Artist Spotlight: Ayla Bryn
Ayla Bryn’s sound blends indie, rock, pop and folk with powerful vocals and clever lyricism. Songs range from intimate acoustic ballads such as her debut single "Flame", to lively indie rock songs like "Cherry Picking Memories". Her debut album “Death of a Pessimist” is marriage of these sounds, exploring new genres and intimate themes. When accompanied by her band, "The Salt of the Earth", live shows are fun, energetic and sure to have you dancing!
Congratulations on the release of your debut album “Death of a Pessimist”! How did that album title come to be, and were there some underlying themes throughout the album or maybe a lyric that inspired it?
I am thrilled to share this deeply personal and exploratory album! “Death of a Pessimist” came from the title track which was written about the complex emotions that come from growing up and healing, simultaneously celebrating growth while grieving for the past version of myself. I found the title fit the overall theme of the album which unfolds in two halves, the first half being songs that were written from a darker, more pessimistic perspective while the second half is written from a more mature, accepting perspective, where I’ve learned to make peace with the hardships. Overall, the album shares my thoughts and perspectives in addition to the new genres and styles I’ve played around with since playing with a band.
I have the band (Noel Hancocks; Guitar, Lucas Newhook; Bass, Phoebe Telfare; Drums) to thank for evolving each song beyond my imagination, this album would not have been possible without their creativity and skill. A huge thank you to Marco Cortese for producing, mixing and mastering this album. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share these songs, it would not have been possible without the help of my amazing friends. Thank you for believing in the vision and trusting the process!
The musical direction in the song “Drown the Horse” feels like the perfect marriage sonically if you look back at some of your past work. Songs like “Flame” that lie on the Folk side, as well as the more guitar driven Indie Pop/Rock side of “Cherry Picking Memories”. What was writing like for the album? Any stories you would like to share?
“Drown the Horse” was the unexpected fan favourite of our live performances. Originally, the song had been written as a folk/rock song similar to “Crying in my Cereal” or “Death of a Pessimist”, however when I played the song for the band they heard the slight country feel and ran with it - as a joke…. It stopped being a joke after playing it live, fully leaning into the country feel adding harmonica, mandolin and twangy solo’s. While many songs in the album lean into the folk feel, “Drown the Horse” is the one and only country song in my discography. It somehow ties all my genres together while being the most unique!
What’s coming up next? Anything planned for the rest of the year you would like to share?
The release of the album marks a turning point in my musical career. As some band members may be moving away, I will be taking some time to write new music, improve my skills, collaborate with other artists and eventually get another band together. Despite the uncertainty, I am looking forward to all the possibilities the year has to offer!
If you could be a part of your own dream festival, could be with any artist from any time period/any genre. Who would be your top 3 acts on the festival?
Boygenius
I have been so inspired by all three members of Boygenius, especially Phoebe Bridgers. Many aspects of my music have been inspired by them, including songs such as “Manual Breathing”, “Snowing in June” and “The Birds and the Burden”. To share the stage with these talented artists would be a dream come true!
The Chicks
The Chicks are my childhood favourite band, originally listening to them at 5 years old on a disc-man with my CD booklet full of their albums (I still play their CD’s in the car!). That slight twang you hear in some songs may be the result of their influence. I’ve been dreaming of sharing the stage with them since I was a kid!
Chappell Roan
I really contemplated what to put for the third option as I can’t think of another artist/group that has inspired me nearly as much as the two listed above, however I am incredibly inspired and awed by Chappell Roan’s fierceness both in her music and her advocacy.