Laya

Staten Island-born vocalist Laya makes spare, atmospheric R&B that takes cues from 1990s artists while still seeking to move in new directions. Dreamy, slow-moving singles like 2020's "Sailor Moon" led to a deal with Warner Records, which released Laya's 2022 EP Um, Hello. The more concise Bet That quickly followed in 2023. Laya was born Lauren Ayala. She worked in the music industry as a creative director while building a music career of her own, self-releasing tracks as early as 2017's "Run." More fleshed-out songs like 2020's "Sailor Moon" and 2021's "Bitter" boasted smoot...