Ayla Schofield, a rising star in the European country music scene, is currently captivating audiences across the UK on her highly anticipated tour. Her journey from humble beginnings in a small German town to performing alongside renowned artists like Oliver Anthony is a testament to her talent, determination, and passion for music.
Growing up in a town with little to no music scene, Ayla found her voice through busking. “I just wanted to make music all the time, and busking was my only option!” she shares. This grassroots approach allowed her to hone her performance skills and develop her unique style. At just 17, Ayla achieved a personal milestone by appearing on The Voice of Germany, a show she had dreamed of being part of since childhood. “It was kind of a bucket list thing for me,” she recalls. “I was really young, and it was my first time on such a big stage—it gave me so much exposure and was great training.”
While her plans to travel to the U.S. and Canada were halted by the pandemic, Ayla didn’t let that stop her. Instead, she busked across Europe, bringing her music to new audiences. A breakthrough moment came when her fiddle collaboration with Oliver Anthony‘s viral hit caught the artist’s attention. “I just wanted to make a contribution, but it ended up going viral, which I didn’t expect,” Ayla says. Anthony invited her to join his European tour, where she performed for thousands. “That was such a great experience—playing with a band, meeting him, and performing for 5,000 or 6,000 people every night.”
Busking still holds a special place in Ayla’s heart. Known for her signature cowboy boots and hat, she often sparks curiosity. “A lot of times people would ask, ‘Are you from Texas?'” she laughs. “Busking is different every day—every town has a different feel, and you get different reactions. It’s always intriguing.”
On Songwriting and Cultural Fusion
Songwriting is at the core of Ayla’s music, offering a way to channel emotions and explore her inner world. “A lot of times I don’t even know how I feel about something or can’t figure out a question I’m asking myself,” she explains. “Songwriting helps me gain clarity, even if it doesn’t answer the question. It’s been a lifesaver during difficult times.” While she has primarily written solo, Ayla is eager to venture into co-writing. “I have some co-writes lined up in the UK, and I can’t wait to meet more artists here,” she says enthusiastically.
Ayla’s decision to write and sing exclusively in English stems from her belief that it preserves the authenticity of country music. “Singing in German doesn’t feel like country music to me—it leans more towards Schlager, which is completely different,” she explains. By sticking to English, she ensures her music retains the genre’s essence.
Pushing Creative Boundaries
Ayla’s innovative use of looping technology has redefined her performances. A fiddle player since the age of eight, she found ways to incorporate the instrument into her solo shows using a Loop Station. “I bought one and, after some trial and error, figured out how to use it,” she shares. “It’s been so much fun—there are endless possibilities, and I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface.” This creative tool has also made its way into her studio recordings, with Ayla hinting at even more experimentation in the future.
Building Towards the Future
Fans have plenty to look forward to, as Ayla is working on new material for her first full-length album. Her latest releases, Address Unknown and Sometimes It Is, showcase her storytelling prowess and vibrant energy. “‘Address Unknown’ tells a true story—it’s very much a storytelling piece,” she says. “‘Sometimes It Is’ is my summer jam. I even filmed a music video for it in Crete—it’s got such a summery vibe, and I highly recommend giving it a listen now that the weather is warming up.”
Reflecting on her journey, Ayla emphasizes the importance of perseverance for aspiring artists. “You’ve got to push through the hundreds of rejections to get to your ‘yeses.’ It’s not always easy, but you’ve got to love what you’re doing enough to keep going,” she advises. As for her unwavering dedication, she adds, “I always wanted to be a musician, and there was never a Plan B for me. I believe that having a Plan B is often why Plan A fails.”
Ayla Schofield’s story is one of passion, resilience, and innovation. As she continues her UK tour and looks ahead to new projects, she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in country music. From busking in small towns to redefining live arena performances with her unique artistry, Ayla is crafting a legacy that is all her own.
Ayla Schofield
Ayla’s UK tour continues until Saturday, June 7, 2025. Ayla Schofield’s heartfelt vocals, loop station skills, fiddle and rhythmic guitar make for a vibrant performance that leaves audiences spellbound. Catch her new music on social media:
