- 2023-11-09
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MUSIC
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Laila Releases Debut EP “Heart Doesn't Work Like That”
Jordanian-Canadian singer-songwriter Laila released her debut EP “Heart Doesn't Work Like That” on October 27, 2023.
The EP comprises 6-track, including preceding four singles, a new song “I Hope It Kills You” and an acoustic version of the title track. Produced by Jon Pike and Brandon Pero.
The EP draws the highs and lows of a breakup with poignant dance tracks and soulful ballads.
Laila shared about the EP on social media along with a video, “My new friends on here may not know that I was in a music duo with my ex for 3 years. After we broke up we decided to keep making music, but then last October he told me he didn't want to be involved with me in any way, including the band. I was devastated. A few days later he went back on what he had said. It took a lot for me to realize my worth and finally (for once) say no. I met Jon Pike shortly after and we wrote strangers at the airport. A few weeks later, Jon and Brandon Pero sat me down and told me that they wanted to make an EP with me. They saw something in me. I was terrified but trusted them, and dove right in. I had no idea what it would look like, but this is it.”
She continued, “I was in tears editing this video. I am so beyond grateful to everyone who helped me create this EP, to my friends and family who have truly shown up for me this year, and to myself for being brave enough to do this. I am so proud of myself.”- Laila explained about some tracks for the EP.
“Strangers at the Airport”
“Last year I saw my ex from afar, reading a book in the airport bar at LAX. It was a really weird and reflective moment for me. I told my producer Jon Pike about the experience, and he mentioned he'd always wanted to write a song called 'Strangers at the Airport'. So we wrote this one together! The song is about grappling with the realization that someone who was once your everything is now just a stranger (in an airport). We drew a lot of inspiration from one of my favourite bands, The 1975, for the production and sonic landscape.”
“Sparks”
“I was walking home and saw sparks coming off the 501 streetcar in Toronto, and it got me thinking about how my default these days is to shut down any romantic sparks I start to feel out of a fear of being hurt again. I wrote most of this song on a voice note on my phone during that walk home. Finishing this song made me realize that my heart still needs to heal before it can 'work' again. Because it definitely doesn't work right now - which is okay.” -
“Heart Doesn't Work Like That”
“This song recounts the fumbly nature of my complicated post-breakup experience, and demonstrates, in the words of Kacey Musgraves, that 'healing doesn't happen in a straight line'. This song is me and my head putting up a white flag in the battle against my heart, acknowledging that I can't always control how it feels and makes me act. So I may as well embrace the messiness. This song was written very very quickly, and it feels like it has a lot of me in it.”
“I Like Girls”
“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. It was such a lovely moment that really sparked my journey towards questioning my sexuality and realizing that I might like girls too.”
Photo by Daniel Dorta - source : Apple Music
