Interview: Tasha Layton
Singer/songwriter and worship leader Tasha Layton recently released her EP 'Love Running Wild' following her signing to BEC Recordings. Louder Than The Music chatted with Tasha to ask her about her music, impacting people's lives, and her plans for a new album.
For people who haven't come across you before, tell us a little about yourself and how you get involved in making music. ?
I grew up in SC and my mom says I “came out of the womb singing.” Haha! After a season of searching outside of the church for truth and a dark time that included a suicide attempt I eventually came to the realization that in the other religions it seemed I had to strive or work hard to reach God or enlightenment but that in Christianity, God was pursuing me! I ended up going to seminary in California and worked as a worship pastor there. After a stint on American Idol and then touring with Katy Perry as her background singer for 4 years I landed in Nashville with a hunger to lead worship again and sing songs that directly connected people to God... and that’s what I’m doing!
Tell us about your new EP Love Running Wild?
The EP is a blend of more upbeat Christian pop and corporate worship. It has variety but also a unique personal touch to each song. It’s my debut EP and I am pleased with where we landed both lyrically and sonically. I’ve already heard so many stories of how people have encountered God through the songs and that makes my heart happy!
What is your favourite song on the EP ?
I think that changes weekly, but I really love “Filled Up” right now. I believe it takes the spiritual concept of being filled with the Spirit and turns it into a melody that is life giving.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences? Do you think artists should be more honest in their music?
My style… hmmm. Well, I love alternative rock music from the 90’s. I also love bands like U2, Coldplay, and Delirious. Since I've been a worship leader from a young age, I grew up listening to Darlene Zschech, Matt Redman, ad Tim Hughes. Vocally I’ve always gravitated towards raw vocalists like Sheryl Crow and Brandi Carlisle, but then my time as a session single and singing for Katy Perry developed my pop style. I have no idea what you’d describe all of that stylistically. Haha. But yes, I think artists should always try to present something honest and vulnerable in their art. Unless you say something real it won’t connect with the real in someone else.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Ryan Tedder. I think he’s brilliant and talented on so many levels. I think he has a way of bringing out the interesting parts of an artist well. When I worked with Katy Perry I got to know Greg Wells and he’s become a friend. I’m pretty excited about the chance to work with him someday!
How would you define success in your career?
Well I think what the world defines as successful and what God sees as successful may not be the same. I get messages just about every day from people whose lives have been positively impacted by the music we’ve created so on a kingdom level, I’d say that’s successful. Have I hit a number one on the chart yet? No. Is that what it’s all about? No.
What is your favourite album of all time?
U2 Joshua Tree… hands down.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Maybe "God of Miracles" by Chris McClarney... because I'd need a miracle to get off the island! haha
What does the next year hold for Tasha Layton?
I'm writing for the next project, traveling to lead worship/speak/perform, and... having another baby!!!
