Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Layal
Introduction of the project
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
The first memory that came to mind was a concert my parents took me to when I was a kid, for an Egyptian singer called Mohamed Hamaki. I managed to wiggle my way to the very front and be inches away from him, the band, the cheering crowd, the soundsystem and the lights and even though I wasn’t really a fan or anything but the energy of it all was incredible. I probably had love struck eyes looking at it all
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I don’t think there’s a time or place where it started happening. Since I was a kid I was just so drawn to the art & music world. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I always wanted to sing and especially growing up being a Disney kid, specifically Hannah Montana kid, how could I NOT want all that? It was a sure thing.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Ahla Sahra talks about an exaggerated version of me, an even freer version, who wanders through the mountains, seeing where life takes her, following the beat of her own Tabla and not others. It’s a celebration of someone who built a life they want & love. While the people are wondering what her next step is or judging her previous steps, she handcrafting her own tale.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
My sound is dreamy, soulful, eclectic, warm & hypnotic
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I learned that as much as it’s a spiritual act there is also a structure and it’s so important to understand the intricate details that listeners might not notice in the overall results but nonetheless still make a massive difference to the song as a whole. I’ve learned where vocals, instruments need to sit to deliver the feeling I’m after even if it’s not the way I initially wrote it. Saying that, I also learned not to get attached too much to the demo and the initial draft because you do need to trust the music and see where the song is gonna take you and allow it to alter if it needs it.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My mind is the most essential instrument for my creative process. If I’m working on a new song, initially, I’ll spend the time just thinking, thinking of the message I want to send, the visual identity that will fit with it. Every single track has a different side of Layal. I think of ways to market it and how to create an immersive world around it. How it’s gonna be live and what feelings it’s gonna give! Then I get to my notebook and start writing
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
An indie artist I’ve been admiring and following for a while is Naïka. Watching her journey and how she connects with her audience as she builds it so organically has been a masterclass for me. She fully understands what she wants her music to sound like, who her audience is and what they want and how to seize the momentum and keep it going without getting herself stuck in a box or category. I absolutely love artists who continue to reinvent themselves and develop!
Favourite song of hers is: For Gerard
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
It has fully influenced it, even without me realising or anticipating it. From my visual identity to my sound, you can really hear it. I know some people feel detached from their artistic persona and really like to separate the two which for these people is very healthy. However, for me I feel the most comfortable in my skin when I am performing, doing a shoot or in the studio. I feel the most in my element. So I feel like every moment in my life has shaped me up to be the artist that I am today, the good and the bad!
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I always hope my music leaves listeners feeling empowered. I hope my writing can act as a permission slip for them to do the thing they’ve been wanting to do, that it makes them feel seen and gives them the space to be more vulnerable and in love with themselves. I hope my music can provoke conversations sometimes!
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me to be patient & to trust the process because good things take time. It has really taught me that just because I missed out on an opportunity doesn’t mean I didn’t deserve it. Just means I will be ready for it at the right time. In the beginning I was always in a rush to make things happen but I learned that when it happens at its own speed, I’m way more prepared for it, mentally & professionally. It has taught me so much about myself as I had to dig deep to understand my identity, my influences and why I am the way I am. Overall, I really don’t know where or who I would be without my music career. I’m watching myself from a third party perspective as well and I’m loving what I’m seeing and I’m so excited to see what more I’m gonna accomplish, whether it’s growth in my career or my personal growth.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
The first thing that came to mind is KOKO in London. I just love this venue so much. I always go there to see some of my favourite artists and it’s been a dream of mine to go on the stage. I love that it used to be a theatre and still kind of maintains the same interiors where you can see the stage so clearly from whatever level you’re at and I love a good venue where you can actually enjoy the music and stand comfortably so definitely KOKO. It’s iconic for me.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Well definitely the main ones would be Erykah Badu and Sade because they have opened certain worlds for me that I wasn’t familiar with before. The same emotions I want my listeners to feel, these two have made me feel the same. They’ve given me the space to not be afraid to experiment with my music. Through them I studied how to make music that is timeless and will continue to sound just as good and relevant over time. After all, they are both strong creative women and I always try to surround myself with them whether with the people around me or through them sonically.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
I’m most active on Instagram so please do follow me there and here’s my Linktree that will take you to all other platforms and important links to get to know me as an artists
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Reply I’m aiming to work on another project (EP or album) soon! I will be developing my stage set up & live performances. I’ve been building my community and I want to continue to grow within and be able to organise special events for my listeners. I’m still going to continue to experiment with my sound that’s never gonna change
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
Reply I hope listeners will truly get to know me, minus all the prejudice and misconceptions. I can be judged very easily and I would like to get past that and be able to show all the parts of me without someone thinking she’s too this, too that!
If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 🙂
Link to Ahla Sahra’s music video
