Hayla captivates a sold-out Neumos for Dusk
We’ve been following Hayla ever since we were taken away with her ethereal vocals in Kx5‘s #1 2022 track, “Escape.” Since then, she’s been featured in multiple hits and has cemented herself further in the dance industry becoming one of the most heard voices. In 2023 she received her second #1 on US Dance Radio with single, “Where You Are,” her first collab with John Summit. This followed with the release of her own record, Dusk, which brought her to Seattle for her first show. I was so thrilled to see that we were one of the four lucky cities to have a stop on this run. Finally!
The Grammy nominated, British singer and songwriter graced the stage at Neumos for a sold-out show on a rainy Saturday night. The packed venue was ready to experience her majestic voice live and to escape a little from the daily grind. From the moment she took the stage people were ready to dance and to be a part of the show, giving her the energy she deserved.
Hayla stepped onto the stage alone starting the night with “Freefall,” “Shiver,” and “I Found You,” turning up the volume in the room. Everyone was singing along and dancing around in the space they could find. It’s so nice to hear a room sing along to songs and this was no exception. There is something so great about the moment we get to share, united in the song as if we were all the same for that time. This is the best experience at a show and always the most memorable.
The stage looked minimal, focusing on Hayla and her voice (what else is needed?) but the lighting and background added a flare at the right moments. It was a perfect setup for what Hayla was bringing with her songs and performance. She was dressed in all black with her high platform boots, and at times as she danced around, she reminded me of a Jedi Knight moving gracefully. It was a perfect mix of her new tunes and the massive hits she’s had over the last few years. It’s a little rare to experience so many hits with the actual vocalist in the room. We didn’t stop dancing around.
Hayla ended her set on a high note with “Fall Again,” “Another World,” “Embers,” and “Where You Are,” with people singing so loud it was heard around the block on Capitol Hill. Something so special being a part of these songs live and being engulfed by her voice in real time. There is no doubt on why everyone wants to work with her and her vocal range. This is an extremely rare singer and even more talented songwriter.
Hayla returned for an encore closing out with “Secondhand Smoke,” and pivotal “Escape.” I feel like my heart flew away with her voice singing the chorus, just like the first time I heard it. The way she twists and turns her voice at the perfect moment in the perfect tone is pure magic. She will take you right where she wants you to go and bring you back. This was an amazing show by an incredible artist, and we are so happy we were there to take it all in.
