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Layla Kardan unveils You, the first single taken from her upcoming EP Abscission, set for release on 26th February 2021. WATCH ‘YOU HERE – STREAM ‘YOU’ HERE
You is a powerful ode to freedom, a personal and empowering journey through loss-love and self-discovery. Its the product of Laylas search for independence, achieved by untangling herself from unhealthy relationships. In Layla own words, its about the constant struggle of remaining independent and yet always falling into the arms of possessive men incapable of handling my strength. The constant pull to retain a position of power ultimately sees the relationship fail and overturn for the last time.
Part of a new generation of fearless creative talent redefining music, fashion and culture in Dubai, Layla works closely with AY, the music producer pushing new sounds in the region. With credits including cuts with TLC and Pusha T, for You, the sought after artist created a sound palette in which dark and percussive elements contrast with the subtle soundscape putting Laylas lead vocals at the front of the mix.
Shot in the desert, with limited resources during Dubai lock down, the visual for You was directed by Mad Juice the creative agency responsible for putting Arab girls in historical pictures for Pumas ME campaign with creative director Rabih Rowell and ex-Vice DoP Kais Dahoul helping bringing the songs dark sonics to life through strong images and a colour palette that explore the pain, desire and personal growth of Laylas lyrics. While the video is controversial for the Middle East standards, the forward-thinking Dubai creative teams aim is to create something that connects with an international audience and bring cultural change within the region.
Layla is a Third Culture Kid, born in Belgium with Persian roots and Australian nationality, she currently lives in Dubai, her cross cultural background has influenced her music and, which is deeply rooted in human nature and aims to transcend cultural boundaries. Part of the new scene of artists redefining the Sound of the Middle East, Layla is more of a music artist, from working with charities including Unicef on the education of refugee children, to collaborating with some of the biggest fashion brands and including Louis Vuitton and Chanel , as well as publications including Harpers Bazaar, GQ, Grazia, Vogue and Esquire, with the latter awarding her their Musician of The Year in 2018.
With You, Layla is set to make an impact on the international music scene as a bold artist, capable of creating an intriguing musical world made of brooding, electro, r&b-tinged pop.