About Siyla
SIYLA is the artistic vision of Josh Chandler, a ᏣᎳᎩ Oklahoma-based rapper and multimedia creative.
As a restless visionary, the interdisciplinary musician, writer, filmmaker, and DJ has created a universe of expression that can be experienced through a multitude of artistic medians. He is mainly known for his self-titled Hip-Hop act, SIYLA, embodying a dynamic fusion of jazz-infused samples with expressive flows and sharp lyricism, making him a master of crafting “laid-back bangers.” At the crossroads of Alternative Hip-Hop, he echoes the styles of rappers like Mac Miller and Mick Jenkins, but also bends the genre with a soulful twist like Anderson Paak and Childish Gambino. Rooted in vulnerability and authenticity, his music explores themes of mental health and self-discovery, carried by an effortless natural charisma.
SIYLA has independently released four albums, collectively surpassing 100,000 streams across platforms. His music has been featured on both local and international radio, including Oklahoma’s 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, Reason, LaRussell, CyHi The Prynce, and Afroman.
As a filmmaker, SIYLA began by directing music videos for himself and other artists. From those early projects, his filmography expanded into a diverse catalog that explores a range of worlds and stories—from post-apocalyptic journeys to modern-day mockumentaries and experimental short films.
In addition to his film work, SIYLA is a photographer and videographer who captures the quiet essence of rural Oklahoma and the American Southwest, along with scenes of nature and remnants of historical events—all viewable in his online gallery.