IN CONVERSATION WITH YAEL DAILA

Interview by Samo Šajn

Yael Daila is a Dutch artist making waves with her fresh, emotional sound. Her new EP Crying Happy Tears is all about moving through heartbreak and finding strength, with songs that are honest, bold, and full of energy.

Your EP Crying Happy Tears is very personal. What inspired you to write these songs?

It's a deeply personal project, primarily inspired by coming out of a relationship that wasn't truly mine. As a songwriter at heart, writing helped me process this tough emotional experience. While I often mix my own experiences with those of others, this time, it was remarkably honest and inward, focusing on my own journey.

With this EP, I shed the fear of oversharing, diving deep into my emotions. Each song represents a different phase of that relationship, but I soon realized they also reflected different versions of myself and how I navigated those situations. It became a self-reflective project, especially with a song like 'Shapeshifter,’ where I confront my pessimistic side. Crying Happy Tears is about how the only way out is through painful experiences can lead to growth and learning, transforming loss into a lesson. It began about an external relationship and evolved into internal reflection.

The music feels both emotional and energetic. How did you find that mix of dark and uplifting sounds?

I love experimenting with sounds, and my executive producer, Cantstopdjay, perfectly matches that energy. We both push boundaries in sound, unafraid to try unconventional approaches, which was crucial for this project. This approach is central to who I am.

I enjoy creating a contrast between tone and meaning. I often pair serious topics with uplifting production, or vice-versa. I'm deeply connected to my dark femininity, and while I appreciate uplifting music, that darker edge is a part of me that always comes through in my sound and visuals. I believe life has its ups and downs, and that duality is naturally woven into my music.

‘Libralicious’, ‘Moulin Rouge’, and now this EP all seem connected. What story are you telling through these songs?

'Libralicious' explores romanticizing a return to an ex, specifically a Libra – a delusional fantasy. I like writing about topics that people might feel are taboo, such as revisiting past relationships, which society often discourages.

'Moulin Rouge' was the sequel, where I realized he hadn't changed. It was a healing song for me, full of sarcasm and mockery, calling out red flags – almost a musical roast. These two are definitely connected.

While the new EP's songs initially seem to be about someone else, they ultimately reflect me. 'Moulin Rouge' mentions others 'many faces,' but the EP delves into the different versions of myself I adopted to survive an unhealthy relationship.

Your visuals are also really striking. How do they help you express the emotions in your music?

Visuals were paramount. When conceptualizing them, I realized this project was an inward journey, focusing on my own transformation. As a visual thinker, I instantly visualize music, and for me, visuals are essential to fully express a song.

My visuals are about identity building. While contemporary visuals are often fast-paced, I wanted depth. I included snippets of all songs in my music video, allowing for shorter clips while still providing a complete artistic piece. This showcases my identity and what I stand for. This visual project helped me reclaim my power.

Working with abstract director Fidelio, I aimed for a balance: visually abstract yet understandable, intriguing but not confusing. It was challenging, but the result is beautiful. Visuals offer a powerful, different way to present music and create deeper connections with listeners.

You’ve mentioned artists like The Weeknd and Billie Eilish as influences. What have you learned from them that shows up in your own music?

Both The Weeknd and Billie Eilish excel at creating entire worlds around their music – through their sound, visuals, and live shows. That immersive experience is what I aspire to create.

The Weeknd masterfully combines darkness with upliftment, pain with pleasure. From Billie Eilish, I learned the immense power of softness. I don't belt like Beyoncé; I use a lot of head voice and softer vocals. Early in my singing lessons, I thought I needed to belt, but a producer helped me realize my natural voice was already powerful. That led me to scrap an entire EP and create this current one.

They also both explore diverse genres without limitations, which I embrace too. My music blends pop, R&B, and afropop. They show that as long as it's authentically you, you can draw inspiration from anywhere.

You’ve played at some amazing places already. How does performing live affect how you feel about your songs?

Performing live is incredibly important to me. I still struggle with stage fright, but I know it’s essential for connecting with an audience. After an initial gig two years ago, where I performed despite being sick. I gained confidence after seeing audience members deeply engaged. I realized my voice had the power to touch people.

It's a completely different experience live. I love seeing the emotions my songs evoke. Music is a powerful tool, and expressing it live is a gift I want to share. It's the most beautiful way to connect with listeners, even new ones. Like visuals, live shows create a unique, unfiltered experience that fosters genuine connection.

Your music feels honest, but also mysterious. How do you decide what parts of yourself to share in your songs?

I'm naturally very open and honest, and for this project, I deliberately held nothing back, believing that's how the most beautiful songs emerge. This EP is my most honest work to date.

The mysteriousness comes from not over-detailing events. I want listeners to relate and interpret the song in their own way, rather than being forced into a specific narrative. While it's scary to be so vulnerable as a songwriter, you don't always need to reveal everything to make a powerful point. That balance of honesty and mystery is key for me.

What do you hope people feel or take away after listening to Crying Happy Tears?

I hope people understand that every emotion is valid. It’s okay to feel everything, even if you’re ashamed or try to avoid certain feelings. Each version of yourself, through different life phases, deserves compassion and no judgment. We are often hard on ourselves, but it’s okay not to always be in your 'best era.' That’s a strong message I want people to take away from my project.