DAYLA – No1
Filmed on the streets of London, DAYLA’s music video, out today, brings to life her shimmering, new single “No1.”
Born from the friction of modern dating, DAYLA’s new video sees her search for solace amongst city life. Directed by Naomi Ngoo, DAYLA walks the streets of London with no end destination, yearning for something greater. Embodying an unfiltered anti-hero persona, her star costume gives nods to Hollywood Boulevard mascots as she stands out, feeling like the elephant in the room. As she wanders through the illuminated streets of Soho and Chinatown, the video captures the duality between the track’s wishful title ‘No1’ and the reality of being completely unknown. Channeling the chaotic energy of her teenage Indie Sleaze roots, it celebrates an unpolished self who doesn’t have it all figured out just yet.
The track was first penned in LA before reaching its final form later down the line in the wake of a 6-year relationship. “No1” tackles the dopamine-chasing “what ifs” of limerence and the warmth of an unexpected winter spark, that crept into an endless summer illusion where it becomes clear that a crush is merely a lack of information.
‘I want anyone dating someone who isn’t matching their investment to let go. Walk away and channel that spicy energy into something creative—into yourself instead.’ DAYLA shared.
Taking her own advice, DAYLA transformed that experience into ‘No 1’. Navigating the treacherous world of modern dating as a romantic, can be incredibly disarming, but there comes a point when you have to trust the process and take things for what they are. Sharing more DAYLA said; ‘I get frustrated by the general lack of commitment from people and how easily my brain would feed on ‘what ifs’ instead of facing the real disappointment in people. Narrating the memory of an impromptu night that turned into something quite magical was soothing my confusion for it to not see it bloom into something more. As we get older, we think we’ll navigate love better, or stop falling into the mind games trap. But at the end of the day, we all just want to love and be loved in return. Writing ‘No1’ was my way of turning that raw, uncertain feeling of modern dating into a fun, sensual song that lets you surrender to the unknown.’
DAYLA returned in September with her euphoric single “TV- 90s kid” marking the end of a six year hiatus from music. No a moment too soon, her come back was warmly received and saw her scoop support from the likes of Fault magazine, Loud Women, Ones To Watch and The Most Radicalist who commented that ‘it’s a miracle DAYLA hasn’t blown up yet (or maybe she will now)’.
The dreamy dose of art-pop, paid a much needed homage to the millennials who feel let down by the unrelenting reality of ‘2026 adulthood’. Soothing nostalgia is paired with weightless vocals and dreamy production to bring you a little respite from life’s complexities.
Born and raised in Paris, Dayla moved to London in the early 2010s to immerse herself fully in the city’s vibrant music scene. Her early work focused on ensemble-based performances, seeing her grace the stages of prestigious venues like the Union Chapel, the Barbican, and the Southbank Centre alongside acclaimed artists such as Imogen Heap and Elena Tonra from Daughter.
Parallel to her first release, Dayla expanded her sonic horizons and tapped into her more experimental side as one of the core members of the NYX Electronic Drone Choir. Working within the collective, she explored deep ambient sound worlds made with voices and gear, contributing to their debut album NYX as well as the collaborative album Deep England alongside Gazelle Twin. While on tour, they opened for electronic pioneer Nicolás Jaar at Rewire Festival, performed at the Centre Pompidou, and made appearances at the London Design Festival and London Fashion Week, culminating in a performance with Sigur Rós at BST Hyde Park.
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