does that kind of success mean to you?

HAYLA: It’s amazing. Honestly, nothing like that is ever lost on me. Knowing that people are enjoying it so much and connecting with it—it’s incredible. I’m extremely grateful. When I first heard, I was like, “What?!” It was exciting and such an honor.

You’ve collaborated with huge names like Meduza, Kygo, and John Summit. How does the process of collaborating compare to creating your solo work?

HAYLA: That’s a great question. I always try to retain a version of myself in collaborative works. In collaborations, there’s influence from everyone involved, but I bring in my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. When writing for myself, I can be more indulgent with storytelling and lyricism. I linger on personal stories longer than I might in a collaborative setting. I’ve learned to write authentically without overthinking how it will be received, and that’s been a joy.

What’s your favorite song from Dusk and why?

HAYLA: Oh, I’ve changed my mind on this one a lot. I really love “Unfold” because of the storytelling process. But another favorite is “Alone,” which was co-written and produced by Flourish (Michael Keefe). It’s about how much I lose myself when I’m with someone else and the realization that maybe my greatest love should be myself. It came from a breakup that lingered longer than it should have. Writing that song helped me process it. It’s a hurt but healing track for me.

Would you say self-reflection is important in your creative process?

HAYLA: Definitely. Over the three years it took to create this album, so much changed. The tracklist feels like a diary, capturing where I was emotionally at each point. I hope listeners can bring their own meaning to the lyrics and feel less alone. Life changes in an instant, and music can resonate with those moments.

Your voice is described as powerful and emotive. How do you prepare vocally for recording versus live performances?

HAYLA: When recording, I can be more relaxed since it doesn’t have to be a one-take wonder. For live performances, I do more breathing exercises and scale work. One of my favorite warm-ups involves blowing bubbles through a straw into water. It helps with breath control and steadies your breathing. It’s meditative and really effective for expanding your lungs.

You’ve achieved so much in dance music already. What’s next for you as an artist?

Hayla: I love performing live; it’s where I feel most myself. I want to tour more and have collaborations and solo tracks in the pipeline. I’m especially excited about my Dusk tour with shows in New York, San Francisco, Denver, and Seattle. I can’t wait to share that collective energy with audiences.

What do you hope fans feel when they listen to your music?

HAYLA: I hope they feel connected and less alone. If I can make people feel the way I do when I sing, I’ve done my job. Music can be such a powerful way to connect with others and make them feel like something belongs to them.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring vocalists and songwriters, what would it be?

HAYLA: Believe in yourself. There’s only one of you, and your uniqueness is your greatest strength. Say yes to opportunities that feel right, and trust in what you have to offer.

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