Exclusive Interview : Sayla

Painting that Sayla did 3 years ago, now the cover of Utopian Dreams : Part 1

1. What inspired the Utopian Dreams series?
The initial idea was to put out a short mixtape of stuff I’ve done before solo, which were 6 songs? The time i was planning it up the writing process continued and i had more songs to record, and incidentally the new songs had a similar theme/frame of thought – Utopian Dreams. (Not all of the original 6 tracks made the final cut though).

2. You were in a group, Dose Two, now going solo, how different is that, comparing now and then?
The writing process is definitely different. In Dose Two, Qbe and I would spar ideas and thoughts and have constant check points while writing to make sure we’re always on the same page. Doing it solo, i just had to trust my guts and just let it flow. The only conversation you have with then, is with yourself, hence a handful of the songs in ‘Utopian Dreams Part 1’ are quite introspective, i reckon.

3. Is Dose Two's "Ordinary Heroes" coming?
We recorded ‘Ordinary Heroes’ in 07, and both Qbe and I have grown as writers and emcees. I think if we were to get in the booth today, our sound would be very much different compared to what we did 4 years ago. But with that said, i think there’s a pocket of gems in Ordinary Heroes that could turn some heads. We’ll see what gives. Maybe in 2017 we’ll release a classic, literally. :)
(Micwrecka recently released his production ‘The Scene’ that was originally recorded for ‘Ordinary Heroes’).

4. On this Part 1 you worked with Wordsmanifest, Sona One, Salam, how was the working experience like?
I wish i had the resource and time to work with more artists honestly, but with the constraint i managed to work with these 3 greats(recognise truth bitches!). Salam and Sona are old friends of mine so it was a comfortable thing to do, i wish i could’ve watched Wordsmanifest write though, maybe on the next one. But yea, thanks Wan, Miks, Acap, Honoured! (Mixtape had no thank you sleeve, selamat sorray!)

5. Your favourite joint on this mixtape?
‘Look Around You’. Simply because it’s my most recent work.
But i’d bump ‘Glass of Water’ and ‘Achilles’ in a foggy room though. And ‘Go’ is my morning song. Can’t pick one la.

6. Recently you did a remix of MC Blink's 40 Years, how did that came along?
Haha, MC Blink made the most bad-ass ‘i don’t give a fuck’ song ever made! That song cracked me up every time i listened, liked the beat and thought i fuq with it. Got in contact with the producer(Ego) and we laid it down.

7. After this mixtape series, will there be a solo LP?
No plans of an LP. I’m working on 2 mixtapes though. One is fully produced by Tactmatic and was mostly recorded in 2010. I hope to get that out by June/July. I’m currently writing for Utopian Dreams Part 2.

8. When is Utopian Dreams Part 2 and Part 3 coming?
Utopian Dreams Part 2 would be out end year. There won’t be a Part 3.


9. Till then, will be hearing something new soon?
The Tact produced Mixtape aside, i’ve done a couple songs sporadically, so all that will come when the respective producers say go. Got a song with Lady D and one with Mr.Dan and SonaOne that ought to be out soon. Look out for those and thanks for bumpin Utopian Dreams Part 1 peeps! UDP2 will be twisted.

Download - Utopian Dreams : Part 1 now.