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BIOGRAPHY
Layne Elizabeth is a 16-year-old singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Denton, Texas. From the time she was 10, the ambitious teenager has been performing as a solo artist and with her band, The Backup Plan, taking the stage at most of the local venues she is old enough to get into…and even some she is not. With so many opportunities to showcase her music in her own hometown, she is quickly making a name for herself and gaining a loyal following.
Born into a family of musicians, songwriters, and record executives, Layne developed a passion for music at a very young age. When she was just six years old, her parents bought a used piano for $100 and hired a piano tuner who took notice of Layne’s ability to recall entire songs she had heard only once and play them effortlessly without any training. He told them their young daughter had “perfect pitch,” a rare and special gift and begged them to get her started with music lessons and upgrade the piano as soon as possible. Taking his advice, Layne’s family did everything they could to nurture this gift, and they have watched it flourish over the years.
To date, Layne has mastered vocals, piano, guitar, harmonica and ukulele. She is also taking up banjo, mandolin, and any other instrument she can get her hands on. In the past year alone, she has played 53 live shows and written over 60 original songs. It is clear to anyone who hears her, that music runs through her veins. Keep your eye out for this young talent. She has a long road ahead and she is just getting started.
SAMPLE INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Layne Elizabeth. I am 16 years old, and I’m from Denton, Texas. As far as my music, I’ve only been performing as a solo artist for about a year and a half, and before that, I played keyboard and sang a little bit in a band. I mainly play the piano and guitar but I also like to try whatever other instruments I can get my hands on which includes ukulele, banjo, mandolin, bass, and probably many more to come. I also have gotten into songwriting recently and have written over 60 songs in the past year or so.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as indie folk/singer songwriter. Or maybe singer songwriter with folk roots.
Who are your musical influences?
Some other artists that I like to pull elements from are Kacey Musgraves, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Ben Rector. I have a huge variety of musical influences that I try to combine into my music.
In addition to playing music, I know you do quite a bit of writing. What inspires your songwriting?
Usually when I write songs, they are about real people and events from my life. I typically write from my own and sometimes even from other people’s perspectives. I also like to write about my opinions on certain ideas and topics in funny or creative ways.
I heard your new song, Third Wheel. I think a lot of people can relate to that. Is there a story behind it?
Recently, I was a part of a trio called The Backup Plan, and the other two members of the group started dating each other. One day, we were all trying to write a song together, and I started writing Third Wheel right in front of them while they were sitting on the couch across from me. They had no clue that I was writing it at the time. I was also inspired to write that song because being the third wheel is something I’ve dealt with my whole life, and I felt that a lot of people would be able to relate to.
I saw that you’ve played over 50 gigs in the last year alone. Of all of the places you’ve performed, which has been your favorite and why?
My favorite place that I’ve played so far has been The Prophet Bar in Dallas. It was actually my first show as a solo musician, and I had extreme stage fright at the time, but something inside me was itching to say yes when my friend, Brittnee Belt, invited me to play with her that night. So I agreed, and after I got offstage, I knew for sure that I wanted to perform on stage again. That was a big turning point for me, and after that, the stage fright was no longer a problem.
What have been some of your most memorable or unique experiences as a musician?
One memory that stands out to me and kind of makes me laugh is when I got to open for Kane Brown. He was doing a meet and greet and playing a couple songs in Irving before his big show that night. I was walking through the crowd handing out my promo cards before I went on stage. Some of the people who had no idea who I was just said “no thanks” and gave me funny looks when I handed them a card. Then after I got off stage, another group of people, who I had met at the sound check before the show, came up and asked me for a promo card and wanted me to sign it. All of a sudden, a bunch of people, even the people who didn’t want my card earlier, started asking me for my autograph. I thought it was funny how perception can change just based on what other people in the crowd are doing.
You’re only 16. How do you balance school, sports, and a social life with a growing music career?
Fortunately, I go to a school where I am able to have a flexible schedule so it isn’t really a struggle to make time for music, especially since it is something that I enjoy so much. For me, playing the piano or writing songs is what I do as opposed to watching Netflix or playing video games. Also my friends like to come see me at my gigs, so it creates even more opportunities for me to see my friends and meet new people.
What are your future plans?
I definitely will continue my music career, but hopefully as I move forward, I would like to play on bigger stages for bigger audiences. I also would like to record an album sometime in the near future.
DEMO MUSIC
Third Wheel by Layne Elizabeth
7 Billion Faces by Layne Elizabeth
Hey Girl by Layne Elizabeth
If I Fall
(Tara MacLean Cover) by Layne Elizabeth
(recorded live in one take)
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
”I'm so impressed by her lyrical and melodic sense at 16 years old, and I know that she’s got great things in store in music! Her voice is amazing, effortless and beautiful!
Jake ScottSinger, Songwriter, Producer
”There's a maturity to her music that is beyond her years, and her voice is pure and smooth. Layne Elizabeth is a gem!
Joel CrossGrammy Nominated Singer, Songwriter, Producer
”She is probably Denton's best and hardest working musician at the moment.
Taylor MorgesonNorth Texas Guitar Licks
”Her pitch, time, and overall sound are really awesome...honest and authentic.
Omer AvniProducer
”Watch out for Layne Elizabeth! Her voice will draw you in, but her lyrics will hook you forever.
Jake LaughlinDentonRadio.com
”Her songwriting belies her young age. If you have a chance catch her show, it's definitely worth the effort.
Dan RoarkDallas Songwriters Association
”She has a ton of talent, lots of self-confidence, and an excellent stage presence.
William HolmesWriter
”She has a true gift! She plays and sings beautifully.
Tyler Brown WilliamsSinger, Songwriter
”Her melodies are great and she has such a good grasp on songwriting.
Michelle RobertsonCharlotte Avenue Pictures
