What’s next for Ayla?

Congratulations on the release of your new single ‘Go Slow’. It was co-written by Reuben Styles from Peking Duk.
How did you end writing together?

I was extremely excited to get an email from the band after a show they played up on the Sunshine Coast (where I’m from), which said they liked my stuff and wanted to try to work on something together. In the end it was just Reuben and I who ended up writing together, and I really love what came out. It started with an instrumental track that he sent over, and then I wrote lyrics and melody over that. Reuben adjusted the track a bit around what I’d done, and also had some ideas for the structure and phrasing of the vocals. It was a really great experience.

 ‘Go Slow’ is the first release for you in 18 months, what have you been up to during this time?

I’ve been trying a few different things. I’ve been singing in a different project and playing bass and doing bv’s in another. It’s been really fun to try some different things and have a bit of a break. It also made me really excited to come back and work on my own music again. I’ve been really enjoying the collaborations and co-writes and have been lucky to be working with a few different people in that regard – so it’s been really fun working on a bunch of new tracks with people and seeing where the songs go!

How have you been occupying your time during the past few of months in isolation?

I’ve been doing some writing, and playing guitar, and had a bass lesson. I’ve also been trying to walk everyday – the Glass House Mountains are nearby, so that’s a good place. I also bought a wetsuit and have been continuing my Summer hobby of learning how to surf. I’m still a beginner, but it’s a lot of fun! I’ve also been having a hit of table tennis with my aunty who lives close by. That’s all been fun, but I’m definitely ready to get back into non-Covid things as well, like gigging!  

 You’re based on the Sunshine Coast, tell us about the music scene there? Will you be performing at any local venues soon?

We're all hoping venues and shows will open/start up again, and hopefully they will. It’s obviously been such a tricky time for the music industry as a whole this year so far. I feel very lucky to still be able to make and release music, and don’t have anything booked in yet, but am really looking forward to playing again when we can!

What’s next for Ayla? Is there a new EP or album coming in 2020? 

More surfing, and more music! There’s definitely more tracks being worked on, and more to be released this year, which I’m really looking forward to! 

Ayla ‘Go Slow’ is out now