Iaye
Canadian artist blog.
One day while scrolling through a playlist, I stumbled upon the mesmerizing talent of laye, a Montreal-born singer/songwriter. Instantly, she captivated my attention with her striking look and aesthetic. I was particularly drawn to her classic 80s rock and roll vibe, which she flawlessly embodies. It's evident that she finds inspiration in the rock and horror genres of the 70s and 80s, and she executes it with finesse. laye's overall sound and appearance exhibit precision and quality. Her cover arts, music videos, and social media presence exude a level of excellence comparable to A-list artists. She possesses a remarkable polished and cinematic sound, complemented by a unique image that is on the verge of propelling her to superstar status. From her very first public release titled "likefck," it was evident that laye was a polished artist. I was pleasantly surprised by the well-produced song and the remarkable vocal performance it showcased. While her aesthetic may have evolved over time, her sound and style have remained true. The confidence she exudes when performing is a quality I greatly admire. It's easy to distinguish between someone new to the music scene and an experienced artist based on their delivery. While production and mixing play their part, it's the talent that truly elevates a well-made product to a masterful work of art. From track one, laye's natural talent shone through, and although she grew more confident with time, her voice and delivery were outstanding from the start. I also appreciate the attention to detail in her visual content. The magazine-styled cover art for "likefck" was particularly impressive, enhancing the impact of the song. Following "likefck," she released "goldfinger," which stands as one of her biggest tracks to date. Accumulating over 1.3 million streams on Spotify alone, it showcases her incredible vocal tonality and range. To witness such remarkable talent and versatility back in 2018 is truly phenomenal. Additionally, "goldfinger" marked the beginning of a darker aesthetic, influencing her wardrobe choices and cover art designs. In 2018, laye released two more singles: a remix of "goldfinger" by Frank Walker and her single "milk n honey." Frank Walker's remix breathed new life into an already amazing track, expanding its reach to a wider audience and tapping into a different genre of music. Collaborations like these set artists apart and bring together communities that would have otherwise never interacted. This collaboration played a pivotal role in shaping laye's subsequent single, "haventhadlove," which showcased a fantastic beat selection and drew inspiration from the remix of "goldfinger." The year concluded on a high note, leaving a strong impression. The following year, 2019, was a significant one for laye, marked by a wealth of content. It began with the release of "no love lost," a track where laye truly showcased her talent. Her voice had further matured, and her beat selection had become almost iconic.
The song's well-crafted structure included moments of tranquility and powerful highs, exuding energy. It comes as no surprise that "no love lost" became one of her most successful releases, with its commercial viability and ability to resonate in various emotional and environmental contexts. Two more singles, "dancing" and "sicker," were unveiled in 2019. "Sicker" emerged as her biggest release thus far, accumulating an impressive 2.5 million streams on Spotify alone. laye's laid-back performance was incredibly memorable, highlighting her melodic delivery, playful vocals, and signature dark lyrics that set her apart from the crowd. This style and energy translated perfectly into her first full-length project, titled "lonesome." This 11-track project stands as her most significant release to date. Within this project, there are hidden gems like "better," "more," and the collaboration "boy" featuring the illustrious BIA. "Better" showcases laye's addictive cadence and vocal performance, leaving an indelible impression. The hook on this song is personally one of my favorites, adorned with beautiful harmonies and exceptional beat selection. On "boy," featuring a seasoned BIA, laye's sound emanates a cleaner vibe compared to BIA's recent rise in popularity over the past two years. It's a testament to laye's meticulous attention to both her sound and appearance. With her remarkable music, laye has solidified her position as one of the finest artists I've discovered in recent months. Around 2022, laye fully embraced her distinct look and aesthetic. Consequently, she began to slow down on her releases. Throughout 2022 and 2023, she only graced us with three singles: "I Could Die," "blue," and "touching myself." "I Could Die" marked laye's return after a break which was aided by the Covid pandemic, during which she engaged in her personal reflection. The song showcases her talent for blending playful vocals, gentle melodies, and signature dark lyrics. "I Could Die" embodies an apocalyptic yet oddly cheerful sound that perfectly aligns with laye's aesthetic and overall image. She has truly mastered the art of crafting atmospheric pop music, as demonstrated not only in "I Could Die" but also in subsequent releases like "blue" and her latest single, "touching myself." With "touching myself," laye seems to have found her sweet spot. Her vocal style has taken on a slightly more dramatic quality, while the production embraces a darker tone. It feels as though she has discovered her true artistic identity in this piece. Both sonically and visually, she exudes a completely transformed aura. Although she looked and sounded great in her earlier work, her recent releases clearly demonstrate that she has truly come into her own. It's an exciting time to witness her artistic growth, and I eagerly anticipate what she has in store for the future. I hope to hear news of an upcoming project soon, as laye's talent and creativity continue to impress and captivate.
Written by Maxim Bayarsky
