XOXO, Layke New Music from Layke
Alt-pop iconoclast Layke has released her new single and music video, “XOXO,” the latest offering from her forthcoming EP, Frequency, out July 29th. Co-written with multi-platinum Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, and artist Adrian Gurvitz (Andra Day, The Bodyguard Soundtrack, Stevie Wonder) and Transviolet’s Sarah McTaggart, the dance-club bop celebrates Layke’s journey of finding her voice within the LGBTQIA+ community and is a love letter to those who have embraced and supported her along the way. “XOXO” is accompanied by a neon-clad music video that welcomes viewers into Layke’s vivid, candy-coated world featuring a diverse group of dancers meant to mirror the dazzling celebration of acceptance associated with Pride month.
“It’s really an ode to the LGBTQIA+ community. This song makes you wanna move, makes you wanna dance,” Layke shares about the track. “It paints a vivid picture with lyrics like ‘prisms dripping light,’ ‘shining neon bright,’ and ‘we make the sun come out at night.’ It’s a true reflection of how enigmatic and beautiful each part of the community is.”
Speaking about the music video, she adds, “It opens with a fierce choreo moment to welcome you into a vivid pastel neon rainbow candy coated world of all things fun. You’ll see familiar faces from my previous video, ‘No One Can Stop Us,’ who each represent a different aspect of the amazingly diverse queer community. We wanted to really highlight the brightness and love of Pride month and encourage everyone to keep that energy and Pride going 24/7 365. This is my dance love letter to the queer community!”
“XOXO” is the third single from Frequency and follows the release of other-worldly pop anthem, “No One Can Stop Us,” which speaks to embracing the moment you're in and not letting anyone — or anything — stop you. Together, the pair of tracks offer a sense of comfort and acceptance, a recurring theme on the 6-track EP which is an ultra-vivid and intensely personal portrait of the strange duality of modern times. Co-written with Gurvitz, Frequency embodies a wildly kaleidoscopic sound highlighting Layke’s left-of-center reimagined pop songs with an edge accompanied by lyrics that touch on the normalization around discussing mental health and spotlighting the enigmatic LGBTQIA+ community as well as her own bi/pansexuality. The EP also features the fiercely honest and transparent “Help Me Out” which sheds a bright light on enduring mental turmoil and replicates the unsettling sensation of experiencing an anxiety attack. The deeply relatable track received early support from Entertainment Tonight, GLAAD, Ones To Watch, Spindle Magazine, and E! who included it in their Best New Music of 2022 roundup.
“I’ve never talked about anything as openly as I do on this EP—but with everything going on in the world right now, I don’t think there’s ever been a better time to be completely open,” Layke shares about Frequency. “I definitely feel very exposed, but it’s worth it if it helps people to accept themselves a little more. I just want everyone to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to be vulnerable, and to reach out for help whenever they need it. This EP is a safe space to be yourself, authentically and unapologetically you. There are no rules, no requirements, no pressure to be perfect. It’s really about being, living, and experiencing life all held together by the common thread of love.”
Growing up in a conservative environment in Dallas, Layke frequently felt like an outsider, but sought solace in self-expression through dance, musical theater, and writing. Packing her bags and moving to Los Angeles, she met and began working with Gurvitz, continuing to hone her craft with fierce determination and unwavering tenacity in tow. Throughout her career, Layke has released two eclectic and ethereal EPs, featuring her debut single “Beautiful War,” and collaborated with legendary rapper Snoop Dogg on an unparalleled version of Bastille and Marshmello’s “Happier.” Releasing music independently, Layke has garnered nearly 2 million global streams and support from the likes of Billboard, ET Canada, Audacy, Guitar Girl Magazine, and MEAWW, among others.
Unapologetically living her truth, Layke is ready to speak openly to help others find their voice with her new music— and for the universe to take note.