JFH News: Natalie Layne Releases Centricity Music Debut EP, "Amen"

NATALIE LAYNE RELEASES CENTRICITY MUSIC DEBUT EP, AMEN

Following Headlining Band Sets At Bonnaroo, Opening For Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin And More, Layne Joins Danny Gokey For National Tour This Fall

NEWS SOURCE: Hoganson Media
July 28, 2023

Soul-inspired pop singer/songwriter, pianist, worship leader and producer Natalie Layne releases her six-song Centricity Music debut EP, Amen, today (July 28) at digital and streaming outlets globally through https://fanlink.to/AmenNL. Joy is the common thread woven throughout her introductory recording that speaks to the power of finding the good in moments that don’t necessarily feel good.

Inspired by the simple kindness of a neighbor waving and smiling as they passed in her neighborhood, Layne co-wrote the lead, title track with hit-making songwriters Benji Cowart and David Spencer. “Amen,” as well as the whole album’s sonic direction, is meant to be as welcoming as a friend and as cohesive as that of a seasoned artist, with the messages behind the music stemming from her personal experience.

After growing up in the church, during her teen years, Layne recognized she had to make her faith her own, determining what she believed apart from her parents. This became even more crucial when she began leading worship under the mentorship of respected worship pastors such as Cory Asbury, Jon Egan and Jared Anderson. She penned the half dozen songs that comprise Amen for that teenage girl in the thick of unraveling her own convictions.

“I want to talk about the power of staying. Sometimes finding the Lord for yourself and choosing to stay can be harder than leaving, but life with Jesus really is better. It’s not perfect, but it’s way better,” Layne shares. “I want to write songs for the lifelong church kids, but at the same time, I want people who have left or who are far off to hear these songs and be called back home. No matter which end of the spectrum people find themselves on, I want to give them permission to feel like their story matters.”

It’s also Layne’s desire that everyone’s story be marked by the same kind of joy she’s experienced through choosing to follow Jesus. And that’s the overarching banner that consistently encircles her art.

Along with the title track, Amen features Layne’s viral TikTok track “Grateful For” that was written with award-winning songwriters Mitch Wong and Jimmy James. It also includes the live-recorded closing track “Arms of God,” which is the first song she’s ever released that she’s produced solely by herself. This intimate selection is built on piano and filled out with lush strings that allows her impeccable, friendly vocal to shine.

“I’ve just always wanted to make music that brings people joy. I think we need joyful songs to get us through the day sometimes, and God’s given me a lot of permission to go for the happy songs,” Layne says. “If these songs could bring people joy, even in little ways, that would be a win.”

The full Amen track listing follows:

1) Amen

2) Don’t Wanna Know

3) All Joy

4) Fragile

5) Grateful For

6) Arms Of God (Live)

The Colorado Springs native who now resides in Nashville, Layne is traveling extensively this summer, taking her new music to fairs and festivals across the U.S. before joining GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning American Idol alum Danny Gokey for a national tour this fall.

All the latest Natalie Layne music, tour and more news can be found at: www.natalielayne.com, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

About Natalie Layne:

Singer, songwriter and producer Natalie Layne desires to radiate joy through her original music. With a master’s in commercial piano, Layne won Belmont’s Christian Showcase at her alma mater in 2019, leading her to sign an exclusive recording and publishing contract with Centricity Music. Prior to landing a record deal, Layne charted a successful path as an independent artist for six years during which she cultivated an impressive social following simply by inviting listeners into her songwriting process online. Moreover, she studied under GRAMMY® award-winning songwriter and producer Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant, Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand) through an apprenticeship that allowed her to shadow him for a semester. She’s sung background vocals for Natalie Grant on the Dove Awards stage and also lent BGVs to labelmate Jason Gray’s upcoming album. Additionally, she’s opened shows for Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin and We The Kingdom, among others, as well as headlined full band sets at Bonnaroo — twice. Leading worship since she was 12, the Colorado Springs native now resides in Nashville where she continues to lead at her local church. Her introductory EP, Amen, builds on her growing momentum, serving up six original songs — all co-penned by Layne.

About Centricity Music:

The No. 1 Billboard Top Christian Albums Imprint for three consecutive years, Centricity Music is an independent Christian music company based in Franklin, TN. Founded in 2005 with a commitment to artist development and stylistic diversity, its artist roster includes Andrew Peterson, Apollo LTD, Brandon Heath, Chris Renzema, Coby James, Jason Gray, Jordan Feliz, Katy Nichole, Lauren Daigle, Natalie Layne, North Point Worship, Patrick Mayberry and Unspoken. Providing label and publishing services, Centricity is a family-owned organization. The committed work of its staff and artists has yielded successes such as Grammy Awards, Billboard Awards, Dove Awards, K-Love Fan Awards, and multiple Gold and Platinum Albums and Singles. For more Information on Centricity Music, visit https://centricitymusic.com/.

###

For more info on Natalie Layne, visit the JFH Artists Database.