Keep going especially when it gets the hardest because that’s usually when you’re closest to something great.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Layke.
After the success of her collaboration with rap icon Snoop Dogg on the reimagined “Happier” single, LGBTQIA+ community member and advocate Layke is ready to “Say Gay” at the top of her lungs with her upcoming EP and music videos with a new single and MV which was released on Friday, May 13 titled “No One Can Stop Us.” Hailing from Texas, Layke is also vocal of her distain for the “Don’t Say Gay” bill that has been gaining traction in her home state.
With a reimagined sound that can best be described as left of center pop with an extra hint of edge, Layke is gearing up to release her third EP called Frequency, which will include songs “Frequency”, “Help Me Out”, “XOXO”, “Holding On,” “Sanity and “No One Can Stop Us” — all of which more than highlight her unflinching originality and mesmerizing versatility. Working with Adrian and cowriters Sarah McTaggart (Transviolet) and Brandon Colbein (Hayley Kiyoko, Jojo), this latest evolution includes dance-party beats with edgy, electronic undertones and introspective, next-level lyrics that spotlight the enigmatic LGBTQIA+ community, as well as her own bi/pansexuality.
In a world which thrives on labels and conforming to a set of picture-perfect standards, Layke (and her signature icy lavender hair) has created a limitless space through her groundbreaking music that defies societal norms. And now that the dream pop songstress as you know her has completely catapulted into the ever-evolving pop realm, she’s ready to speak openly to help others find their voice — and for the universe to take note.
As a diverse and evolving pansexual, queer individual, Layke came from a conservative upbringing with Catholic roots in Dallas, Texas which led Layke to frequently feel like an outsider, or as her version of the idiom goes, a round peg trying to fit into a square hole. A child of immigrants (her dad from Italy and her mom from South Africa), she sought solace in self-expression through dance, musical theater, and writing — keeping endless journals full of poetry and song lyrics, the latter which served her well while singing backup for a punk-rock band in high school. Inspired by the unapologetic stage presence and talent of iconic rockers like Freddie Mercury and Shirley Manson, Layke set out for Los Angeles to pursue a career in singing and songwriting, fierce determination and unwavering tenacity in tow.
Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path? I started in dance from a very young age.
I was 2 1/2 at my first dance recital, so performing was something I took to very naturally. It was away for me to express myself from as long as I can remember.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took from that story?
When I worked with Snoop Dogg, I was so nervous because I was filming a video with him for our cover of “Happier” and I was thinking how am I going to stand next to him and not look like a fool lol because he’s legendary and so cool. And he walked in and shook every single person‘s hand in the room and introduced himself and met every single person on the team and he was just incredible and such a nice chill human he made everybody feel so comfortable. The takeaway from that was that’s how to do it. Like Snoop is such a legend, but he was such a down to Earth amazing human being. It made me respect him even more.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
This is a tough one because I’m always aspiring to get to the next level, to do better. But I’m also always aspiring to be better at my art. So, I guess I would say just never stop learning. Because there’s always more to learn and there’s always more to aspire to.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
My Dad. He’s just an amazing human and has always been a huge influence in my life. He was born in Italy and was the youngest of four and he’s overcome a lot to get where he is, and I just respect him so much.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share any meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I think it’s really important if you have a platform to use that to try to make some positive change in the world. With this new EP some of the songs are about my personal struggle with mental health and I think it’s really important to talk about that because I think it’s something that needs to be destigmatized so that people can be more open about what they’re going through and about asking for help when they need it. And I think it’s extremely important that we shed a light on the inequities in access to mental health because it’s a huge issue and it’s something that is not getting talked about enough and on a large enough scale at all.
Can you share the story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
As somebody that struggles with mental health, particularly anxiety, I understand what it’s like because I’ve been through it. And I know what it’s like to not know how to reach out for help or not think that you can reach out for help or being scared to because you’re scared, you’ll be judged or just a number of reasons. So, if I can help somebody else who’s going through the same thing not have to deal with some of the things that I did then that’s amazing.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
I think that we as a society need to start having open dialogue about mental health struggles. It’s something that everybody deals with to some degree or another at one point or another, some of us more than others. And it’s something that affects the overall health of society as a whole. So, I think in our individual lives start having open dialogue with the people you love. And start being honest with yourself about what you’re really going through. I’m saying this to myself as well. And as a society we need to be more compassionate and more open to what people are dealing with because a lot of us are dealing with a lot and not telling anyone about it. And people should not have to be burdened by themselves…we need more community in our society. And that would be helped if the government would be more compassionate and community-based and oriented. So, there’s a lot that can be done on micro and macro levels.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
- Say yes to everything because you never know where it’s going to lead you
- Stop caring what other people think NOW.
- Don’t limit yourself…in any area of your art. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
- Don’t let society’s expectations stress you out. You’re doing fine. Go at the pace you need.
- Keep going especially when it gets the hardest because that’s usually when you’re closest to something great.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I think that people need to be talking about bringing more positivity into online spaces. There’s so much negativity online and I’m just not about that. It messes with your energy. That’s why I keep all of my online spaces on social media positive and safe where people can come and know that they’re not gonna have to deal with negative and hateful comments from other people. I don’t allow it and I erase every single one. Because people don’t need any more of that in their lives. I want people to know they can come to any space that I’m a part of and that they will be safe and loved. So, I would start that movement. Positivity and love in spaces online.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? Can you explain how it was relevant in your life?
“You get tested the most when it’s time for you to elevate. Don’t break.” I really felt this the first time I heard it and I still do. And it applies to so much. Definitely the music industry because it’s so tough. Also just being an artist in general because you just inherently doubt yourself. Sometimes you need to hear that to remember that all the work you’re doing is really for something and you keep going and then you get to that next level and it’s amazing, so I really feel this.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in business, VC funding, sports, and entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why?
I’d love to sit down with Rihanna but honestly who wouldn’t. I think she’s fascinating on many levels. She’s an incredible artist. An incredible business human. Has impeccable fashion taste. I think honestly that would be one of the most fun people to sit down and have a meal with. There would be a lot to talk about.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Music Stars Making A Social Impact: Why & How Layke Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.