Leyla Blue had always seen pop music as a way to express herself in a very distinct fashion. The 20-year-old singer/songwriter uses her craft as an opportunity to amplify the thoughts and feelings of her generation. And of course, all while making sure it sounds super fresh and fun!
Spending her teen years composing music in her bedroom, Leyla quickly paved her path to becoming a professional songwriter. There was one issue though – Leyla wasn’t pleased by the fact that the pop landscape wasn’t so authentic. Many songwriters and producers will create what they think someone’s audience wants to hear, rather than what the artist wants to actually give their audience. She often saw, in her words, “a bunch of people sitting around trying to work out what a young female artist might be thinking.”
Leyla decided to focus on her own artistry exclusively, and went on to study at the Clive Davis Institute of Music at NYU. She developed her own sound along the way, and found power and peace in being vulnerable in her songwriting. Simply put, Leyla says “I can’t control the chemicals in my brain, but I can understand it and direct it towards something productive. My OCD and eating issues have absolutely what has made me who I am, so I’m just telling my story and hope that inspires others to be open about their own story.”
Now signed to Island Records, Leyla works with a tight-knit team to bring her visions to life. Her latest creation “F*** Yourself” is an empowering anthem that speaks out against misogyny and many of the injustices women face today. It couldn’t have arrived at a better time, and it further solidifies Leyla’s position as one to watch. The music video for “F*** Yourself” was shot on an iPhone in quarantine, and was edited by Leyla herself.
Check it out below, and say hi to Leyla Blue on Instagram and Twitter @leylabluetoo!