We are pleased to feature a rising star amongst the world of electronic music. Ayla recently signed to Berlin label Zatar, a label run by the award winning DJ and producer Phonique.
Zatar was launched back in 2022 as a fresh label, which focusses on new connections Phonique developed over the past 6 plus years. Artists like Fairplay, Nilu and Bakka became very close companions and are the core of Zatar. The label name stems from eating a lot of Za’atar (which is Zatar in German) during Phonique's visits to Amman, Petra and the Dead Sea. The label therefore features a lot Middle Eastern vibes and has rapidly pushed itself to the forefront of DJ sets and playlists alike for many artists across the world.
Ayla is one of the newest recruits to the label and has been enjoying much success following her first release. We caught up with her this week chatting all things Brazil as well as discussing her new EP.
Hi Ayla, how are you and what have you been up to this week? This last week here, the first challenge was surviving the tropical heat that is taking place in São Paulo! I was very happy and excited with the results of my last release, so it was 2 weeks with a lot of work done and many good work deliveries. In addition to that I was in the studio also finishing my next tracks!
You recently had a release on Berlin label Zatar Music. Tell us more about that.
I was very happy to be the first Brazilian woman to release on the Zatar Music label and they are my first two original tracks with my own vocals, so it was a sum of good things happening! I felt honoured.
You have been working closely with label head of Zatar, Phonique who has been mentoring you on your journey. How has that been going for you?
I feel very privileged to receive all this affection and attention from such a renowned producer and with the weight he has in the market. Because it was my first launch, it was a very special moment for me. It was so special that I ended up getting the Zatar logo tattooed, so it's something I'll remember for the rest of my life! It was a very special first release!
What else can you tell us about future releases, anything exciting in the pipeline?
Lately I've been investing a lot of hours in the studio, mainly focusing on my vocals! This year you can expect a lot of collabs with other producers and I'm also focused on releasing all the tracks with my vocals! In addition, I will make a sample pack available with several vocals to collaborate with other producers!
You are based in Brazil. Do you get to Europe often and what are some of the top places in your opinion people should check out musically if they visit?
I haven't been to Europe yet, very soon I intend to be there to play! I'm planning to go here soon, but my top places to visit that are in the pipeline are Ibiza, Berlin and Amsterdam.
Where was your first gig and how did it go?
My first show was marked by an open air residency here in São Paulo in one of the biggest tourist spots around here, Ponte Estaiada.
Which other DJs or producers are you liking right now?
Look, there are several names that I can mention here for you, but I have some specific ones that I have been listening to a lot, in the line of more melodic techno. There is Olivier Giacomotto, Rafael Cerato, Toto Chiavetta, Korolova. When it comes afro house and more organic geenres there is AMÉMÉ and DJ Chus, who I really like, and Phonique too. Basically all the tracks are very much in line with what I really like in music!
What are your go-to labels?
I have some labels in mind that I would really like to launch! Of course there are some different styles, but they are the styles that I use in production! But here are some: Loulou Records, Nervous Inc, Defected Records, Toolroom Records, ZAMNA Records, Diynamic, among others!
You have compiled our latest Berlin Mixtapes Series Episode 064 - Tell us more about your mix.
I made this set with great care! I tried to bring to light everything that represents me musically, trying to be a storyteller that captures the listener from beginning to end! I added several Zatar songs too, this set represents me from start to finish hahaha!
Thanks for spending some time with us, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
It was great to be able to share a little more about me here with you! What I can share most with you is my vision about you always believing in your process and not giving up! Music moves me in a way that I only let myself go until I realised that my greatest pleasure was being in a studio producing! Having my first release of my life happen the way it did, just shows me more and more that I'm on the right path doing what I really love, music!
Genre: Melodic Techno
Favourite colour: Nude
What do you put on your chips: Ketchup & mustard
First record ever bought: It was a U2 vinyl, War! I was 8 years old and I was with my father
Apple or Android: Apple
Can you juggle: No hahaha I'm very clumsy
Weirdest/Coolest item of clothing: A cow costume
If you could have a superpower, what would you choose: I really wish I could teleport
What was the last thing you looked up online? A musical keyboard, and I bought it hahaha
Do you collect anything: Yes, Rolling Stones magazine, I have some new and exclusive and very old editions and covers
What is the most useless talent you have: I'm good at card games
Favourite place to hang out: In Sao Paulo I can recommend several good places
Favourite club: In Sao Paulo: D-Edge
Favourite bar/pub: The Patagonia brewery in Argentina
Favourite beer: Head Hunter - IPA
Favourite place to eat: Ilhabela Republic, best brunch ever
Weirdest thing you have eaten: Ant
How do you like your eggs: Creamy and with cottage cheese
Coffee or tea: Coffeemaniac!
Favourite football team: Brasil!
Favourite track right now: In The Dark - Olivier Giacomotto
Favourite word: LOVE
3 words to describe your mix: Engaging, captivating, dancing
Tracklist
1- Roth & Oliver Nagel feat. Agur - Wings Of Mercy (Phonique Remix)
2- Phonique Feat. Rebecca - Feel What You Want (Alar & Korolova Remix)
3- Nosegrab, Aaron Sevilla - Set You Free (Original Mix)
4-Manuel Ribeca, The LaCruz - Who Believes (Vito Raisi Remix)
5-FreakMe, German Brigante - We Got It (Remastered 2021)
6-Nilu (DK) - Sigalle
7- Nilu (DK) - Fremtid
8- Vakabular, Red Machine - Turn Off The Heat (Extended Mix)
9-Super Flu & Dancing on Lego - Dear Friend (Extended Mix)
10-Olivier Giacomotto - Hypnotized (Mark Hoffen's Stellar Disco Remix)
11- Ece Ekren - Feel You (Pete Sabo Remix)
12- No Distance - Missing Jetlag
13- Legroni, Peredel - Apollo (Original Mix)
14-PLAYTIME, Bailey Jehl - Pleasures (KOBAIEN Remix)
15-DJ Chus, Dean Mickoski - Panamera (Original Mix)
16- Ayla - Together As One