Ayla Schafer is a multi-lingual folk singer-songwriter weaving together a stunning repertoire of original poetic songs. Her new Txai Fernando-produced album “Silent Voices” has been released today via Nixi Music.
With a growing international presence, Ayla has become known for combining the worlds of folk music with ceremonial / medicine music, a movement with a growing community dedicated to the healing power of song.
The turning point in Ayla’s musical expression took place six years ago when she went traveling in South America. The years she spent away from her home shook her world and reshaped her writing as she explored the mystery of the inner landscape whilst learning with many indigenous traditions. This unveiled a new depth and honesty, inspiring her compositions to express the beauty and rawness of the human experience.
“Silent Voices” echoes this: a moving, intricate folk record that combines musical elements from contrasting parts of the world but carries a message about inclusivity and introspection. An album title that is especially relevant for the challenging times we all face, calling for cultures to be more aligned on issues we encounter as a species and the environment we live in.
Ahead of the release of the album, Ayla has announced the release of new single ‘Rose’. With its gorgeous guitar melodies, sweeping violins and undulating percussive rhythms that underpin her soaring vocals, and lyrics about strength and softness, the track is an encapsulating introduction to the new record.
“Rose is a song that honors the beauty, innate power and wisdom of the feminine and the strength we can find as women,” says Ayla. Reflecting the lyrics, the track features two of Ayla’s closest friends, Susie Ro and Helen Knight, singing harmonies, and recording started through Ayla’s pregnancy.
Other highlights include rousing folk track ‘Grandmother’, and Spanish-spoken, flamenco-inspired ‘Agua Del Amor’, which both showcase the breadth of songwriting, musicianship and cultural influences featured on the record.
“Silent Voices” is the follow-up to Ayla’s 2017-released, co-produced debut “Dive into Water“, a record that looks to tap into an authentic and heartfelt journey of light, courage, depth, and truth. The purity of her voice is held intimately by a
vivid soundscape of an eclectic array of instruments, with the album’s lead track ‘Vuela Con El Viento’ spread globally with over 10 million listens on YouTube.
In addition to her album releases, working alongside organizations protecting the Amazon Rainforest, Ayla released the single ‘Music Plants Trees’ and the ‘Music plants Trees’ Remix (Featuring Chris Paradox) with Agami Records in 2020 giving 100% of profits to tree planting projects. She is also leading the way in ‘Artivism’ with the campaign ‘Music Plants Trees’; the vision and mission to help reforest the world through music and support social and environmental causes through art.
For more information and music samples, visit aylaschafer.co.uk