By: Katrina Nattress
World electronic dance music may not be a genre you hear too often, but Hayla is among its proudest, scantily clad practitioners. Though currently residing in Los Angeles, the multi-talented singer and percussionist draws inspiration from her European and Middle Eastern roots, resulting in bombastic tracks full of synthesized sounds, pounding percussion, and the singer's angelic vocals, which draw comparisons to the likes of Robyn and Enya.
Raised by lesbian parents, Hayla is a major advocate in the LGBT community and will be the headlining performer at Orange County's Pride 2012 event. “Whenever I get to perform and hang with my extended LGBT family, it's like coming home,” Hayla says. “Being the daughter of gay parents has given me such a colorful life. I am who I am today because of all the prejudice and bullying I experienced growing up because I have gay parents. I am also the child of an incredibly loving, caring and creative home-life and that outshines it all. I wouldn't change a thing.”
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The one-hour performance will be part of the charismatic artist's “Electro Diva Spectacular” tour, which she unveiled at this year's LA Pride event. The spectacle is choreographed by creative director Christina Grady (Lady Gaga, Nicky Minaj, Will.I.Am) and features a fusion of world, R&B, pop and electronica music, thus creating the aforementioned World Electronic Dance Music (WEDM). Producer DJ Ross Lara (Paul Oakenfold, Eve) accompanies Hayla on stage to man the decks, as well as strapping male dancers and various professional musicians. Oh, and can't forget the costumes! Those were designed by Marco Marco (Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Shakira).
Hayla–who plays a Swarovski crystal-encrusted doumbek drum– says when it comes to her craft, no expense is spared . She wants to give her fans a show no matter the budget, and for this, she just released a “TRON” inspired fantasy video for her track, “3D.” Like the song itself, the clip sends its viewer to a far off, futurist world with Hayla as the guide.
In addition to the new video, the singer also announced a new single. Entitled “Paulina,” Hayla describes the a Latin fusion dance track as “a spicy Spanglish club anthem to keep everybody grooving in the summer heat.” She adds, “I wrote 'Paulina' while tapping into my Spanish roots. It's fiery, powerful, and so sexy.”
Don't be surprised if that spicy little number slips its way into her set at this year's OC Pride. The event takes place on Saturday, August 11, on the streets of downtown Santa Ana and runs from 12 pm to 10 pm. For more information, visit OC Pride's website.
