When I was first reached out to back in June about HAYLA’s summer lineup, including a set at San Diego Pride, I knew we needed to get her on Gayety. Most people recognize her powerful vocals on giant festival tracks like “Where You Are” with John Summit or “In My Arms” alongside ILLENIUM. Lately, her solo work has taken a turn into a quieter sound. Singles like “Heal” and “Enough” set up her second album, DARK.
She recently hit the stage at WorldPride in Amsterdam, delivering an electric set and creating a fun, safe space for her queer fans.
The affection between HAYLA and the LGBTQ+ community goes both ways. When asked what that backing feels like from her perspective, she didn’t hesitate to share how deep it runs.
“It means everything,” HAYLA told us. “I’m incredibly honored to have been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community and honored to have performed in the places and spaces that I have. I love the community so much.”
For HAYLA, taking the stage at Pride isn’t just another tour stop. It carries a purpose that hits home every time she steps out in front of the crowd.
“Pride is more important than ever,” she noted. “It’s a place for togetherness and community, a place for love and joy. For freedom, acceptance and expression of self. A place to be loved, respected, seen and protected. A place to be precisely you. Every pride event I’ve been to have been highlights of my life. I feel quite emotional really as the importance of Pride is just immeasurable.”
That energy translates directly to how she feels while performing.
“The energy is unmatched!” she said. “Looking out into a crowd full of joy and love is palpable! I always have the most amazing time on stage as seeing everyone gather together being loud and proud and singing at the top of their lungs is magical.”
Finding Catharsis Through Songwriting
Listeners tuning into HAYLA’s recent solo tracks will catch a clear shift in tone compared to her massive club anthems. The shift came from a vulnerable place, driven by events in her personal life that forced her to rethink how she creates music.
“I had been through a loss,” she explained. “I didn’t know if I was able to write or if I was able to really share what I was going through. There was no pressure and complete creative freedom. I think that really helped me begin to process through my writing and begin to heal in a small way. These recent singles and this album have been made for the love of writing, therapy, authenticity and catharsis.”
Her growth over the past few years has reshaped how she approaches her place in the music world.
“Building my artists’ world and being able to put on tours has been a dream I quietly had for years,” she said. “I think if you’d have told me 5 years ago that my career would be where it is now, I wouldn’t have believed you. The more music I release and the more shows I do I realize how important music is and connection is. Music brings us together and can make you feel less alone. I love my audiences and I want to keep on making music that builds on connection and togetherness.”
Archival Finds and Stage Style
If you’ve caught HAYLA live, you know her outfits are as much a part of the performance as the setlist. That distinct visual style is no accident; it comes from a long-term collaboration behind the scenes.
“I’ve been working with my amazing stylist Beau Tiger Rae for 4 years,” she shared. “Beau really gave me a license to play with fashion and really elevated my wardrobe. It’s been an integral part of my artist project and world building and I have never felt more like myself. It’s helped me with my own self confidence on and off stage.”
When it comes to building her concert wardrobe, HAYLA has a clear aesthetic preference and a taste for history.
“My favourite colour is black and I love infusing different textures and cuts,” she said. “I love pieces that play with lighting and have flowy elements as well as corsets. Recently I’ve really enjoyed heading into archives to find historical pieces of fashion and blending together different time periods to create a look.”
Catching The Dark Tour Live
Looking ahead to the rest of the year, HAYLA is manifesting big moves for herself and her craft.
“I have just released my second album DARK and to celebrate it I’m going on my largest North American tour,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to getting out on the road again and performing some new material. For my future manifestations I want to get back in the studio and get writing more music that connects with audiences and also be on more stages. The more I perform live the better for me.”
Before signing off, she left a simple message for all her queer listeners: “Please know you are seen and you are loved. Keep on being wonderful, amazing, beautiful you. Happy Pride!!!”
Fans can experience a more intimate version of her set on her current run of North American dates. Kicked off in Chicago, the tour covers several major markets across the East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest before concluding in Los Angeles with a special night at The Fonda on September 4.
You can grab tickets for The Dark Tour here.
HAYLA’s The Dark Tour Dates:
- August 13 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
- August 14 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel
- August 16 – Washington, D.C. – 9:30 Club
- August 18 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
- August 21 – Dallas, TX – Studio
- August 22 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
- August 23 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
- August 26 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman
- August 28 – Denver, CO – Ogden
- August 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
- September 2 – Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades
- September 3 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency
- September 4 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda
