Grab your car keys and turn up the ‘Ignition’—because we’re about to take a ride with Baltimore-raised, San Antonio-based artist Bhalayn (that’s “Bay-lin,” and yes, we already know you mispronounced it twice before you got here). Equal parts dreamer and doer, this R&B enthusiast doesn’t just set the vibe—she engineers it. We handed her a manifestation pen and told her to go crazy: she dreamed up the five artists she’d sell her aux cord to collaborate with in the studio, brought her energy to the stage at Trap Haus Party Haus, and gave us a whole lot more to talk about. Buckle up.
Hi Nyalah! You first started recording music under your real name, with ‘Show Out’ landing on STARZ’s BMF. What inspired the evolution into Bhalayn? Take us back to the beginning—where did the musical spark first catch fire for you?
Bhalayn actually existed before ‘Show Out,’ but just in the ether, haha. Bhalayn first caught the spark in 2020 after a heartbreak. I had a story to tell about missing passion and fire in my connections, and Bhalayn needed to express what she wanted and what she likes through music. It turned into expressing what I wanted in romance to owning that fire, and embodying the fire and passion internally. And that’s what I focus on when writing my music.
Pop-R&B runs deep in your DNA as an artist. If you could dream up a wish list of five collaborators, who’s making the cut? What’s creatively inspiring you right now—what’s feeding the art?
There’s so many talented people I would love to work with, honestly. But if I had to choose five, it’d be Victoria Monét, Chxrry, Teezo Touchdown, Jae Stephens, and Genia.
‘Ignition’ was co-written with Alonzo Hargrove. What lit the creative fuse between the two of you during the writing process?
I had a visual idea for Bhalayn expressing passion and desire with different shades of reds and dark, heavy bass instrumentation. We got in the studio and started cooking lol.
The song is refreshingly direct—skip the games, lean into the attraction. What’s your go-to advice for girls who want to make the first move?
Make sure any move you make centers your own desires first before inviting anyone else. Making the first move is different from chasing. Learning the difference is key in enjoying the game of attraction.
‘Ignition’ scored its first radio play on Pretty Dope Xperience in Portland. Walk us through that moment—what did it feel like hearing it on air?
It’s crazy how an idea in your head turns into a song and into the ears of others through radio. Like it’s actually insane. I really hope those listening for the first time felt “woken up” by the song.
We spotted that adorable custom Lucid Nation jacket! What other merch pieces would you love to slap your name on next?
Yesss, I would love to do a Bhalayn necklace and hoodie next!
You clearly have the sweetest connection with your fans—that DM exchange you posted on TikTok was everything! What’s another standout moment with them?
After performing for Trap Haus Party Haus in September, I got to meet some really great people that were so supportive and wanted to keep up with what I did next. I had such a great time with everyone that night.
So what’s next on the horizon for Bhalayn?
New music video coming soon for ‘Ignition!’
Which ‘Ignition’ lyric has you hanging out of a car sunroof, wind in your hair, absolutely zero regrets? Drop your answer and let us know on our socials—find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
