Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our listeners to some deserving up and coming artists/ bands. They have made an impact on us for all of the right reasons. We think they kick ass and we hope you do too! Today, we’d like to shine the spotlight on Aila Fay!
Aila Fay is a singer-songwriter that loves to write music about personal growth, navigation through the obstacles of life, encouragement, kindness, and just a sprinkle of rebellion; through this music, she hopes to bring positive change to the world and looks forward to making many musical connections in the years to come. Currently, she is in the process of creating an EP with Vufcup mastermind Diggy Kat, but looks to the future when she will have a full album to show for her work. For now, Aila plays livestream shows biweekly on platforms like Facebook, Twitch, and Instagram and has uploaded early videos of some of her songs to her YouTube channel.
Some people know it’s when they hear a classic album or see someone perform. Do you know when you were bitten by the music bug and knew this was your path?
I have been singing for as long as I can remember. I grew up a churchgoer and was always the loudest voice during worship; at school, I sang in the choir; at home, I was free to sing along to my favorite artists and perform concerts for my stuffed animals or for my neighborhood bestie. I don’t know that there was a moment so much as just this constant pull to continue singing, to continue listening, to continue discovering more music and interesting sounds. I really feel that music is a part of me – my soul craves it and I gladly oblige.
What was the first album that you bought with your very own money?
The first album I purchased was Nelly Furtado’s Loose, which I listened to religiously and could probably still sing every word to! I thought she was so strong, sexy, and confident and wished I could emulate her.
Do you write when inspiration hits or do you sit down with the purpose of writing? Maybe both?
In terms of songwriting, I am generally at the mercy of my own inspiration. I’m initially more connected to the lyrics than the melody, so step one for me is always writing out what I want to say verbally. The melody for me isn’t always as obvious to me at first, so I’ve gotten into the habit of using a voice recording app to “jot down” my melody ideas as they come to me, and will then sort of come back to a more intentional sit-down to put all of the pieces together and smooth out the rough edges.
Growing up, were you the class clown or the ham wanting to be the center of attention? Maybe you were the shy introvert?
I was very much the shy introvert, unless I was on a stage! I was mortified to be the center of attention in literally any other area – academics, physical activity, debate, having done something clumsy – but when I was performing, I would really come out of my shell.
If you could pick any musician (dead or alive) to sit down with and have a drink and chat, who would it be?
I would love to sit down and talk with Lady Gaga. She has had such an amazing career and is such a kind and loving individual, and she has worked so hard and faced so much for what she has, which I really respect and admire. I’m a huge fan of how her music has and continues to evolve, and how she honors every facet of her artistic personality, regardless of what people say or have said. She is so fearless and inspiring and it would be an actual dream come true to talk music and songwriting with her.
Connect with Aila Fay online:
https://www.facebook.com/ailafaymusic
https://www.instagram.com/ailafaymusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAVrKCJJ2Ai_Z1HEJaO547Q/videos?sub_confirmation=1
