Layla Zoe

Without my husband, things would be much more stressful financially, I am very grateful he still has his job. But I am so blessed with such an amazing fan base who has supported the crowdfunding of my new album this year and also the crowdfunding of the music video. It was incredible to feel such strong support, even during such a strange time. It shows that my fans really have faith that I will deliver a strong piece of art in return for their crowdfunding support, and that means alot to me. 

I spent the first part of the year touring until shows began being cancelled while we were on tour in Germany and Austria in March. As soon as we got home, I pulled myself together and started to focus on the new album 100%. Besides the making, recording, organising, production, mixing and promotion of the album and video, I have been playing with my puppies, spending time with my husband, re-visiting my vinyl collection, cooking and baking, doing renovations on our house and I had some time with my family in Canada during the summer, which was so important and helped fill my soul with the fire it needed to keep going.

I have been listening to some of the artists who co-wrote on the new album with me: Jackie Venson (USA) who has an incredible talent and is a wonderful artist to follow because she gives so much to her fans. She streams regularly online and does jam sessions from her bedroom, and she is truly dedicated to bring good vibes during this difficult year. Brandi Disterheft and Suzie Vinnick also co-wrote with me for the new album. I also discovered Camille Bertault who is amazing! Also love the new Dope Lemon album.

Definitely had more time to spend at home and walking the dogs in nature. Started to organise the house and go through things we want to sell or get rid of, and things we want to keep. We are considering moving back to Canada in the next few years, but will see how things progress with the current global situation, before deciding the best plan for our future. But I do miss my family and friends there and have been living in Europe for quite some time, so it would be good to go back at some point even if I still fly out for tours in Europe. Only time will tell...

I personally love Dr.Christian Northrup's "Great Awakening" instagram posts, and also love JP Sears "Awaken with JP" for a good laugh and some deep honesty and irony.

I have always appreciate my job, my family, my friends, my health and talents.

I think this year has shown me that I can always reinvent myself no matter what is happening. And perhaps having my career altered dramatically by this "pandemic", has helped me to slow down and focus on other things I want from life besides my work, which has always been such a huge focus for me. 

I definitely miss being on stage the most. This is the reason I love music so much. So to not have the ability to connect directly with the fans from the stage is definitely the hardest part of this year for me. 

Yes, I was very happy to make the new album and crowdfund, because then I was able to pay many musicians who played on the record and also the engineer, photographer and graphic artist who worked on the album sound and design. Also I paid the cinematographer and make-up artist for making the new music video. So I feel very good about supporting artists during this hard time. I also paid for piano lessons for myself from a band member and also paid guitar and bass lessons from musicians I know, for my sister and a friend. It felt very good to support other musicians this year. 

This year has definitely brought up many memories, of times on tour over the years, old friends, family and all the important things in life. I am so grateful for everyone and everything in my life.