Ayla Nereo

Ayla Nereo launched her prolific recording career in 2006 with the release of her debut solo album, ‘Play Me A Time’. She continued to build her distinctive discography with subsequent solo efforts, including ‘Floating Felt’ in 2009 and ‘BeHeld’ in 2012. Throughout this period, Nereo began to establish herself as a composer and singer-songwriter known for an intuitive approach to her craft, creating expansive and soulful music. Nereo further expanded her artistic footprint by forming the dynamic duo Wildlight with DJ The Polish Ambassador, releasing their inaugural album ‘Hers Was As Thunder’ in 2013.

This collaboration was followed by her solo album ‘Hollow Bone’ in 2014, showcasing her continued individual artistic development. Wildlight then released their second album, ‘The Tide’, in 2015, solidifying the duo’s sound. Nereo maintained her prolific solo output with ‘The Code of the Flowers’ in 2016, continuing to weave conscious lyrics addressing environmental and progressive values into her compositions. In 2019, Nereo released her solo album ‘By the Light of the Dark Moon’, further evolving her unique musical stylings.

Demonstrating her versatility, she co-founded the a cappella group Starling Arrow, with whom she released the album ‘Cradle’ in 2023. The same year marked the release of her latest solo album, ‘Sovereign Kin’, adding another significant work to her extensive catalog. Her music consistently explores themes of planetary healing and human potential. Nereo is a prominent performer on the festival circuit and has toured with acclaimed acts such as Rising Appalachia, Trevor Hall, and Nahko and Medicine for the People.

Her live performances are characterized by innovative arrangements, often incorporating vocal looping, produced beats, live drumming, and orchestral elements, blending genres from folk to electronic music. Her artistic journey highlights a clear progression, recognized for her profound lyrical content and unique musical expression.