interview

Layla Rey: Rooted in Honesty, Delivered Like a Statement

Layla Rey doesn’t pick a lane; she builds her own road between them. The artist carries the rawness of the underground into spaces that are cinematic, polished, and emotionally precise. Her music toggles between house floor energy and R&B vulnerability without losing either. What holds it together is a creative instinct that asks one question before anything else: does this need to move, or does it need to sit? That question shapes her sound, her visuals, and — as this interview makes clear — the way she thinks about everything. You’ve talked about carrying both the streets and the spotlight. What does it actually look like when those two worlds pull you in different directions creatively? It looks like me saying something a little too real, then sitting back like, okay, how do I make this sound expensive? The instinct is always honest. The spotlight just teaches you how to deliver it so it lingers a little longer. “Still I Rise” goes full underground house. “You Changed the Way I Love” is slow-burn R&B. What tells you which sonic world a story belongs in? I ask myself one question—do I need to move through this, or sit with it? If… Read More →

Anushka Talks New Debut Single, Learning Production, and Finding Her Voice as a Young Independent Artist

At just 16 years old, independent pop artist Anushka is already taking her first major step into the music world with the release of her debut single, “My Valentine.” Written, composed, and produced entirely by the young artist herself, the track introduces a voice shaped by classical training, global influences, and a genuine desire to create music that connects emotionally with listeners. Balancing high school life with songwriting and production, Anushka approaches music with curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to learn every part of the creative process. In this interview with New Hit Singles, she reflects on the excitement and nerves of releasing her first song, the challenges of teaching herself production, and the role her family, teachers, and everyday experiences play in shaping her music. She also shares what she’s learned from this first release and what listeners can expect from the next chapter of her journey. Q: Congratulations on releasing your debut single! What did it feel like the moment “My Valentine” officially went live? A: When “My Valentine” officially went live, I felt very nervous because it was the first time I was sharing my music with such a wide audience. At the same time, it was… Read More →

Sandy Ortega on EL TOQUE, New Music, and Letting the Guitar Lead

For Spanish guitar performer Sandy Ortega, practice is performance and performance is something far greater than routine. With a growing repertoire of 43 original compositions and an upcoming collaboration with a dancer from The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, Ortega continues to expand his sound without stepping away from its classical roots. In this conversation with New Hit Singles, he speaks candidly about chasing “El Toque” — the elusive Spanish touch — why modern listeners often misunderstand the sweetness of classical Spanish guitar, and why writing new material still excites him more than revisiting the past. Grounded in discipline but guided by something beyond himself, Ortega’s creative process is as instinctive as it is intentional. Q: Do you have a specific routine before recording or performing that helps you stay focused? A: Not really but focus is most important before a practice that takes a while to get that focus maybe 20 minutes or so. I consider any practice that I do everyday as performing. Q: What’s something you stopped doing musically that actually made your sound stronger? A: When I compose I stopped thinking about what I should compose from one phrase to the next. … Read More →

Peg Luke ’s Reflections On “Dirt Under His Nails” And The Divine Role Of Her Music

Celebrated artist and versatile musician, Peg Luke, has recently released her latest single, “Dirt Under His Nails,” a song that dives into the themes of sacrifice and love, drawing inspiration from a deep contemplation of the human aspect of Jesus Christ. In our interview, she reveals that this introspective exploration has profoundly reshaped her perception of Jesus, highlighting His relatable and human qualities. Peg sees parallels between this exploration and the overarching storyline of her career, marked by personal challenges, including a rare autoimmune disease diagnosis, pandemic isolation, and a transformative evolution. The emotionally charged video re-enacting the crucifixion of Jesus reflects Luke’s commitment to visually encapsulate her music’s essence and convey life’s raw truths. Through vivid lyrics, she portrays Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, inviting listeners to find their own stories within the narrative. Peg’s music, including “Dirt Under His Nails,” continues her legacy of sharing messages that challenge, comfort, and heal. Her work addresses universal topics like love, redemption, and spiritual yearning, connecting with audiences on a deep and soulful level. What led you to explore the themes of sacrifice and love in “Dirt Under His Nails,” and how does this song connect with the overarching storyline of your… Read More →