10 Questions with ... Tasha Layton

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

While it's true that recent BEC/Tooth & Nail Records' pop signee Tasha Layton will be lumped into the "New Artist" category, she's hardly an industry newbie. Having performed on American Idol Season 10 (alongside Tori Kelly and Lauren Daigle), then going on to spend four years on the road, standing 20 feet from Katy Perry on-stage as a background vocalist, the South Carolina-native and current Nashville resident certainly isn't short on artist experience. Her debut radio single "Love Lifting Me" impacts all Christian formats at the end of this week and serves as the lead track to her upcoming full-length "Love Running Wild."

1. What is the career path you've taken as an artist that's brought you to a record deal with Tooth & Nail Records?

After college, I went to seminary to be in full-time ministry because I just wanted to serve people and help them recognize God in their lives. I worked as a worship leader at a church for four years, then was on American Idol and eventually ended up singing professionally as a session singer and background vocalist for Katy Perry. After that, I moved to Nashville and started my own project.

2. The stint with Katy Perry is interesting and unusual. How did that gig come into fruition? Did you walk away from it on your own accord? If so, why?

Interestingly enough, I first auditioned for a Kesha/Rihanna tour. I was offered the job, but the morning I was supposed to start rehearsal, I just had a feeling I was supposed to turn it down. Later that day, I received a call from one of Katy's managers asking if I could be there in 20 min. I downloaded the auditioning song on my phone and learned it on the way. I'd had a 30-second exchange with him at a friend's house and he remembered me from American Idol. When it'd become time to audition for background vocalists, he found my contact information and reached out. I left for Madison Square Garden with Katy two days later. After traveling with her for a long time, I sensed the season with Katy was coming to an end and knew that I really wanted to return to full time ministry. It was then that I moved to Nashville.

3. What did you learn about the music industry (and the people within it) during your time out on the road in that season? What did you learn about yourself?

I learned very practical things about touring, production, and the detrimental side of fame. Personally, I learned that God's presence in me is enough to be an influence... I don't have to strive to get anyone to believe what I believe. I just love them until they ask why. I also learned the value of close relationships because when you're touring mostly out of the country it's easy to isolate or lose touch with your community. I had such a strong community before I left for tour that I didn't feel as alone when I was out.

4. Would you like to be a part of another massive tour like that again, someday?

If the tour had something to do with my calling and what I'm doing now, yes.

5. What did you grow up listening to? Who were your musical influences growing up? And who do you listen to now?

U2, Fleetwood Mac, No Doubt, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Oasis, Alanis, Dave Matthews, Matchbox Twenty, Sheryl Crow, Sting, The Wallflowers, Ace of Base, etc. As far as Christian music, DC Talk, Jars of Clay, Steven Curtis Chapman, Rich Mullins, Delirious and Hillsong.

6. What is your spiritual background? Did you grow up in a faith-based household/community?

I grew up in a Christian home. We were Southern Baptist when I was very small and then moved to an Assemblies of God church. I was definitely a "seeker" in college and spent time exploring other religions, eventually coming back to Jesus being the only one I'd experienced with any power to transform my life. In all the religions I'd sought out, I had to strive to reach God. But in Christianity, Jesus came down to pursue me. That was a point of no turning back and I have been following Him ever since.

7. How long have you known you were supposed to put out a solo record? Was there anyone else speaking into your decision to go that route?

I think I've wanted to put out my own music probably since I was very little, but just didn't have the courage. Between God healing some insecurities and my husband encouraging me, I finally gave in!

8. Speaking of, your husband is a professional studio musician and also on the road as part of TobyMac's Diverse City band. You two have a child with an interesting story behind him. Care to share the Cliff Notes' version? And has that process influenced your songwriting at all?

My husband had known for many years he couldn't have children due to a back injury. So when we got married, we had talked about adoption. While teaching at a worship camp in Uganda, my husband's back had been in a lot of pain that week. During a worship service, his back was healed and we were pregnant two months later.

9. Share about your single "Love Lifting Me." How did the songwriting process go down, what inspired the song, and what do you hope listeners will get out of it?

At a crossroads in my life, I went through some counseling. My counselor led me through inner healing prayer. In my heart and imagination I "went back" to every significant time in my life when I was hurt by someone or something and imagined Jesus there with me. My counselor had me ask Jesus to show me where He was during those hurtful times and what He had to say about them. Ultimately, Jesus revealed to me He's always been there, and that He wants to see my heart running free and listening only to the words He spoke over me instead of the lies I had believed in life.

The song came on a day when I was feeling discouraged. I had been singing the pre-chorus, "saying no to my downcast soul" to myself on the morning of the write; not as something I wanted to present in the write but just as a prayer to myself. After two hours of not feeling inspired in the session, I sang to my co-writers what I'd been singing to myself all morning and the rest is history.

10. You'll likely be spending a lot of time on the road this fall, visiting stations across the country. Besides your phone, what are five essential road trip items you'll need with you at all times along the way?

(I'd say my Bible, but it's on my phone.)

1. My Phone Charger. What good is a dead phone?
2. Dry shampoo. Because as a mom I don't always have time to wash my hair!
3. Chapstick. I am dependent.
4. Q-tips. I can't stand dirty ears.
5. My pillow! I am picky about pillows. It has to be firm with slight fluff.