Laila is catapulting into the pop scene with “Strangers at the Airport,” a reflective post-breakup anthem. Having previously performed as one half of the duo Your Paris, this single marks Laila’s solo debut. With ‘Strangers at the Airport,’ Laila takes a bold step forward in her musical career, showcasing her undeniable talent as a songwriter and solo performer. The track is available on all streaming platforms today! (May 12th)
Laila’s new solo release is a powerful reflection of her personal journey towards healing and self-discovery. “Strangers at the Airport” is a captivating indie electro pop track that showcases Laila’s heartfelt lyrics and velvety vocals. With the addition of a soulful saxophone, the song’s lush soundscape perfectly captures the moment of Laila’s emotional release as she finally finds clarity from her past relationship and surrenders to the healing power of closure.
“Strangers at the Airport” is Laila’s first song working with Toronto producer duo Jon Pike (BRDGS, “Dancing Without Music”), and Brandon Pero (Devon Cole, Emma Elena Grace). The subtle twang in Laila’s vocals adds a touch of authenticity to the track, making it a standout addition to any music lover’s playlist who has experienced heartbreak of their own and is looking for a powerful musical expression of their own emotional journey.
Follow Laila @helloitslaila
Hi Laila, please tell us a little about you?
Hey there! I’m a Canadian pop artist and actress. I moved around a lot as a kid (around Ontario, and even Dublin, Ireland!), but have spent most of my time in Toronto. My love for music came from my parents, who used to play me the Beatles and the Chicks on road trips. I always knew I wanted to be a performer: I used to set up an audience and stage in my grandparents’ basement, then force my family to watch me perform numbers from “Beauty and the Beast”.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Hmm i’d probably say emotional, silly, and ambitious.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I’ve been performing (mostly in musical theatre) since I was a teenager, and in high school I started singing at open mics and posting covers on YouTube. Then I went to Queen’s for theatre and film. From there I got an agent for acting and started auditioning, then started to dip my toes back into the music scene with my previous pop duo “Your Paris”.
How has this changed your life?
The funny thing about me is that I always knew I would be a performer. My whole life has been building up to this moment, so right now I feel extremely excited and ready to be doing this.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Bright, dreamy, and vulnerable.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My early influences (other than the Beatles and the Chicks) were mostly in musical theatre – I love Rent and Spring Awakening. Right now I’m really influenced by MUNA and Ingrid Andress. Making music has always been natural to me, so it never really felt like a choice.
Do you play any instrument?
I play a bit of guitar.
Do you ever get nervous?
I don’t really get nervous, but I definitely get a little bagigity sometimes, which is usually a combo of excitement and over thinking.
Tell us about your new single “Strangers at the Airport?”
Strangers at the Airport is my first single as a solo artist. I’m really excited about this song because it feels really true to me and my healing journey, both sonically and from a songwriting standpoint.
What’s the story behind the song?
Late last year I saw my ex from across the airport in LA. He was sitting at the bar reading a book. It was a really interesting and reflective moment for me. I realized that the person who was once my everything was now just a stranger (at the airport). I stood there staring for an unhealthy amount of time… haha. I told the story to Jon Pike (BRDGS), and we made it into a song.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Getting a message from someone saying that they really connected with something I wrote/performed is a really great feeling.
What book should every musical artist read?
I think every artist (and person) should read the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
If you weren’t in music, what would you be up to right now?
I think I would be a makeup artist!
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
I think it’s really important to stay true to yourself in everything you do— but it took me a while to realize that in order to do that, I had to work on myself. It’s a continuous journey, but now I try to really tune in and make choices that feel right in my heart and gut. Also, always bring extra guitar strings.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell her that she is enough, and to put herself out there without hesitation.
How would your best friend describe you?
Recently my best friend described me as “the most particular easy-going person” she has ever met. That made me laugh because it’s pretty spot on. I’ve come to recognize that I am a very strange cocktail of “go with the flow” and “my way or the highway”.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Maybe “the dreamer”. I’ve always been a dreamer. From a young age, I knew that I wanted something more than just my surroundings. My name also means dark/night in Arabic. I also love to sleep.
What’s next for Laila in 2023?
Many more singles!! I’m really excited to share what I’ve been working on for the past few months.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love a reallllly simple salad with greens, lemon, olive oil, and salt!
And your favorite cheat food?
I love Miss Vickies Salt & Vinegar chips.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Youthful & comfortable.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I think happiness is about finding joy in simple moments every day.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Matty Healy from the 1975.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I really want to go to the Amalfi Coast in Italy with my best friends.
Best advice ever given?
“When someone tells you who they are, listen.”
Do you support any charity?
Recently I’ve donated to Color of Change.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
At the TOP baby!!
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Oooh… I love to sing “Goodbye Earl” by the Chicks!
What do you think of Social Media?
Love it. I think it’s an excellent tool for artists.
Where we can follow you?
I’m @helloitslaila on all socials, and “Laila” on music services.
Book: Am I allowed to say the Twilight series?
Quote: “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end”.
Movie: Sabrina
Tv Series: This Is Us
Favorite Food: Pasta
Travel Destination: Italy
Sports Team: … I don’t really watch sports, but I’ll say the Toronto Maple Leafs
Photos by @lilspyce
