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Daniel Layus

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Dan Layus
Birth nameDaniel Robin Layus
Born (1984-09-10) September 10, 1984 (age 40)
California, United States
OriginSan Diego, California, U.S.
GenresAmericana, rock, indie rock, pop rock, roots rock
Occupation(s)Singer, musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, guitar
Years active2002–present
LabelsPlated Records, Epic, Razor & Tie, Washington Square
Websitedanlayusmusic.com

Daniel Robin Layus (born September 10, 1984) is an American musician. He was the lead vocalist and primary lyricist for the band Augustana and performs solo both under his own name as well as Augustana.[1] On October 21, 2016, he debuted his first solo work, an album titled Dangerous Things.[2]

Early life

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Layus was born in Southern California. In 2002 at Greenville College in Illinois, Dan Layus brought friends Josiah Rosen, Kyle Baker, and Simeon Lohrmann together to write and create music.

Career

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Augustana (2002–2005)

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Main article: Augustana (band)

Augustana began by re-recording the song "More than a Love Song", a song which Dan had written for his high school girlfriend while living in California. In 2003, when Layus was 19, Augustana released their debut album, Midwest Skies and Sleepless Mondays.[3] Later that year, the band recorded and released 25 copies of the Mayfield EP.[4]

Dan Layus decided to move back to Southern California with bandmate Josiah Rosen, where they eventually found their drummer, Justin South. The band joined numerous tours with artists such as Switchfoot, Maroon 5, The Fray, Counting Crows, Dashboard Confessional, O.A.R., Snow Patrol, The Damnwells, Goo Goo Dolls, Acceptance, Cartel, and OneRepublic, as well as having their own headlining tours.

The band released the EP, All the Stars and Boulevards, on September 6, 2005[5] Josiah Rosen left the band soon after. He was replaced by Chris Sachtleben, while keyboardist Dan Lamoureux was added (and later replaced by John Vincent).

Augustana (2006–2010)

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At the beginning of 2007, the band embarked on their second headlining tour, supported by Vega4. The band also opened for Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional in late 2007.

The band released their second album, Can't Love, Can't Hurt, on April 29, 2008.[6] Citing personnel problems, the band had to cancel their European/North American tour for fall 2010.

Augustana (2011–2013)

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Augustana's self-titled, fourth full-length album was released on April 26, 2011.[7]

Augustana parted ways with Epic Records shortly after the album's release and on November 11, 2011, Dan Layus announced that all remaining members had amicably parted ways when bassist, Jared Palomar, guitarist, Chris Sachtleben, drummer, Justin South, and keyboardist, John Vincent, decided that they were finished with Augustana. Layus announced that he would continue to tour and perform under the name Augustana.[8] On July 22, 2013, Layus announced that Augustana was signed to a new record deal.

Augustana (2014–2016)

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In early 2014, Layus announced that the band had signed with Razor & Tie, reforming the band with new members and touring as Augustana.[9] He also premiered the first single, "Ash and Ember".[10] On April 22, 2014, under the name 'Augustana', Layus released the album, Life Imitating Life, on which he played all of the instruments.[11] He also premiered the first single, "Ash and Ember".[10]

In summer of 2015, Layus opened for One Direction. On September 2, 2015, Augustana released three new tracks ("Climb", "Must Be Love" and "You Can Have Mine") on an EP titled "Side A".

In 2016, Augustana began touring as an opener for the Dixie Chicks on their DCX MMXVI World Tour.

On August 3, 2016, Augustana's social media sites changed their names to Dan Layus, as he was the sole remaining and founding member, as well as lead singer-songwriter.

Solo work (2016–2019)

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After Augustana broke up, Layus transitioned into an Americana artist and fully embarked on a solo career. Layus and his family relocated from Los Angeles to Nashville in 2013.[12] Layus began composing professionally three days a week, nine to five, for Nashville publishing house, Warner-Chappell Music, where he befriended, then began writing with, young Music Row talents like Maren Morris.[13]

Layus released the album, Dangerous Things, on October 21, 2016. "Dangerous Things", which was released with Plated Records, was met with enthusiastic reviews. Rolling Stone magazine called Layus "one of Americana's most articulate newcomers." The album was recorded at South by Sea Studios in Nashville. Layus used a minimalist production style of fiddle, pedal steel, acoustic guitar, and piano. The sibling duo, the Secret Sisters, provided background vocals on a number of tracks.[12]

Layus drew inspiration for the song "Driveway" from the real life experience of a friend when he observed his buddy sitting alone in his truck in the driveway as he was going through a divorce. When he was writing the song and was unable to finish the idea he played it for his wife. Though not a songwriter, she threw in some words and helped Layus to finish the track.[12]

Layus has played the Grand Ole Opry twice both at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry House. His Opry debut was at Opryland. He shared the bill with the veteran country singer, Connie Smith. He performed at the Ryman during a special Opry New Year's Eve show with the Americana band, Old Crow Medicine Show.[12]

In 2017, Layus toured with LeAnn Rimes during her "Remnants" Tour.

In 2018, Layus began touring again under the name Augustana.

