Meet The Bedroom-Pop Rising Star…awfultune

Spring is in full bloom and we have the perfect artist to spend the season with. Meet the dynamic awfultune, an indie-bedroom pop artist that’s changing the music sphere. Splashing onto the scene in 2018, the 22-year-old artist began crafting her tracks independently by way of her laptop in Upstate New York. Her DIY methods showcase her boundless creativity and engaging sound.

awfultune’s music is not only an escape for bedroom-pop lovers, it is also a loving resource for the LGBTQIA+ community. As an artist, she is unabashed in her honesty and strives for queer representation in the industry. With her releases, the singer-songwriter has created an environment for the community to thrive and see themselves in. She has also been open about her own journey as a transgender woman, sharing her life with fans through social media and of course her music.

Her brand new single ‘sunflower’ continues her trend of growth and self-love. With its jazzy lo-fi sound and intimate lyrics, the new track opens up the third chapter of the songstress “color story” – which is a six-part creative venture that examines emotional themes using colors of the rainbow.

From breaking boundaries as a trans-bedroom-pop artist to securing over 150 million global collective streams, awfultune is a talent you don’t want to miss out on. We were able to chat with her about everything from the beautiful single ‘sunflower’, her “ah-ha” music moment, goals as an LGBTQIA+ artist and more. Read the full interview below.

Layla, how’s it going? Can you believe we’re already in April?

Hello! I feel like the world has been moving so fast, I swear it was just December. Crazy!

If you had to describe this year in five words what would they be?

What-is-even-going-on

Sorry for getting sidetracked. We’re here for the music. Let’s take it back to the beginning. When was your “ah-ha” music moment?

No worries! My “ah-ha” music moment was probably right around the time I left my job in retail. I always used to tell my mom that I’m not going to work a normal job and be like everyone else. Once I picked up the ukulele and eventually started paying the bills with money from all my music, I remember feeling like “oh yeah, fuck that! this is much more my speed” and it started to feel really comfortable for me. This is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.

Growing up did you always have your sights set on pursuing a music career?

Actually no. I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was always interested in art though! I liked to sing, write, create videos but I did not see musician life in my future, not even a little. Funny it turned out this way. I feel really grateful to do what I love every day.

Since debuting onto the scene, you have been so honest and open about your life and journey. What goals do you want to achieve not only as an indie pop artist but as an LGBTQIA+ artist?

I have a lot of goals I want to meet. I want to be on the cover of a magazine. I want to go on a world tour. I want to be Apple Music’s Up Next artist. More goals than I can name… but I’m good with the small ones right now, like finishing my album and writing some music video treatments!

Let’s talk about your new single ‘sunflower’, absolutely beautiful. Can you take us through the origins of the track’s sound? What themes or messages did you want to explore with the track’s lyrics? You’re always mixing it up while still sounding like awfultune, but this one is giving us lo-fi meets R&B-pop!

So cute, thank you! That really means a lot. I just wanted to write something really honest and true to me but still keep it lo-fi and sounding different from my other music. I don’t think I’ve done a sound like this yet. I always like trying something new.

And your releases this year also launched alongside a color story, intentionally as a reflection of your moods, transition to happiness, and overall experiences as a member of the queer and trans community – can you tell us more?

Yes! If you know me, you know I love a good concept. This color story is a project first and foremost, and is something I’ve never played around with before. I wanted to talk about my story of finding my self worth and happiness in my transition through music in a new way. I’m experimenting with more sounds and fresh looks and I am really excited for everyone to see what’s at the end of the rainbow.

Speaking of transition, how does it feel to go from uploading tracks on Soundcloud on a whim to having over 150 global streams across your collection?

It feels fucking insane. It’s definitely not a feeling I’ve fully processed yet but I don’t think it’s something I ever have to fully process. This is something I never prepared for and I never chased or expected. I’m just really content being me and doing what I love. I’m just feeling really blessed. It’s really cool to me that other people love what I do too!

What can we expect from awfultune in the coming months? Will we be getting a follow-up record to the Dear Sarah EP?

Hahaha no. Layla and Sarah have ended. To tell you the truth, as much as I love that story, I think I’m retiring playing a character for good. I really just want to show everyone who I am. I have plenty of new and exciting things I’m working on that will unfold soon. Be on the lookout for the color green!

What if we asked you to write your closing statement as a poem?

I grew in the ground

my seed was meant to sprout

yellow with some brown

i’m a sunflower

Be the first to listen to awfultune’s brand new single ‘sunflower’ below!