Soul-inspired pop singer/songwriter, pianist, worship leader and producer Natalie Layne has just released her new song ‘Church Kids’. Recognising her need to make her faith her own apart from her parents while growing up in the church, Layne co-penned ‘Church Kids’ with Jeff Pardo and Matthew West, as well as co-wrote all the originals that comprise her upcoming LP “All Joy”, for that teenage girl in the thick of unravelling her own convictions.
The full length, 13-song recording radiates joy, embedding deep, theologically rich lyrics into melodies that evoke delight, finding joy and gratitude even in the midst of life’s challenges. Produced by Layne, Jeff Pardo, David Spencer, Chris Clayton, Jay Speight and Christian Hale, “All Joy” straddles the line between contemplative pop and a rare blend of jazz and funk all rolled into one. With Layne’s signature piano guiding her sonic instincts, the album includes hit radio singles ‘Amen‘ and ‘Fragile‘, and the relatable new anthem “Church Kids“.
“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,” shares Layne.
“Along with lifelong church kids, I hope that people who have left or who are far off hear these songs and are called back home,” she continues. “No matter which end of the spectrum people find themselves on, I want to give them permission to feel like their story matters.”
From her original songs to the way she talks about Jesus, Layne radiates joy. It is the common thread woven throughout her introductory album, aptly titled “All Joy”.
“I believe the enemy has been trying to steal joy from people, and I just want these songs to be a shot of joy,” Layne says. “I picture these songs being played in the car in the school drop-off line or in the kitchen when families are making dinner. 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.”
Cultivating an impressive social following by inviting listeners into her songwriting process online, Layne has studied under GRAMMY® award-winning songwriter and producer Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant, Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand), twice headlined full band sets at Bonnaroo and toured with Chris Tomlin, Jeremy Camp, We The Kingdom, Danny Gokey, Brandon Heath and Tenth Avenue North, among others. Additionally, she was one of the first Christian musicians to be named an “Artist to Watch” by Pandora. In 2023, Layne released her six-song EP “Amen“. The EP’s title-cut launched into the Top 20 at Christian radio and five months later, she delivered “Amen (At The Piano)”, an acoustic version of her studio EP produced entirely by the songstress that showcases her remarkable talent as an award-winning, classically trained pianist. The 13-song “All Joy” is set to build on her growing momentum.
Pre-save her new album “All Joy” here
