Today we’d like to introduce you to Layna Dawson.
Hi Layna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was five years old I started piano lessons with my big sister. By the second lesson, the piano teacher came out and talked to my mom in her car. She started saying “Do you know your daughter can vocally match the pitch to notes she is playing on the piano?” My mom was shocked because most of the people in her family are tonedeaf. This was the beginning of my music journey. I started taking piano lessons then added vocal lessons and eventually just focused on vocals. At the age of seven, I auditioned and got into my first theatrical musical, A Christmas Carol, as a Cratchit kid. My love for theatre was born. At age nine, I was cast as Molly in the musical Annie at Stage Right of Texas in Conroe, TX. I guess people liked my wacky version of the character because I was nominated and won The Montie Award, a Montgomery, TX theatre award, for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. When the pandemic hit theatre came to a stop, so I picked up a guitar and started plucking around. Learning guitar is not easy and it was very challenging for me, so I didn’t stick with it at that time. During this time, I fell in love with writing songs. As time went on I found out if I wanted to be a serious songwriter, I had to learn the guitar. About a year and half ago, I started really trying to learn the guitar. Even though I still struggle at times, each hour I practice I get better. I released my first song I wrote on my guitar, “Death Dress,” in October of 2024. Now I am excited to release my next single, “Whatever,” very soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an artist is a journey of self discovery and figuring out what kind of musician you want to become. I started out doing theatre and there are some theatre songs that just inspire me to jump on stage and belt my heart out. Then I listen to true country songs from icon artists like Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, George Straight, and Willy Nelson that have me tapping my toes and falling in love. People keep telling me that I have to be in one musical genre and focus on that because I need to create my unique sound or brand. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to do that because I love all music genres. I think it’s more about the song than the genre because if there is a catchy beat, there is nothing better to listen to. This is the magic I try to recreate with my own songs.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Songwriting is more than just words on paper, it is about telling a story. When I first started song writing, I started working with my Grandpa Ron and my Dad because they are fantastic story tellers. Listening to them and initially working with them helped me find the story teller within. Now, I find stories from my own life experiences that I can create simple catchy melodies to go along with my songs that I hope people can relate to. I am pretty quiet, but it’s not because I’m shy; it’s because I’m listening to what others are saying. Maybe they might have a story to tell that I can relate to and create from. My new song, “Whatever,” is about an experience I had a few years ago that I hope other people can relate to. Can’t wait to share my new song with everyone soon.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My favorite thing is to go to new open mics and get to meet the best artists who are working on their craft. Learning from others and getting to play songs with other artists has helped me grow as an artist. Finding others to write with and learn from is the key to learning more about the kind of artist I want to become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laynadawson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laynadawson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laynadawsonmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@laynadawson
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1eAd6IfsgDBRJ4RZ1ui9Cb?si=Xtz-XNNETWKHDO7eBspO2g&nd=1&dlsi=8282a46f5a0a447d
Image Credits
Image Credit: Sean & Laura Gaskin
