ILÆY
(a.k.a Ilay Bal A.)
is a Berlin-based singer, performer, actor, songwriter,
and producer.

Growing up in the vibrant music scenes of Istanbul, Ankara, and Prague, her sound is an inviting intersection of moving Anatolian melodies, avant-pop, and electronica—woven together by an alluring, hypnotic voice.

Moving between her solo work, musical theater, and dubbing, ILÆY brings depth and authenticity to every project, always exploring new ways to connect with audiences.

Her artistic journey extends beyond music into theater and acting, where she has embraced Method Acting and performed in both classic and modern productions, including Roberto Zucco (Bernard-Marie Koltès), Romeo & Juliet (Shakespeare), and The Maids (Jean Genet). She has also worked behind the scenes as an assistant director, musical director, and vocal coach, contributing to multiple productions.

Fueled by her passion for musical theater, ILÆY earned full scholarships to the prestigious Musical Theatre programs at the New York Film Academy and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). Her voice has brought life to characters in Turkish adaptations of Netflix, Disney, Hasbro Studios, and DreamWorks productions—embodying roles originally portrayed by Jessie J, Gloria Estefan, Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Gillian Anderson.

As a musician, ILÆY has graced the stages of renowned festivals worldwide, including Glastonbury Festival, Sziget Festival, Karneval Der Kulturen Berlin, Kansai Music Conference Japan, and IKSV Istanbul Jazz Festival. She has won several singing and jazz competitions, including the IKSV Young Jazz Competition—twice—and was a finalist in 1Band2Play in the Czech Republic.

Beyond her solo work, ILÆY actively collaborates with multi-genre artists, including Ochepovsky Project and Shum Davar, and continues to seek new creative intersections within the world of artistic expression. Now based in Berlin, she remains committed to pushing boundaries, whether through music, theater, or the immersive art of storytelling.

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