Layo Isaac is a singer-songwriter with a knack for experimenting; she already owns a distinct Alternative-Afro sound, and she is still trying her creative hands at other sounds. She released her first song “Taya” in 2019 and since then she has released “Black Magic”, “Hard” and her latest offering, “Ready”.
For this week’s episode of spotlighting a female singer in Africa, 49th Street spoke to Layo Isaac to talk about her career.
49th Street: What inspires your music?
Layo Isaac: I make music to tell stories of all the boys I have encountered. Different experiences shaped into lyrics that form different songs.
49th Street: What experience inspired you to make “Ready”?
Layo Isaac: I spent the entire lockdown alone, which I totally enjoyed but I really wanted company at some point so I wrote it when I felt “company starved”
49th Street: How has the reception for “Ready” been?
Layo Isaac: The reception has actually been really good, lowkey didn’t think people were going to like it as much as they did. 2 of my friends added it to their sex playlist (laughs)
49th Street: You made Ready for people who have company while you were company starved?
Layo Isaac: Well I guess writing from another perspective can be crazy sometimes.
49th Street: You’ve made an Electronic song with Tropical Kenny, do you two have more coming?
Layo Isaac: Yessss!!! Tropical Kenny is absolutely amazing!!!! Yes, we do. There’s the EDM remix of Ready which he worked on out 15th of this month and he’s also on a remix EP of a single I have out in July or so. Naija EDM community is actually really talented and welcoming I hope they’re properly appreciated in due time.
49th Street: Asides singing, do you play any musical instruments?
Layo Isaac: I am currently learning how to play the keyboard. In a few years, I hope to make music from the scratch (putting chords and lyrics together), learn to mix/master and own a home studio.
49th Street: You plan on being an all-round artiste? Write, produce, mix and master your music?
Layo Isaac: Yes, especially the mixing/mastering part. I currently write my music but I’d also love to be in the studio with amazing writers and get their inputs. I think natural born writers are so talented.
49th Street: How has the industry been since you got in, any challenges?
Layo Isaac: Errrm I think the major challenge I’m facing that I’d highlight is really access to a studio. I really wish I spend most of my time locked up in a studio just creating. Lol but the fact that I have to save up for every session is challenging.
49th Street: New music soon?
Layo Isaac: Oh so there’s “Ready (EDM remix)” out on the 15th this month. I also have this song “7 days” which is a very fine song together with the the EDM remix EP both scheduled for release July/August.
49th Street: There are a lot of talented individuals in the music industry, which would you love to work with?
Layo Isaac: I’d love to work with Sigag Lauren and Maleek Berry, definitely Joeboy too.
Listen to Ready
