Layton Greene: Long Time Coming

Now let’s hop right into this latest single / video, “Spin Again” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

I teamed up with my homeboy, Chris, we wanted to do something completely different. I feel like I’m in my grown and sexy era, so we really wanted to showcase that with this single. I feel like it’s super relatable; we all have that one person that we spin the block whether it’s just for fun or trying things out again. It’s crazy because we actually had this song in the vault for over two years, and I’m hearing “spin the block” everywhere nowadays.

How then does “Spin Again” either differ and / or compare to previous Layton Greene entries?

It’s different; I’ve never just openly spoken about sex in my music, so that’s the main reason why I was so excited for this track. I feel like I don’t have any real sexy songs and my fans are so used to me singing about heartbreaks and real life struggles, so I was really excited to showcase that different side to my music.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from real life experiences that I go through on a daily, and that reflects in my music.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Layton Greene?

I knew ever since I was a kid that I loved music; I used to always sing around the house, but my family didn’t know I could sing until my cousins and I played American Idol and I sung a song by Keyshia Cole. They were so shocked they took me to my mom to sing for her and she started crying. My mom used to pray that she could sing, so she believes that all the prayers she asked God for he passed on to her children.

Now you’re a native of East St. Louis, Illinois, correct? So growing up in the ‘Pittsburgh of the West,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yes, honestly it was really what I was able to listen to; I really didn’t have many resources, so I was really just listening to what my parents were listening to. So basically a ton of Mary J. Blige, Kelly Price, Keyshia Cole and Brandy.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

I put my heart into all my records; I feel like fans can really feel me through my lyrics. I’m very open and vulnerable when it comes to my records. It’s honestly hard for me to classify, I just make what sounds good and what feeds my soul.

What particular string of events actually led to your initial signing to / with Quality Control Music / Motown Records?

I did a cover of Kodak Black’s “Roll in Peace,” and I became a somewhat viral sensation and my following grew rapidly. That was actually my first video I ever uploaded, and it went crazy after that; I continued to do more covers. I ended up moving to Atlanta and shortly after Coach K ended up shooting me a DM about meeting up, and I ended up signing soon after and the rest is history. Also speaking of covers, I just released my new cover to Lil Baby’s “Forever,” so make sure you guys check that out on SoundCloud and YouTube.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

Just for them to know my music is real and raw; my music is really the only way I showcase my vulnerability, and I love sharing that with my fans because I know so many of them relate to it.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I love Prince; he’s always been one of my favorites, but in regards to living artists I would love to collaborate with Lucky Daye, Givēon, Summer Walker and Lil Durk.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

I would love to perform the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?

Definitely! I feel like it’s in a great place and all the girls are really bringing something different to the table! I love how everyone has their own unique sound, but shoutout to everyone killing it in R&B!

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Really just keeping my mental together; I went through a period where I lost myself, hence, why I was M.I.A. for so long, and I learned that it’s so important to put yourself first and prioritize you.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Receiving my BET Awards’ nomination in 2020.

What’s an average day like for you?

Right now I’m on my weight loss journey, so I’m up early every morning working with my trainer, and then being a mom it can be really hard juggling motherhood and my career at times because I know I have tasks that have to be completed when it comes to my career. I recently created a space in my home for me to really just unwind and create. Now I’m getting back into a space in which I can create everyday, because when I lost myself I honestly didn’t want anything to do with music; I couldn’t write, sing, or even listen to music as a whole.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

My fans are die hearted for sure; they don’t play when it comes to me! Every time I post on Instagram they always flood my comments asking for new music. I really enjoy getting on live on TikTok and interacting with them, as well as some of my fans create fan page group chats and I might pop in and say a few things just to thank them for continued support.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite part is being able to tell my story, and seeing how many people can resonate with it…my least favorite part is probably being out on the scene because I see myself as an introvert, so it can be overwhelming at times.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Just don’t give up and be consistent; you have to believe in yourself more than anyone else around you.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you all see yourself?

I just want to continue to elevate and grow, whether that be mentally, physically and financially.

As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Layton?

The album is definitely coming, and we’re only going up from here!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

And, lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?

No, Y’all been asking and the music is definitely on the way, and I know Y’all are going to love it!