Interview with Natalie Layne
photo by mackenzie baker (ig:@kenzie.leigh.jpg)
Who is Natalie Layne?
Natalie Layne is a songwriter, recording artist, and pianist from Colorado Springs, now based in Nashville. growing up, Natalie focused on classical piano and led worship regularly at church. At age 10, she began to write and record her own songs and has never stopped. Natalie loves the music of Sara Bareilles, John Mayer, and Lauren Daigle and continues to write in similar styles. while pursuing a career in music she teaches and plays in several Nashville-based r&b and jazz bands as she studies at Belmont university. her ep, where Soul Meets the Sound, combines several musical genres to create a style all her own. After releasing singles “Burn every Ship,” “Gracious,” and “You,” Natalie began creating a full album Be Human that was released in the summer of 2020. her latest composition "waking up" has earned over 2 million views on tiktok.
the interview
Tell us more about your track "steady".
Steady was the first song I wrote during the pandemic! I set up a zoom with a few cowriters and we started talking about the uncertainty in the world. The only thing that made sense to sing was "Make me steady, steady, steady."
Which of your songs do you like the most and why?
Songs like "constant" and "you" are some of my favorites. I love playing them live and the bluesy groove feels so good.
What is your process when you have an idea for a new song?
Typically I start out at the piano, and I'll take notes and make voice memos of any ideas i have. Lately I've been cowriting a lot, so I'll take those ideas into writing sessions and other writers will help finish the ideas. I've found a lot of community in cowriting and it's been a gift during these last few years.
Who are your favorite artists?
I love Sara Bareilles, John Mayer, Lauren Daigle, and Tauren Wells. All brilliant songwriters and musicians with a style all their own.
I think there's an authenticity to each of those people that I really admire.
Which albums did you listen the most to last year?
"Citizen of Heaven" from Tauren Wells was on repeat for a long time. I also love listening to r&b stuff, and the new silk sonic/bruno mars record is awesome.
Who is your biggest artistic influence?
Maybe an unconventional answer, but my family has been so influential to my artistry! Mom and dad are both musical, and my gramma taught me how to play the piano. One of my assignments for my piano lesson was to write a song. I've been writing ever since then!
When have you started doing music?
I started playing piano when i was about 3. I think I might have started singing before that! As a high schooler I was pretty involved with worship at church, and that was a big part of my growth as a musician and songwriter too.
Tell us about the story behind your ep "Castles".
What is your favorite song on it?
Which song was the hardest to write and why?
The title track is all about god doing something new inside of us. It might be my favorite song because it kind of created the vision for the rest of the project. coming out of such a difficult year, writing songs about newness was such an encouragement to me. I hope they were an encouragement to everyone listening too!
What message do you want to convey to your listeners with your songs?
People need light more than ever. It's been amazing to see the way that the songs have impacted people in big and small ways, and i'm so grateful to be part of those moments!
Who would you love to collaborate with?
I think it would be so cool to collaborate with Tori Kelly. She's inspired me as a vocalist so much and I think our voices might actually compliment each other.
What's the best advice you've ever received as an artist?
"Don't work with people who make you feel small."
Give us some spoilers on your upcoming music.
I'm writing a lot and i'm super proud of the songs. There are some good ones coming in 2022. :)
Tell us more about your track "constant"
"Constant" started as a jam at the piano, and honestly it's still one of my favorites to play! I wrote this one at the very beginning of the pandemic as well. I wanted to drive that topic home - that god is always the same and that he's always faithful, even through our darkest moments.
What's your ultimate goal?
To share the light and love of jesus through music (the greatest medium of shared experience ever).
What's your most favorite memory of being an artist?
I've gotten to play some awesome shows around the country, and there were some pretty awesome festivals I got to be part of last summer. Hearing people sing my songs is pretty surreal!
Which countries would you love to visit the most for a tour?
Austrailia, New Zealand, Brazil, and the UK.
If you could go back to the day you first made music, what would you tell yourself?
I would remind myself to have fun with music forever.
What would you like to tell your fans?
I am so grateful! it's my greatest joy to make music for you.
What's your favorite lyrics from your songs?
"this is your house, so throw open the windows. or you can knock it all down. anything you say goes."
What does faith mean to you?
Jesus changed my life as a teenager, and that joy has continued from then into my early twenties! Sharing the goodness of god through my songs is the best thing I get to do.
Thank you for the interview, Natalie!
28th of January 2022
Review on ep "Castles"
Natalie's voice is incredibly powerful and filled with strength and hope. the whole ep radiates positivity and strength.
A trule wonderful masterpiece.
