Anglo-Arab singer-songwriter Layla Kaylif has created one of my favourite songs of the month so far, coming in the form of Black is the Colour. The main melody and chord sequence are really catchy, followed nicely by Layla’s soft vocal stylings. We’ve featured Layla’s music a few times now, so it’s definitely the right time to get to know her a bit more – see how we got on in our interview below!

By Jane Howkins

It’s been a few months since we last shared your music on these pages. How have you been since then? Has anything exciting happened since the start of the year that you want to share with us?

I discovered something called Yogalates, which is a fusion of yoga and Pilates. Wow – I mean, who knew there were still new things to discover in life? I just did a class, and it’s less boring than Pilates and not quite as fun as yoga, but since I haven’t worked out for three years, it was at least a good way to get me back into the gym.

I mean, I hate working out – that’s the truth. Wait, this has nothing to do with music, but it’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me since the start of the year, so there you go.

You have a new single out titled Black is the Colour. What can you tell us about the track, and how has the reception been so far?

Well, it’s one of those songs where I really love the lyrics and the melody, but God, it’s so boring the way artists usually do it – slow and dreary. No offence.

So I decided to do my own take, you know, with a bit more OOMPH, and I added some lyrics of my own. I also sing it like I actually mean it, which, I don’t know… it’s a moment in time, a lament for the beloved. I think people can relate to it. At least, I hope so.

The new single is actually a cover of the traditional folk ballad Black is the Colour (Of My True Love’s Hair). Do you plan to record any more covers in the near future?

I do have a few. I haven’t decided whether I’m going to release them. I release songs when I feel like it. I have that luxury because I own my own recordings. I’m completely independent. I don’t know whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

You released a new album this year titled Call of the Yoni, which we reviewed. For those who haven’t checked it out yet, what can you tell our readers about the record?

I think it’s a spiritually X-rated album. It’s erotic, but not in the physical sense.

My son accidentally heard the song My Lover Is a Saint, and he was furious with me. I had to explain that lines like “Sex with him is holy” and “Mystical orgasm” were referring to a spiritual experience, not actual sex. He lost interest halfway through my explanation and went back to his gaming, so… whatever.

I also had a listener send me a DM on Instagram asking if I was talking about Jesus. I suppose he was closer to my intent than most people, but I was a bit backed into a corner with that one. So I simply replied, as truthfully as I could, “It could be, since I was describing a divine experience.”

So yes – that’s the world of lyrical exegesis.

Black is the Colour is not found on Call of the Yoni. Why did you decide to release the single as a stand-alone release rather than including it on the record? Is this something you plan to do more of in the future?

Well, it’s not part of that world. Call of the Yoni was a conceptual album built around a completely different cycle.

As I said, I release music according to my own instincts or feelings. ‘Whims’ sounds a bit petulant, but perhaps that’s the closest word.

It’s probably too early to ask about your next full-length release, but do you have any more singles planned for release soon?

In the wake of Black is the Colour, I may release more music in that vein – as singles, an EP, an album or none of the above.

A new album of original songs is always hanging in the air, but it’s a bit like giving birth. I never quite know whether I have the energy for labour… no pun intended.

Your music has something of a folk-pop sound. What-or who-would you say are your main influences as an artist?

I’m more influenced by mythical and archetypal characters and by trying to embody their spirit. The spirit of the age influences me as well.

How that eventually expresses itself sonically depends on the project. I think, thanks to publications like yours, there’s now a clearer understanding of me as a cross-cultural artist with a lyrical through-line that transcends genre, and I really appreciate that.

Where are you based at the moment? What is the local music scene like in your area, and are there any local artists or venues you can recommend our readers check out?

I’m based in London.

As for the local music scene, I’m probably the wrong person to ask.

Are there any plans for a UK tour anytime soon? If so, what can your fans expect from one of your gigs?

I don’t have any plans at the moment.

Any last words for the fans?

Thank you for listening to my music. I appreciate every single listener.

The fact that Black is the Colour has reached listeners in 79 countries – even if the overall footprint is still modest, it moves me immeasurably. Every listener is a person to me, not a number.

I even have a listener from Eswatini. I had to Google where it was. Apparently, it’s the second-smallest country in Africa. Isn’t that wonderful?

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