Ever the pop-chameleon, AYLA keeps bringing stunning, captivating alt-pop gems, with the latest single, ‘I Liked You Better When You Were on My Side’ releasing, and also giving another taste of the artist’s upcoming debut full length album (dropping in July).

Co-written and produced by Telenova’s Ed Quinn, the new single is a nostalgic narrative that transports listeners to the end of a night at a party, where the music softly plays, and solitude sets in.

AYLA cites Massive Attack's 'Teardrop' as a source of inspiration for the track, particularly drawing influence from its drums and sultry mood.

“'I Liked You Better When You Were on My Side' started as a topline on a production track, and with Ed's help, we refined the structure and added new elements to take the song to the next level," AYLA shares. "It was a collaborative effort that brought a real effortless groove to the production.”

‘I Liked You Better When You Were on My Side’ sees AYLA enter the realm of Nu Trip-Hop, further emphasising the pop-chameleon tag the musically enigmatic artist continuously demonstrates. With her voice perfectly poised against the beautifully dry sample-esque breakbeats, the single is awash with deep, dark synth bass, juxtaposed against swirling strings, wistful keys and plethora of bubbling synths. At first pulsing, compressed lower tones and kick, the song quickly progresses and takes plenty of hints from the Bristol sound, particularly Massive Attack’s catalogue. ‘I Liked You Better When You Were on My Side’ is sadness, sunny side up.

The pre-chorus of 'I Liked You Better When You Were on My Side' encapsulates the essence of the song's lyrical depth, with AYLA singing, "I wanna break your smile, see what’s inside." Reflecting on the spontaneity of the song writing process, AYLA adds, "It's one of those songs where the words tumble out before you've had a chance to think about them, leaving you to make sense of them once they're out there in front of you."

For AYLA, 'I Liked You Better When You Were on My Side' represents not only a musical evolution but also a celebration of personal growth and resilience. With its nostalgic undertones and anthemic energy, it embodies the spirit of moving forward while honouring cherished memories.

As she continues to captivate audiences with her distinct style and emotive storytelling, AYLA invites listeners to join her on a journey of introspection and empowerment.

The new track ties in with the announcement of ‘Dopamine’, the full-length debut album from AYLA, four years in the making, and a release that marks the graduation from young-buzzed artist with a knack for penning brooding pop gems, to a formidable force with a whole lot of heart.

The album boasts a somewhat accidental team of A-list creatives, musicians and producers including Reuben Styles (Peking Duk), Ed Quinn (Telenova), Taka Perry, Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music), LDRU, Sam Thomlinson (Bad Pony), Danny Harley (The Kite String Tangle) and Peter Holz (Vance Joy, Gang of Youths) on mixing duties.

Ahead of the album’s release on July 12, AYLA will be playing a special show on 7 July at Solbar, giving fans a preview of what they can expect from it.

‘I Liked You Better When You Were on My Side’ is out now on all streaming platforms.