INTERVIEW: Laila Comes Out on Subtly Named "I Like Girls"
Is there a better time to come out than Pride Month? On her new song “I Like Girls” Laila declares her intent with catchy pop swagger. Laila is an actress and singer/songwriter of Jordanian-Canadian descent. With pop duo Your Paris, Laila’s music has been featured on CTV’s “Your Morning” and Spotify’s “New Music Friday.” Laila’s lush vocals have been compared to Ariana Grande and Carly Rae Jepsen. With her upcoming music, you can expect playful on-the-nose lyricism, undeniable vulnerability, and irresistible sweetness. Laila’s pop sound contains sonic and lyrical nods to country music.
“Last year I was at a show and ran into another female artist I knew. After some catching up and dancing, she told me that she liked girls, then asked me on a date. The whole situation had me very bajiggitty because 1. it was unexpected, and 2. she’s kind of a superstar,” says Laila. “It was such a lovely moment that really sparked my journey towards questioning my sexuality and realizing that I might like girls, too.”
As Laila explores her identity, she tells us about the inspiration behind her buoyant new Pride jam.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I’m super inspired right now by the 1975, Ingrid Andress, and MUNA. MUNA’s songwriting never fails to blow me away.
Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why?
It feels natural for me to start with lyrics first. I always have a ton of notes on my phone with lyrics, which I then put to music. Maybe it’s my theatre background, I’m not sure. I’ve been practicing coming up with melodies first because I think being able to write both ways is a strength.
How do you feel your coming out journey plays into your music?
I’ve never officially come out as queer/bisexual, so I guess that’s what this song is for me! I’m very excited to be able to explore all aspects of myself in my music, and share unconventional queer narratives like “I Like Girls” that explore more of the in between moments of queerness – the ones that aren’t totally straight forward and decided.
Who would you love to collaborate with and why?
I would love to collaborate with the Band Camino. They’re one of my favourite bands – I think they have such a special and unique sound and songwriting style.
Does your album have an overarching theme?
Most of my upcoming music follows my post-breakup journey. I like writing about stuff that is true to me, and that’s what I’m working through right now. I’m trying to rediscover who I am on my own, and it’s been really excited but also kind of scary.
Laila’s song “I Like Girls” will be available for streaming tomorrow.