In 2019, Layus co-wrote the third track on the album The Highwomen, which is the debut studio album by country music supergroup the Highwomen. The group is made up of band members Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires. The album and track were released on September 6, 2019, by Elektra Records. Layus co-wrote the song with band member, Maren Morris, and songwriter, Maggie Chapman.

Augustana (2019)

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On August 28, 2019, as Augustana, Layus released the song "For Now, Forever" was released as a single with "The Heart of It" as its B-side.[14] He has stated that the songs were inspired by watching classic '80s movies for the first time, such as, The Karate Kid, Dirty Dancing, and Footloose.

Layus began a headlining Fall 2019 Tour as Augustana on August 24 with musician, Zac Clark, opening. He also opened for band, Daughtry, at eight shows.

Personal life

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Layus married his longtime girlfriend, Nina, on January 18, 2008. They met and began dating prior to the release of his first record with Augustana when they moved in together. They have four children, Eloise, Townes, Mary, and Prudence Jane, who was born December 15, 2017. They reside in Franklin, Tennessee.[15]

Layus has been sober since 2011.[16]

Discography

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For Layus's releases with Augustana, see Augustana (band) § Discography.

Studio albums

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Year Album details
2016 Dangerous Things

Singles

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List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak positions Album
US US
AAA 		US
Adult 		US
Alt. 		US
Rock
"Driveway" 2016 — — — — — Dangerous Things
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Credits

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Songwriting, producing, and performance credits
Artist Year Credit
Augustana 2003 Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Piano, and Composer on album Mayfield EP
Augustana 2003 Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Piano, and Composer on album Midwest Skies and Sleepless Mondays
Augustana 2005 Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Piano and Composer on album All the Stars and Boulevards
Kidz Bop 2007 Composer on Kidz Bop 12: "Boston"
Augustana 2008 Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Piano, and Composer on album Can't Love, Can't Hurt
Augustana 2008 Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Piano, and Composer on album Can't Love, Can't Hurt EP
Greyson Chance 2010 Composer on "Fire"
Augustana 2011 Guitar, Vocals, and Composer on album Augustana
Augustana 2014 Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals, Guitar, Piano, and Composer on album Life Imitating Life
Brantley Gilbert 2015 Co-writer on Just as I Am: "Stone Cold Sober"
The Summer Set 2016 Co-writer on Stories for Monday: "All Downhill from Here"
Dan Layus 2016 Primary Artist, producer, Liner Notes, Guitar, Piano, Vocals, and Composer on album Dangerous Things
The Highwomen 2019 Co-writer on The Highwomen: "Loose Change"

As lead artist

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List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
[17] 		US
AAA
[18] 		US
Pop
[17] 		US
Adult
[17] 		US
Main.
[17] 		CAN
[19]
"Stars and Boulevards" 2005 — 16 — — — — All the Stars and Boulevards
"Boston" 34 9 31 10 24 82
"Sweet and Low" 2008 88 4 66 33 — — Can't Love, Can't Hurt
"Hey Now" — — — — — —
"I Still Ain't Over You" — 20 — — — —
"Steal Your Heart" 2011 — 18 — — — — Augustana
"Just Stay Here Tonight" — — — — — —
"Ash and Ember" 2014 — 27 — — — — Life Imitating Life
"—" denotes a release that did not chart.

References

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  1. ^ Haskell, Duncan (October 28, 2016). "Interview: Dan Layus". Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  2. ^ Stefano, Angela (October 20, 2016). "Interview: Dan Layus Embraces 'Dangerous Things' on Debut Solo Album". The Boot. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  3. ^ "Augustana – Midwest Skies And Sleepless Mondays". Discogs. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  4. ^ "Interview: Jared Palomar of Augustana « Dirtbag's Delight". Dirtbagsdelight.wordpress.com. February 12, 2008. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved July 19, 2011.
  5. ^ "Augustana – All The Stars And Boulevards". Discogs. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  6. ^ "Augustana – Can't Love, Can't Hurt". Discogs. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  7. ^ "Augustana – Augustana". Discogs. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  8. ^ "Augustana becomes a 1-man band". The Columbian. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  9. ^ "Augustana – Life Imitating Life". Discogs. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  10. ^ a b Mansfield, Brian (March 3, 2014). "Premiere: Augustana's new single 'Ash and Ember'". USA Today. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  11. ^ "Augustana singer Dan Layus follows solo path to 'Dangerous Things'". The Morning Call. February 8, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  12. ^ a b c d "Former Augustana frontman Dan Layus has an eye for devastating details". Chicago Tribune. February 1, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  13. ^ "Dan Layus: The Best of What's Next". February 3, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  14. ^ "Augustana – New Music – "For Now, Forever // The Heart of It | Hard 8 Working Group Management". Archived from the original on September 3, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  15. ^ Dickinson, Chrissie (February 1, 2017). "Former Augustana frontman Dan Layus has an eye for devastating details". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  16. ^ "NOTHING TO HIDE: A CONVERSATION WITH DAN LAYUS". The Bluegrass Situation. November 11, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  17. ^ a b c d "Augustana – Awards". allmusic. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  18. ^ "Augustana – Chart history: Triple A". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  19. ^ "Augustana – Chart history: Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
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