Pop chameleon AYLA today announces the release of her debut album, ‘DOPAMINE’, which will be released on 12 July. Bright, bold, sweet and striking, ‘DOPAMINE’ marks the graduation from young-buzzed artist with a knack for penning brooding-pop gems, to a formidable force with a whole lot of heart.
Four years in the making, ‘DOPAMINE’ boasts a somewhat accidental team of A-list creatives – after plans to head to Stockholm in 2020 for a writing trip were wiped out, existing co-writes were revisited and the idea to release a “collaboration collection” was born.
The mosaic of musicians and producers lending a hand include Reuben Styles (Peking Duk), Ed Quinn (Telenova), Taka Perry, Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music), LDRU, Sam Thomlinson (Bad Pony), Danny Harley (The Kite String Tangle) and Peter Holz (Vance Joy, Gang of Youths) on mixing duties.
“As I reworked tracks, did more co-writes, dug out old demos and wrote new tracks it started to make more sense to release a full body of work. It was a pretty unconventional way to make an album! I’m an independent artist, so it was quite the journey to bring it all together but I’m really proud of the album I’ve made.”
To mark the occasion, AYLA has dropped a new track today from the album, I Liked You Better When You Were On My Side. Co-written and produced by Telenova’s Ed Quinn, the track is a nostalgic narrative that transports listeners to the end of a night at a party, where the music softly plays, and solitude sets in.
AYLA cites Massive Attack‘s Teardrop as a source of inspiration for the track, particularly drawing influence from its drums and sultry mood. “I Liked You Better When You Were On My Side started as a topline on a production track, and with Ed’s help, we refined the structure and added new elements to take the song to the next level,” AYLA shares. “It was a collaborative effort that brought a real effortless groove to the production.”
The creative process culminated in a dynamic studio session at Small Time Studios in Brunswick, where AYLA and Ed Quinn meticulously honed the song’s structure to infuse it with an irresistible energy that elevates it to new heights. “It was heaps of fun!” AYLA recalls of the experience.
The pre-chorus of I Liked You Better When You Were On My Side encapsulates the essence of the song’s lyrical depth, with AYLA singing, “I wanna break your smile, see what’s inside.” Reflecting on the spontaneity of the song writing process, AYLA adds, “It’s one of those songs where the words tumble out before you’ve had a chance to think about them, leaving you to make sense of them once they’re out there in front of you.”
For AYLA, I Liked You Better When You Were On My Side represents not only a musical evolution but also a celebration of personal growth and resilience. With its nostalgic undertones and anthemic energy, it embodies the spirit of moving forward while honouring cherished memories.
As she continues to captivate audiences with her distinct style and emotive storytelling, AYLA invites listeners to join her on a journey of introspection and empowerment.
Ahead of the album’s release, AYLA will be playing a special show on 7 July at Solbar, giving fans a preview of what they can expect from it. Tickets on-sale Fri 26 April from aylalive.com
I Liked You Better When You Were On My Side IS OUT NOW
‘DOPAMINE’ will be released on July 12
With thanks to Pretty Good Thanks
