Nyla XO
Nyla XO recently released her latest single “Done Being Sad” and it’s an anthem dedicated to anyone who overcame anxiety and depression.
Co-produced with Henry H.A.N.K McDaniel, the new single is empowering and inspiring. Mental health is such an important topic and talking about it through any art form is key. Nyla XO did an amazing job expressing her emotions with this new record and I know a lot of people will need to hear it.
Fusing pop, r&b and rock, “Done Being Sad” is a smash. It has a unique and refreshing sound, and it feels amazing to hear something empowering and different at the same time.
Congrats Nyla XO for writing and releasing this incredible single.
“Done Being Sad” is now available worldwide.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi! I'm Nyla XO. I'm a California girl but have been living in Chicago for the past 5 years with my husband, who is also a musician! My music often follows my journey as a young woman trying to navigate the highs and lows of life, love, pursuing my dreams and everything in between. I've toured nationally on keyboards, written music for television, and am just starting to release music after a 2-year hiatus.
What did you grow up listening to?
If we're being honest...I grew up listening to A LOT of radio disney, haha! But as far as artists who influenced me musically growing up, I'd say Nelly Furtado, Alicia Keys and India.Arie are all at the top of that list. I remember being sprawled out on the carpet popping in their CD's back to back feeling so inspired by what I heard.
Do you remember the specific moment when you knew you had to be an artist and release your original music?
I can't recall a specific moment, but I've always wanted to be on stage. For a while I was heavily into acting and musical theater, and then at one point I wanted to be a fashion designer. Even through those phases, writing, singing and playing piano were constant. So I suppose it's one of those things that I just knew music was my "forever" thing.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My mom for sure! Her and I are super close and she's always fostered all of my creative endeavors. Even though she was the first, she's certainly not the last - I've been super blessed to have incredibly supportive friends, family, and even strangers believing in me and my journey.
"Done Being Sad" is your new single - what's the inspiration behind this song?
The song is really a declaration of overcoming those negative feelings and seasons of sadness we go through. Whether it's a poor mental state, self-doubt, depression, I wanted to write a song for people to come back to when they experienced those things. I've personally gone through bouts of depression, and it was not easy. The song really journeys what that was like, and how I came out of it. "Being Being Sad" was my way of saying, "Nyla, we can do this!"
Could you describe the songwriting/production for this song? When did you start working on it?
I started writing it in the Summer of July 2021. I had just finished some therapy sessions and was feeling on top of the world. Slowly but surely I was starting to recognize myself again after a period of not feeling so great. I sat down and recorded some rough vocals and production for the song and later handed it off to my husband, who produced the song with me. Although the initial production started as a laid-back nostalgic vibe, it later went a different direction - which inspired the final upbeat pop version of the song. My husband spent a lot of time tweaking the production we got to bring in some of our friends to lay guitar and bass parts down. It was awesome seeing it all come to life.
What did you feel when writing this song?
It felt incredibly freeing to share the ups and downs of my mental health journey and coming on the other side of it. It can be very vulnerable sharing thoughts and situations I've struggled with, but it's all worth it when the pen meets the paper. It felt good.
What made you want to release "Done Being Sad" as a single?
Well it's been two years since I've released music, and so I wanted to make sure that my first song was honest, high energy, and something people could relate to. My listeners are used to me creating mid-tempo songs, so I wanted this one to shake things up a bit. The truth is, there are so many layers to me as an artist, and I want to keep people on their toes. Will she sing something sweet? Will she sing something sassy? Guess we'll have to listen and see.
What message do you want to give to anyone struggling with depression and anxiety?
I want them to hold on to the hope that they can see the other side of it. I know that when we're in the thick of depression and anxiety it can feel impossible. I'm hoping that by sharing my struggle, I can help someone else out there feel a little less alone. It's not about transforming overnight, but it's certainly about recognizing the power we have to see it through.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
The hardest part is knowing that so much responsibility (if not all) relies on you, the artist, to make things happen for your career. You have to cultivate a lot of self-discipline to make sure that you stay on track with your goals, keep your audience engaged, all the while maintaining that happiness and desire to create. It can be a lot, but the best part is seeing everything come together and being able to see how far it takes you. I personally am so touched when people come to a show or shoot me a DM about how my storytelling has inspired or helped them in some way. It's incredibly special.
How's it like to be a woman in the music industry? What advice would you give to women out there?
You know, I love being a woman in the industry. Of course people are usually shocked or surprised when they find out I not only sing - but produce, shoot and direct my own videos, design all my own promo etc. but it's something I'm super proud of. There are a lot of incredible women in the industry and I think we as a whole are really changing the narrative of what "women can do". The advice I would give any woman out there is to always stay true to your vision and not to settle for less than you're worth - from anyone!
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I can't speak from the perspective of the entire music industry, as I'm still on a small independent level. However, I think more than ever it's incredible that "making it" can look like so many different things. You don't need to have millions of followers to have a profitable career. There are so many tools available to get out there and increase your audience. With that being said, I don't love all the ways social media has played a part in the music industry - especially as it pertains to creativity and mental health. Don't get me wrong, there's so much of it that I love, but there's a lot of pressure to constantly create - which can be exhausting, overwhelming, and quite frankly a creativity killer sometimes. I like authenticity and it hurts to know so many people out there are not being authentic to appease the social media powers that be.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Aside from cupcakes on every street corner...recognizing that it's our job to love people, not to change them. Be the type of person that is authentic and selfless. Also...patience. If we all had a little bit more patience, I think we'd be way better off.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
One big one is that learning never stops. The times I have felt the most lost in my life are times that I got too comfortable and thought I knew everything there is to learn about myself, those around me, my surroundings, etc. Maintaining a level of curiosity about life is a major key to growth!
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