Get To Know: Layla Kaylif
- Curious For Music Team
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
She’s been called a Pop Poet, but Layla Kaylif is much more than a catchy moniker. With her latest single, “God’s Keeper,” the English-Arab songstress dives deep into the spiritual unknown—serving up a haunting, soul-stirring anthem that feels equal parts mystic prayer and glossy pop gem. Imagine Bat for Lashes sipping Turkish coffee with Florence Welch, while Johan Bejerholm spins the beat. Yeah—it’s that kind of vibe.
Back from her Americana adventure and stepping firmly into the glow of her poetic roots, Kaylif’s return is not just a reinvention—it’s a revelation. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the woman behind the mystique to talk about divine delusions, creative courage, and what it really means to be the keeper... or the kept.
Welcome to Curious For Music! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest release?
The protagonist of the song is someone caught in the grip of their spiritual ego, brought on by an extreme form of religious or ideological zealotry. That’s the framing device, but on a deeper level, it's about someone disconnected from their essence—their core—and searching for redemption or salvation. They're suffering, and the song is a recognition of that suffering. It’s about acknowledging their condition with empathy and understanding, especially when they feel unseen or afraid.
What was the creative process like for this project?
I was working in Malmö with Johan Bejerholm at his World Studios. We were exploring ideas and lyrics—that’s how I work. I tend to begin with a title or a lyrical thread and build from there.
How does this new release differ from your previous work?
I release music based on instinct, so in many ways, I don’t think there’s a huge difference in terms of the core artist that I am. My lyrics have always been deep—I'm allergic to the trivial. That said, I do appreciate clever, lighthearted writing. For example, I really enjoy songs like “ManChild” by Sabrina Carpenter. With me, the genre or musical style may shift, but the way I approach songwriting—digging into emotional or psychological truth—remains consistent.
Were there any particular challenges you faced while making this music?
Honestly, my biggest challenge is self-promotion. I probably need to get over myself and start putting myself out there more confidently. (Still working on that, lol.)
Did you collaborate with any other artists or producers on this project?
Just Johan Bejerholm. He produced the track and was a great creative partner during the process.
What message or emotion do you hope listeners take away from this release?
Not to judge a book by its cover. There’s often so much more going on beneath the surface—pain, conflict, complexity. I hope the song invites people to look deeper.
Is there a story or concept that ties the songs together?
I think all my songs are ultimately about peeling back the layers of the human condition, trying to get a glimpse of what’s going on in the murky depths. That’s the throughline for me, even if the stories vary.
How has your sound or style evolved on this release compared to your earlier work?
Honestly? I don’t think I’ve evolved—I think I’m in a loop! Maybe next I’ll break the cycle and release something fun and dumb just to shake things up.
Is there a track in your music discography that feels especially meaningful to you? What makes it stand out?
It really depends on my mood, but today I’d say “One Man Loved Me” from my Lovers
Don’t Meet album. The irony is, I don’t think he actually did…
How do you plan to share this release with your audience? Are there any upcoming performances, videos, or special projects in the works?
I hope so! I'm working on a few things—performances, videos, and some special projects are definitely on the horizon. Stay tuned!
