MEET AYLA HUGUENOT
Ayla is a French/American born-and-raised New Yorker who’m I’ve known since she was a tiny, beautiful baby. Now a mature and talented 16-year old studying at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City where she lives with in the East Village surrounded by interesting characters and artists. She wrote her first song when she was only 3-years-old and started playing guitar at eight,
I have been fortunate enough to perform on-stage with musical legends Joan Beaz, Roseanne Cash, and Moby. Music is something that has always flowed through my soul and brings me pure joy.
Greatest inspirations or influences?
I am inspired by my generation who use their voices and creativity to create the change we want to see. Being a teenager during this time has given us a sense that we have to fix things for the better. When it comes to musicians, my greatest influences are Stevie Nicks, Yebba, Alicia Keys, and my grandfather, Keith Kruger, who is also a singer/songwriter.
Tell us Ayla what is your first single LIAR about?
I wrote Liar when I was 13-years-old and Trump had just been elected. I was angry—and still am—that he has gotten away with lies that so many people have been tricked into believing. I wrote the song as a way to get my frustration out and ended up loving it.
Tell us about your creative process?
I recorded this single at The Center Stage Artist Search for the School of Rock and Atlantic Records in Los Angeles. I worked with an amazing engineer, Josh Collins, who gave me free reign to create. I came up with the drum beats and played all of the instruments. It was only the second time I had ever recorded in a proper studio, building the songs layer by layer. We recorded two fully produced songs in six hours and then took three months to finalize the mixes. I was so lucky to work with Josh. I think that experience will make me always love being in a recording studio. It felt like home. I hope to have an EP out soon.
How do you feel this year has changed the music industry or people in general, in the sense how do you see things moving forward?
We all have been presented with a lot of challenges that have forced us to stop and think about what we value and what we want to change. The music industry has always been a place for artists to share their ideas and feelings on the issues that are affecting us. For the most part, the songs that are being released now seem to have a deeper meaning which I think is important. We all need hope that positive changes are in the future.
