Ayline (eye-lean) meaning “the one that belongs to the moon”, captivates with her bluesy, rock ’n soul infused vibe. Her music will draw you in and steal your heart. Ayline’s connection to the music and lyrics she writes is undeniable, and honors her journey as a woman and an artist. She has performed at iconic venues including The Dolby, The Saban and The Rose Theater, and has been fortunate to grace the stage at Palm Springs Pride Festival and Hermosa Beach Pride Festival. Ayline is equally passionate about spreading love and bringing awareness to the Armenian Genocide by performing at the El Rey Theater, Alex Theater, and the Beverly Hilton. Ayline’s driving force behind the music she writes, records and performs is LOVE. Spreading the message of love, faith and gratitude is what makes Ayline’s music so special. It can be felt in every note and lyric she sings. Her soulful storytelling will pull at your heartstrings and leave you wanting more.
Ayline’s music is far from expected. She brings an exciting vigor to the scene while keeping her roots true to the soulful blues that she grew up listening to and playing on her old upright piano; which she still sits at to write her music. With an emotionally piercing rock ’n roll voice that can effortlessly shift to a sensual ballad, nothing is predictable about her artistry. Her depth of emotion and passion for what she creates burns through each track like a wildfire. It is no surprise the immense talent that surrounds Ayline in her band full of music legends. Percussionist, Oliver C. Brown, original member of KC and the Sunshine Band, Mick Fleetwood and Fleetwood Mac infuses a high energy to her music and on stage. Nils, a renowned producer and her lead guitarist, holds 6 #1 contemporary jazz records. Artin’s drummer, Eric Valentine, has played on more than 20 #1 singles in various genres. Her bassist Derrick Elliot, brings a unique tranquil sound to the songs. The band is rounded out by her keyboardist, Adam Peri, who adds a sensual touch to Ayline’s rock ballads. “Heaven in Hell”, an edgy hard hitting rock hit with an infectious hook, features an intoxicating percussion intro by Oliver C. Brown, and an electrifying guitar (rhythm) that electrifies the track. The song is about the dangers of being in love with one person but being tempted by a chemistry with someone else.
Thank you for taking this interview! What has 2022 been like for YOU as artists?
2022 has probably been the most exciting year as an artist for me because it’s been filled with “finished” projects. In January, I was ready to release a single off my, yet to be released, album “Heaven in Hell”. After finally deciding to release the song, “Heaven in Hell”, I began to plan out a music video shoot so that I would have something to follow the single, one week after its release. After creating a “dream team” of people who would take part in creating the video and planning out the story and shot list, we began a six-week shoot, held at six different locations, which started in April of 2022. By the time the video had been edited and ready for release, June had already arrived. And so, on July 14th, I released my single “Heaven in Hell” followed by an incredible and beautifully directed music video, released on July 21st. Currently, I am working on my second music video for my second single release called, “Take Back the Night”, from the album “Heaven in Hell”. So, to put in short, 2022 has been fast paced, exciting, hard-working, and very celebratory thus far.
Can you tell us how you’ve transformed from the beginning to now as an artist?
Wow! I think to answer this question I would need the whole magazine. But here is the best way I can put it, as a human being, not just an artist. I am constantly growing as a person. I always want to “know” better so that I can “be” and “do” better. In the beginning I thought it was ALL ABOUT ME. I know that sounds funny. But it’s true. As I went on and off stages, and experienced failures and successes, I learned that it really had absolutely nothing to do with me, and everything to do with everyone else. It is then that things began to shift for me as an artist. With the mindset of understanding that we all have a purpose, I began to see my music and talent as a means of service. I now see and know that my music can change and save a life. That is probably the most profound way for me to describe my transformation. Letting go of the ego and allowing the true creator to take over and serve this gift that I’ve been given.
How did you come up with your latest project?
Well, I have two projects. One being my album. The other being my music video. My album has 13 songs, all of which were written, both music and lyrics, by me. A few of the songs were co-written with my producer and guitarist Nils, who is an incredible talent himself. The music video was directed by Len Rosen, who himself is an amazing and talented film writer and director. Len heard the song “Heaven in Hell” and came up with a beautiful story line and had a clear vision of how he wanted the video to be. In fact, what’s amazing is that Len managed to direct the music video while he was living in Shanghai, China. Each week, the night before the next day of the shoot, the crew/team would get on a zoom call with Len, who was in a completely different time zone/day, as he’d review each scene with me, my cinematographer, and co-producer, to make sure the shoot went as planned and imagined. It worked! The video has received over 11 Awards (and counting) in various international and domestic film festivals in categories such as “Best Music Video”, “Best LGBTQ – Pride Celebration Film”, “Best Shock Video”, “Best LGBTQ Short”, and “Best Song”. This project was a team effort, and great things happen when egos are tossed and everyone is on the same page. No matter where they are on the planet. We all connected and that’s why we have what we have. An award winning music video and song.
