Layla Kaylif – Black Is The Colour (2026)
Layla Kaylif is breathing new life into one of the most enduring folk songs with her cover of ‘Black Is The Colour’. Instead of a traditional cover of the folk ballad, Kaylif has included original lyrics in the centuries-old sonic tale. This combination creates a bridge between the traditional folk narratives and the modern lens that we all see life through today.
This take on the traditional folk song is a continuation of her work blending folk, alternative and literary influences. She is also continuing her distinct blend of instrumentation and cinematic songwriting, which has built her a global audience. With critically acclaimed releases under her belt, this take on a traditional folk staple is a fantastic display of her musical abilities.
You can hear the contemporary touches to the cover from the first moment. While the melody retains the traditional tones, the instrumentation has a slightly more modern feeling to it. The overall flow of the single is a more pop-rock take compared to other covers of this ballad. While there is this change in the style, it works well because it makes the single a bit more engaging for the modern listener who isn’t really into traditional folk music.
Kaylif’s vocals continue this new style while retaining a traditional edge. It is a wonderful blend of modern and vintage that really breathes new life into the track. The original lyrics don’t really hit until later in the track. The opening verses and chorus are almost identical to the original ballad, with changes to gender and some locations to match Kaylif’s background. Around halfway through the single, there is a completely new verse that has been so masterfully created that you wouldn’t know it wasn’t part of the original.
As the new lyrics hit, there is a rise to the music that has you flying over the soundscape. If the traditional tones were a meadow that you were walking through, the new aspects are a sweeping wind that ruffles the tall grass and brings the scent of the past. Within all of this, Kaylif’s performance is emotive and you can feel each emotion worming its way into your chest, leaving you with a sense of longing and love.
Find out more about Layla Kaylif on her Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Bandcamp and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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