I Ya Toyah has released “White Walls”, a deeply personal track exploring the distance between how people appear on the outside and what they may be experiencing privately. Released independently through her own label, Femme Fatale Records.
For I Ya Toyah, “White Walls” began during a particularly difficult day, when writing became a way to process what she was experiencing. The song grew from that personal need into a broader reflection on the people who struggle silently, often appearing fine to those around them while carrying difficulties that remain unseen.
Its central idea is the gap between outward appearances and private struggles. I Ya Toyah describes the experience of feeling isolated even when surrounded by other people, alongside the desire to be genuinely seen and understood rather than rescued or fixed.
Mental health advocacy is an important part of I Ya Toyah’s work, and the release of “White Walls” provides an opportunity to encourage conversations about experiences that can be difficult to communicate. Her intention is to create space for people to acknowledge what they are going through and to recognise that outward appearances do not always reflect someone’s reality.
The release also includes a fundraising initiative supporting Backline Care. All proceeds from “White Walls” during its October 10 release weekend, together with proceeds from new Patreon sign-ups throughout October, are being donated to the organisation. Listeners can also donate through the button on the song’s official YouTube video.
Written and composed by I Ya Toyah, “White Walls” was produced by I Ya Toyah and Johnny K, mixed by Johnny K and mastered by Howie Weinberg. The cover artwork was created by Angelica Dulany, while Alex Zarek directed, filmed and edited the music video, which also features documentary clips by Allison Ciletti.
Based in the Chicago area, I Ya Toyah works across industrial, pop, electro, darkwave and alternative rock. Her independent approach extends across songwriting, recording, production and live performance, reflecting a hands-on commitment to her creative work.
She has also collaborated with artists including Raymond Watts, Julian Beeston, Rhys Fulber and Tim Sköld, and is a member of The Joy Thieves, a large collective of musicians with connections to a range of industrial, alternative and electronic acts.
With “White Walls”, I Ya Toyah turns a personal experience into an invitation to look beyond appearances, acknowledge invisible struggles and make room for conversations that might otherwise remain unspoken.
TOUR DATES
I Ya Toyah joins the performance art collective Little Miss Nasty for a UK tour this December. See below for dates. Find tickets here.•
December 9, 2026: Newcastle Upon Tyne – The Cluny
• December 10, 2026: Glasgow – Ivory Blacks
• December 11, 2026: Birmingham – Asylum
• December 15, 2026: Brighton – Patterns
• December 16, 2026: Bristol – The Fleece
• December 17, 2026: Manchester – Rebellion
• December 18, 2026: Swansea – The Bunkhouse Bar and Music Venue
• December 19, 2026: London – Underworld (Camden)
Find tickets here.
CREDITS :
Title: White Walls
Release day: October 9th
Release: Independent – via I Ya Toyah’s owned label Femme Fatale Records
Cover Artwork by Angelica Dulany
Written and composed by I Ya Toyah
Produced by I Ya Toyah and Johnny K
Mixed by Johnny K
Mastered by Howie Weinberg
Video directed, filmed and edited by Alex Zarek
Documentary clips by Allison Ciletti
Makeup by Janet Debris
