About Siyla
SIYLA is the artistic vision of Oklahoma-based rapper and multimedia creative Josh Chandler.
Known for his dynamic fusion of jazz-infused samples, high-energy flows, and sharp lyricism, he delivers a sound that’s both raw and refined. Live, SIYLA is either a compelling solo act DJ’ing for himself, or expands into a five-piece band, embracing rich funk and soulful textures that amplify his genre-bending style. Rooted in vulnerability and authenticity, his music explores themes of mental health and self-discovery, carried by an effortless, natural charisma. At the crossroads of Alternative Hip-Hop, he echoes the styles of Mac Miller, J.I.D., and Mick Jenkins while embodying the soulful essence of artists like Anderson .Paak and Childish Gambino.
SIYLA has released three albums, collectively surpassing 100,000 streams across platforms. His music has been featured on both local and international radio, including KOSU and 105.3 KJamz, as well as stations in London, UK, and Madrid, Spain. He has performed extensively across the U.S. and abroad, with one of his most memorable shows taking place in Kingston, Jamaica—Bob Marley's hometown—at the very venue where Marley began his career. He has also shared the stage with Hip-Hop legends at various shows and festivals, including The Pharcyde, Suga Free, Rapsody, LaRussell, CyHi The Prynce, and Afroman.
Beyond music, SIYLA is also a filmmaker, working as a director and cinematographer on a few documentaries and the obscure short film DRAGGMAN. As a photographer and videographer, he captures nature, music videos, and the quiet essence of rural Oklahoma and the American Southwest.