Witness a stellar fusion of melody and emotion in Áyal’s electrifying, vibrant soundscapes. Combining the gritty essence of rock with the infectious energy of pop, Áyal crafts music that captures the real and raw spirit of the human experience. In Love Bomb, we are introduced to a sound that grips from the first note, taking you on an unforgettable listening experience with soaring highs, explosive energy, and eruptive emotions. With eloquent and bold lyricism, the song explores the effect of fleeting romances; the ones that burn bright and die quick, with an honesty, vulnerability and power that is rare. Lost In The Manor interviews Áyal about their latest release, musical influences, creative process, and future plans.
Tell us about yourself. What inspired and shaped your musical journey?
Music has always been a source of joy, inspiration, and a safe haven for me, allowing me to feel vulnerable, strong, and everything in between. It all began on Sundays with my grandparents, watching PBS's Great Performances. Their love for music, from the classics of Gershwin, Berlin, and Bernstein to more contemporary artists, was contagious. This nurtured my love for the American songbook and the power of storytelling through music. Their passion extended to musical theatre, especially "The Man of La Mancha," their favorite. Towards the end of their lives, when fear gripped them, we would sing "The Impossible Dream" together. It was a way to lift their spirits and remind them of their inner strength.
Their love for melody, lyrics, and the transformative power of music left an indelible mark on me. Even today, I carry their influence closely. My grandfather's ring and one of my grandmother's charms adorn my neck, constant reminders of the artistic spark they ignited within me.
This love for storytelling led me to years in musical theatre. While incredibly valuable, I craved creative freedom and a platform for unfiltered expression. However, life has a way of throwing curveballs. When a forced resignation turned into a frustrating job search, it became a defining moment. This unexpected turn pushed me to finally pursue my true passion – music.
The world of pop/rock, with its raw emotion and energy, resonated deeply. It allows me to capture life's complexities, navigate challenges, and celebrate the human experience – all with a touch of drama, thanks to my theatrical background! As queer people, we often navigate the world feeling like outsiders. My art has become a space where I finally feel at home, and comfortable expressing myself authentically. By writing my own music, I'm finally able to tell my story on my terms. This is where I belong.
Your single ‘Love Bomb’ is like a vibrant firework of melody and emotion. Tell us more about the tonalities and themes in this song.
Thank you! With this song, I wanted to capture what it feels like to be 'love bombed.' For those who aren't familiar, this is when someone showers you with intense affection for a short period, and then all of a sudden, poof, they disappear, or suddenly they're not interested anymore. It can feel like emotional warfare. So to capture this, I took the expression, 'All is fair in love and war,' and threw it on its head. Because if we think about it, truly, nothing is fair in love or war. And both can be equally destructive. That was the central thesis of this song. How love can feel like war. And lyrically I sought to capture that by playing into metaphors of love as weaponry. We know that love can be a battlefield from Pat Benatar, but this song takes it a step further and catalogs the play-by-play of the action on the fronts. By creating this song, I wanted to raise awareness of the phenomenon of love bombing, recognize its signs, tell audiences they are stronger than this form of emotional abuse, and inspire them to choose healthy love.
What are some of the musical influences at play here?
Fueled by the raw emotion of 80s heartbreak anthems like Pat Benatar's 'Love is a Battlefield' and the defiant energy of Bon Jovi, 'Love Bomb' is my reimagining of the classic 80s glam rock anthem. With powerful vocals and shredding guitars, it creates a battle cry against manipulation and a reminder to choose healthy love.
Beyond these influences, the storytelling power of Olivia Rodrigo's 'Brutal' resonated deeply. I wanted 'Love Bomb' to capture that same intensity, laying bare the experience of love bombing. To drive this emotional journey home, the song features perfectly timed guitar rhythms that propel the narrative and keep the listener engaged.
Was there any aspect of composing this song that was particularly memorable/challenging? Tell us more about it.
Coming from musical theatre, recording 'Love Bomb' was a whole new world. The idea of retakes and edits felt strange compared to the pressure of live perfection in theatre. The song itself surprised me – intricate rhythms and packed verses with constantly shifting melodies demanded precise delivery, which was a hurdle I hadn't faced before. Luckily, my amazing vocal coach and producer helped me master it.
My first attempt wasn't flawless, but that's the beauty of recording! Months later, with honed vocals, I nailed it in my hometown studio. Then, my management team suggested killer backing vocals and sonic enhancements, which truly elevated the final version you hear today. 'Love Bomb' pushed me outside my comfort zone, forcing me to develop new skills in the studio. This experience has influenced my approach to songwriting and recording – I'm now more comfortable embracing the possibilities that come with layered production while staying true to the raw emotion of the song.
Describe your creative process? How do you approach songwriting?
It's all about the drama, baby! My musical theatre background makes storytelling king. Lyrics ignite everything – a vivid image, a personal story, or a social issue I care about. These sparks become the foundation for the song's journey. Pop/rock forms the base: powerful vocals and driving guitars that lock together for an infectious energy.
But that's just the beginning! Theatrical flourishes are sprinkled in – a dramatic key change, a suspenseful pause, or a tempo shift to mirror the lyrics. Think of it like adding twists to a captivating story. Classical nods bring grandeur, a touch of jazz adds sass, or a hymnal feel offers hope – it all depends on the song's message. This genre-bending playground, fueled by my musical inspirations, lets me create music that's dramatic, powerful, and connects deeply with listeners. Sing along or get swept away by the melody – it's all about taking listeners on an emotional ride!
Your music is known for its raw emotion, vulnerability, and power. How do you infuse these qualities in your sound?
The storytelling in my music starts with the lyrics. Whether it's a personal experience or a social issue that ignites a spark, I pour my heart and soul into crafting them. Authenticity is key – I want the lyrics to resonate with listeners, to make them feel seen and understood.
Pop/rock provides the perfect foundation for this emotional journey. Powerful vocals allow me to deliver the message with conviction, while driving guitars create a sense of urgency or vulnerability depending on the song. But it's the little touches that elevate the emotional content. A dramatic key change can mirror a surge of hope or despair, a well-placed pause can build anticipation, and a tempo shift can amplify the lyrics' urgency.
Think of it like portraying a character on stage – I use every element, from the lyrics to the music, to fully express the emotional landscape of the song. It's about creating a connection, a shared experience that resonates deeply with the listener.
What are your future plans and what do you look forward to?
Finishing my current EP is a top priority – I can't wait to share these new songs with the world. Social media, streaming services, and interviews like this one are all fueling the fire, letting me connect with fans online and build a community around my music.
But let's be honest, coming from a musical theatre background, live performance is where I truly shine! The energy of a live show is unmatched! As I finalize the EP, building a killer setlist is right at the top of my list. The moment I hit the stage and connect with audiences through the raw power of a live performance – that's the ultimate dream.
For anyone just discovering Áyal, my message is loud and clear: Get ready to belt your heart out with me! We're about to embark on a journey celebrating the beauty of being your authentic self. The world needs your unique light, and trust me, it shines a whole lot brighter when you embrace who you are. Áyal is all about finding your voice, feeling empowered, and sharing that with the world. That's the magic I want to create with my music, both online and on stage!
Discovered via https://app.musosoup.com #sustainablecurator