Tag: Ayla

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AYLA Drops Relatable Indie-Pop Banger, “Should’ve Been Fine”

We’ve all had those moments where we question what might have been. Perhaps it was the case of the wrong timing or we were just too scared to make the leap, but we can’t help replaying situations in our minds and asking what could have been. AYLA explores one of her greatest “what ifs” in her fabulous new single “Should’ve Been Fine.”

“I wrote this song about being in love with my best friend, who loved me back, but we knew it wouldn’t work out,” she recalled. “’Holding off on happiness cause some stupid little things didn’t line up’ is a line in the chorus that pretty much sums it up! I was really feeling like life was too short to let anything get in the way of two people loving each other and being together”.

I’ve written about so many AYLA singles over the years, but this one might just be my favourite. I’m going to sit with this one for a bit, but I can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Photo credit: She is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Covid Collaboration Pays Off For AYLA With “Fire and Wine”

AYLA took an unconventional approach to writing her latest single “Fire and Wine.” This infectious electro-pop banger is one of her best.

“After a couple of Covid-canceled planned writing trips, Sam [Thomlinson] and I set aside a day to write together online instead,” AYLA recalled. “I think it was that initial synth line that made me feel nostalgic. The first verse made me think of a good friend of mine and the things we’d get up to when we were younger. The second verse travelled through more memories, this time more of a relationship when I was younger. The chorus puts all those feelings together for how we live our lives now.”

The press release hints that there’s a lot more to come from AYLA in the near future. I can’t wait! Until then, I’m going to have “Fire and Wine” on repeat.

Image used with permission from Ella Fence Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ayla Channels “Bitterness” in New Pop Single

“Bitterness” has never sounded so good as when Ayla’s singing about it. The Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast native elevates the sweetness in the emotion with her latest alt-pop single. Don’t worry though; those lyrics have still got some bite.

“This song came out of one of the strongest heartbreaks I’d ever felt – a friendship. Writing it was a way to process the hurt I felt at the time,” Ayla explained. “Sitting with the song for around two years, I’ve been able to reflect on it as a sentiment of the darker elements I felt about the situation at the time. In a way I was embarrassed by the feelings I’d had, but I think that both listening to and writing music helps to process your thoughts and feelings – some of which you don’t want to carry around with you. You can get it out, and then let it go.”

After recently signing to Italian label Ego Records, Ayla might just be set for global domination. Watch this space!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: She Is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Let’s Talk Monday” – Ayla

Australia seems full of strong female voices at the moment, from the commercial acts like Jessica Mauboy and Dami Im to more alternative artists like Montaigne and Camp Cope. Ayla is another name we can add to the list. She’d impressed me with her singles, but I feel I’ve got a deeper appreciation of her music on listening to her new EP Let’s Talk Monday.

The first track, “Shallow End,” drew me in immediately. It’s such a strong start, with soaring vocals and driving drums. “Like the Other Kids” speaks to anyone who’s felt they didn’t fit in. The next track “Cry Honey Cry” is smouldering and oh so cool.

After some big, bold numbers, the delicate “Used Furniture” helps give Let’s Talk Monday some balance. This delicate portrait of a relationship may be my favourite song on the album. It’s just exquisite. “Porcelain Doll” is a powerful song about the struggle of moving on. The lyrics are so on point here. “Too Cool for June” is such a beautiful way to end the EP, a bittersweet tale of resignation of lost love, wistful but wise.

There’s a quiet power about what Ayla does. Her tone is so rich, pure and haunting. I could listen to her sing the phone book, but the personal, intimate songs on this EP are much better than that. She bares her soul through this collection of songs, and that makes her work so compelling.

Let’s Talk Monday is out now. Ayla is currently launching it with shows around the country. You can see her at Melbourne’s Penny Black on January 19 or Sydney’s OAF Gallery Bar on January 20.


Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ayla Headlins Rare Finds East Coast Tour

Sydney’s boutique PR and artist management company Rare Finds wants more Aussies to see some of the talented up-and-coming musicians on its roster. So it’s announced three East Coast shows this summer, featuring the super-talented Ayla and a host of other new acts.

This tour is the next natural progression for an organisation who’s already showcased emerging musicians at special gigs in Sydney and Brisbane.

“The Rare Finds nights serve to foster a scene within the Australian indie community and provide a strong live platform for outstanding emerging artists,” explained Rare Finds managing director, Rob Carroll. “One of the biggest challenges faced by artists, managers and agents at the early stages of an artist’s career, is developing a live following. With the launch of our Melbourne event, we’re now able to provide an East Coast touring platform to new acts, so they can play to ready-made crowds, which largely consist of industry, tastemakers and the core local indie community.”

The Rare Finds tour kicks off on January 12, the same day Ayla releases her sophomore EP Let’s Talk Monday. That collection of songs features the superb new single “Porcelain Doll.” See Ayla and a revolving door of exciting new acts on the Rare Finds tour.

12 January 2018 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
19 January 2018 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
20 January 2018 – OAF Gallery Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ayla Impresses with “Like the Other Kids”

Ayla speaks directly to my angsty inner teen with her latest track “Like the Other Kids.” It’s such a poignant song about being different and the feelings that can stir, expressed beautifully by the Sunshine Coast songstress. I’ve enjoyed her other material but this has blown me away.

Ayla will launch the single the following shows along the East Coast next month.

2 October 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
7 October 2016 – Studio 188, Ipswich
8 October 2016 – The Zoo, Brisbane
21 October 2016 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
22 October 2016 – The Penny Black, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ayla Makes an Impression with “Waiting”

There’s not a lot of fanfare surrounding the release of Queensland chanteuse Ayla’s new single “Waiting”. Her PR company didn’t organise an online premiere, and there aren’t any launch shows. Instead it’s going to be one of those songs that gets out there because of word of mouth, because it’s just that good.

It’s such a powerful song with a Jezabels meets Florence and the Machine kind of vibe. I also love that those searing lyrics match up to the driving drums. It’s staggering to think that Ayla already sounds so seasoned at just 19 years old.

“Waiting” is lifted from Ayla’s new EP, which will be released later this year.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado