Layna’s Soulful Acoustic Pop | Acoustic Guitar Sessions

The acoustic guitar helped transform singer-songwriter Layna from an apprehensive teen into a powerhouse performer.

“I was angsty kid, with a lot of emotions. I needed a release,” she recalls, “I was in choir and band, and found a release through music.” After realizing the poetry she was writing could double as song lyrics, Layna taught herself guitar and, in time, found she felt at home performing her songs. “I love being onstage, I love sharing energy with the crowd, ” she says. “I'm an onstage girlie; that’s where I like to be.”

Taking time out from playing shows with the Black Opry (a wonderful organization supporting Black roots, folk, and country artists), Layna stopped by the Acoustic Guitar studio to share some songs and talk about her musical journey.

In this Session video, Layna plays three original tunes ranging from lovesick (“Waiting on You”) to righteous (“Seventeen Less”) to melancholy (“Birthday Cake”).