Transforming Artistic Identity: Hayla’s ‘DUSK’ Redefines Her Music Journey [Exclusive Interview]

Nov 1, 2024

A new vocalist often rises to the top of the dance music scene, becoming a cultural icon. Whether it’s John Martin, Dylan Matthew, or Becky Hill, the latest addition is Liverpool’s own Hayla, whose debut solo album, DUSK, has just been released. Known primarily for her topline contributions on major dance tracks, such as John Summit‘s “Where You Are,” Sub Focus‘ “I Found You,” and MEDUZA‘s “Another World,” Hayla, born Hayley Williams, has quickly established herself as a leading singer/songwriter in contemporary electronic music. With her debut album, she embarks on an independent journey that showcases her talents as a UK singer, performer, musician, and now music producer.

Prior to its November 1 release, six singles from DUSK were made available ahead of the album. “Treading Water,” written and produced with Andy Sheldrake and Oliver Reed, served as the first preview in August 2022. Following that, the Andy Sheldrake-assisted “Unfold” was released in October, symbolizing “people’s perception of others as if they were a piece of art.” In 2023, Hayla built on the momentum of “Where You Are” with the release of “Fall Again,” co-produced by Owen Jones, Ross Walsh & Alex Tepper, leading to the final two previews, “Freefall” and “Only I,” released in 2024.

As is common for artists, Hayla sought out songwriting and production help from industry veterans during the making of DUSK. However, she undertook the significant task of producing the album’s title track, the final piece on the album, by herself. “I was incredibly nervous about including [‘DUSK’] on the album,” she shared, adding,

“I used to be incredibly nervous as a performer, feeling shy singing in front of people… Putting out ‘DUSK’ was sort of a ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ kind of thing. I’ve always been in awe of producers, and I would love to be able to say that I’ll produce more in the future now that I’ve done this. It’s a completely ambient and experimental piece, and it doesn’t have any lyrics.”

Featuring expansive pads, harmonized background vocals, and a lively synth melody, “DUSK” concludes the album as a true reflection of Hayla’s musical talent and taste. “I wanted to throw myself into the deep end, and I’m really happy that I did,” she said.

DUSK is comprised of ten tracks—each highlighting Hayla rather than featuring other artists. The UK singer hopes her solo endeavor will resonate with fans of her well-known collaborations while also revealing a more intimate side of her artistry. “I think I’ve managed to balance the sound and energy from my collaborations with this other side of me,” she explains. “I’m hoping audiences don’t feel alienated from who I am, and what I’d been doing with other artists, because that’s a big part of me as well.” She elaborates,

“I’ve always enjoyed electronica, UKG, some more ambient styles, and then there’s a side of me that’s lower tempo, kind of more diary-inspired songwriting… I tried to make this album a nice mixture.”

Hayla’s natural talent for songwriting positions her as more than just an EDM topliner, enhancing her credibility in a largely male-dominated industry. “It feels amazing to be earning these kinds of accolades in a male-dominated genre,” says Hayla, who received two Electronic Dance Music Awards for “Vocalist Of The Year” and “Dance Song Of The Year” in 2024. With a background in bands, Hayla’s intricate dance tracks can easily be stripped down, as evidenced by her 2018 acoustic version of “I Need,” originally produced by UK drum-and-bass artist Wilkinson.

“Storytelling within dance music is definitely becoming a lot more prevalent. Most of the songs I write start on a piano and would work as a stripped back piece. If you removed the production from most of the tracks that I’m on, you could hear it in a wine bar, you know?”

On December 4th, Hayla is set to perform her first headline show at the iconic Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. “It’s going to be a fun evening,” she notes. Attendees can expect unique arrangements of songs from her impressive catalog, along with potential exclusive vinyl copies of her debut album. “Yes, there might be some vinyl, potentially, for some people who turn up. I will reveal more about that soon,” she teased.

“I just can’t wait to get out there. It’s going to be a mixture of songs from the album, songs that people may have heard before, songs that I’ve released as well as some that I haven’t… I’m really excited for people to hear the new ones live, and of course I’m excited to sing along with the ones that everybody knows.”

With the launch of her debut album, Hayla is poised to elevate her career beyond her popular features as she moves into 2025. Purchase tickets for Hayla’s upcoming headline show in LA here, listen to the recorded Dancing Astronaut Hayla interview for the first time here, and be sure to stream DUSK in full, below.