Where are you from originally?
I am Armenian, born in Khartoum, Sudan. But I have been living in the United States since the age of one. I grew up in Canoga Park.
Where do you live now?
Currently I live in Redondo Beach, CA with my wife of 27 years, and our three daughters.
Do you think where you live impacts how your music is made?
I think music is made from within no matter where you are at that time and moment. It starts from a thought, which then becomes a feeling, which then controls the actions, which in turn gives the results. Music is made in my mind and impacts my creative juices no matter where I am. I may get different styles and songs depending on where I am at the time. But in the end, I am still getting a great song out of it.
What was the inspiration to make music your career?
Funny how you ask about my career. Up until this past June of 2022, I worked as an adapted physical education teacher, helping kids with various physical challenges and disabilities. I recently resigned this August, to fully pursue my career in music. Although I loved working with the kids, it wasn’t my TRUTH, my calling. So, my inspiration has been, to “live” while I’m alive in full TRUTH. I am only able to manage the expected “fear” and “doubt”, at times, of leaving a steady guaranteed paycheck/job, by letting FAITH take over, affirming that IF I “fall”, God will catch me. That is how I get by and that is what feels good and right to me.
How do you want to shape your career?
Well, without beating around the bush, like most artists, I want to go global. I hope to change and save lives all around the world through my music and brand. I want to be excellent at representing myself as a brand. I remember hearing Oprah once say, “Be excellent because when you are excellent you are unforgettable.” This really resonated with
me, along with “always doing the right thing”. It resonates because it speaks truth, not just for me, but for all.
Do you work on a tight timeline always or do you go with the flow when it comes to your music?
I always go with the flow. Force negates. Flow creates. We don’t have control over time. As the late Earl Nightingale once said, “We can’t control time. But we can control how we manage our activities.” I manage mine by having set actions. Whether it be spiritually, creatively, or reaching out via emails and phone calls to people who will listen.
How did your latest title of your music come to be?
“Heaven in Hell” was written about 6 years ago on a deck, overlooking the beautiful blue lake of Lake Tahoe. It all started as a guitar riff, which kicks off at the beginning, and throughout the song. My song-writing always starts with the instrumentation that I hear in my head, followed by lyrics depending on how the melody makes me feel, which then takes me to a place of story-telling. Sometimes it’s a true story and others, it’s not. “Heaven in Hell” was a fabrication of the heavens in the hells of getting lost in the desires of life’s temptations with someone, while being in a committed relationship. In fact, if I remember correctly, my wife helped me write a couple lines of the song, which always makes writing just a bit more fun.
Is it hard to let go of the music when it is done?
Let go? No. Because for me, to share the music, is to share a part of me with others. If I know I can positively change a person’s life, and/or save a life through my voice, music, and talent, then it is a no brainer, and much easier to “let go”, merely because I’m providing a service which impacts lives. Hopefully for the better!
Do you feel an emotional attachment with your music?
Always! Everything I write comes from the core of who I am. My emotions are what created the songs in the first place. So yes, of course, there is a deep emotional connection. And when people hear my voice, hear me sing, they connect with that emotion. I am blessed to be given such a gift as my voice, my ability to write music and lyrics, as well as the confidence and willingness to share it with others. I just aspire to be heard worldwide because I know it will make a difference for those who connect.
How would you describe your music in one word to someone who hasn’t listened to it yet?
“Rock n Soul”. Ok maybe that is 2-3 words. But you get it.
Where do they go to listen NOW?
The single “Heaven in Hell” is available on all major platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Pandora, to name a few.
What has been the best fan reaction to your music?
There are a few that stand out. One is that my voice is soulful and my music steals their heart. The other would be that my voice moves them with power, passion, and love.
Is there anything exciting coming up for you?
This single and music video release has been the most exciting. The next would be the release of the album which I hope to release by the end of this year. In the meantime, we are working on the second single release which will be followed by another music video. After that, the plan may be to release the album, OR, release my third single and music video. There are some decisions to be made, that’s for sure. But in all, a pretty good “problem” to have when following your path and doing what you love.