HAYLA
Webster Hall // New York, NY // February 7, 2025
Photos and Review by Jess Williams
On the first Friday of February, a chill fell over New York City. Inside Union Square’s iconic Webster Hall, under a canopy of flickering stage lights, the crowd pulsed with anticipation, eager for the night to begin. British singer-songwriter HAYLA was set to perform her very first headlining show in New York, and the energy in the room was electric.
The venue, packed to the brim with people eager to dance the stress away, buzzed as the clock struck 10 p.m. A simple stage setup of bar lights and a textured wall framed HAYLA as she appeared, immediately opening with the hit song “Shiver.”
Known mostly for her vocal appearances on top EDM tracks, HAYLA recently released her debut solo album Dusk, a portion of which she performed that evening. Her intensely beautiful vocals soared over the crowd, who rivaled her in volume as they sang every lyric back to her. Between moments, a smile crept across HAYLA’s face as she danced and took in the sight of the audience. Fans of all ages, from the front barrier to the upper balcony, beamed back at her as she captivated them for her 60-plus-minute set.
HAYLA performed top hits like “Without You,” her song with Kygo, as well as “Another World,” her recent collaboration with DJ trio MEDUZA. Peppered between collaborative hits were fan favorites from Dusk, including “Freefall,” “Alone,” “Fall Again,” and “Visions of You.” She concluded her main set with the global hit single that captivated millions worldwide: her earworm track with John Summit, “Where You Are.”
After pausing briefly, HAYLA returned to the stage for a two-song encore, immediately hooking the crowd with an unreleased track. It was clear that the audience was immersed in the evening’s festivities, as strangers danced together and friends swayed with their arms around each other. For a moment, within the walls of Webster Hall, the world outside seemed to fade away. HAYLA closed her epic and memorable New York City debut with “Escape,” her wildly popular track with Kx5 (the collaborative duo of Kaskade and deadmau5).
Considering this was her first solo headlining show in the city that never sleeps—and the first stop on her inaugural North American headlining tour—it’s safe to say HAYLA has kicked things off on the best possible note. The excitement surrounding her future is undeniable, and we can’t wait to see where she sells out next!
