Where gritty, homegrown rock ’n roll and storytelling collide, Tarra Layne resides in a bold, new, bluesy place that feels familiar, but a sound of her own. Her sultry vocals have graced our ears on Team Blake of NBC’s The Voice Season 11, where she was also mentored by Bette Midler. Layne lent her singing chops to Ari Hauntington, the ghostly pop star in Mattel’s 2016 release ‘Welcome To Monster High.’ Her voice is recorded on the singing Ari doll available in Target and Walmart stores nationwide.
Calling her style ‘southern swagger,’ her raw, rebellious attitude shines through her soulful melodies. (Like if Janis Joplin and Gretchen Wilson had a lovechild.) Layne’s ‘Cherry Moonshine’ from EP ‘Once Your Go Red…’ made its film debut in ’30 Nights’ available on Amazon Prime. ‘Cherry’s’ success scored her a Hollywood Music in Media Award (HMMA) for Best Female Vocal in 2014, the opportunity to perform the National Anthem at PBR’s Last Cowboy Standing in Las Vegas in 2015, and a role co-starring in award-winning short-film Rockstar in 2017.
As someone who is passionate about various causes, Tarra joined mental health awareness organization, The Campaign The Change Direction, as an ambassador in 2016. Alongside artists and influencers like Chris Stapleton, Brian Wilson, and Michelle Obama, she helps spread the 5 Signs of Emotional Suffering under #MusicChangesDirection. Her involvement is inspired by losing her father to alcoholism, a partner to suicide, and struggles with depression.
In 2017, she performed for Ed Asner and Ben Affleck at Autfest, an event celebrating autistic filmmakers and spreading Autism acceptance.
In 2012, up against over 4,000 submissions, her first self-released single, ‘Beautiful Day,’ earned her a spot opening for Gavin DeGraw and Vanessa Carlton at the Origins Rocks Earth Month Concert. Moving to Los Angeles in 2014, she made her living singing in demo sessions for Cirque du Soleil, television themes, and major label artists. She’s performed between LA, NYC, and Nashville and as a featured artist for Carnival Cruise Lines from 2017 to 2019. She has also shared the stage with Montgomery Gentry, Mickey Guyton, Bernie Worrell, and Katey Sagal to name a few.
Layne’s next release is due in 2022, produced by former Hinder frontman Nolan Neal and mastered by GRAMMY® winner Dave Donnelly.