Wow! Nashville-based singer-songwriter Layla Frankel recently released her “Postcards from the Moon” EP and I’ve had it on repeat for the last few days. What beautiful classic timeless singing from Layla and great songwriting from her and her musical partner Alex DeVor.

Listen to Layla’s latest single “You Can’t Love Me Like I Loved You“and see what I’m talking about. This one sure hits the sweet spot in my soul!  

My thanks to Layla for doing the 11 Questions thing and creating some great music for us all to enjoy. As the Music City venues start to reopen, Layla Frankel is on my watch. Gonna be great to hear these songs live!

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I’m originally from Chicago, but I moved to Nashville in 2017. I had just released my first EP, Tame the Fox, and was looking to be surrounded by more industry professionals and be in a place with more musical opportunities. Chicago has a terrific music scene with very skilled musicians, but as a songwriter I knew that I would level up in Music City. It’s a town full of songwriters and creative energy breeds more creativity. I was really drawn to the camaraderie of the music scene; there’s sort of a level of instantaneous friendship when you’re an artist in a town of artists. It took me a while to get used to the South, but the music community alone was worth the move.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital? 

I buy CDs when I’m at shows. In fact, when I bought my car, I was specifically looking for a vehicle with a CD player because I knew that, as an indie artist with fellow indie artist friends, CDs are a way of life. I got my first CD when I was eight years old and it was Sheryl Crow’s self-titled album from 1996. “Every Day is a Winding Road” was my favorite song and I used to listen to the album on repeat and sing along with the lyrics in the booklet. I still love that album. The last CD I bought was by my dear friend and fellow Nashville soul singer, Alicia Michilli (check her out!)

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen? 

The first big show I saw was R.E.M at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. I was 14 and sneaked down to the lower level after intermission: the 4th row, the light show, that bass sound…I’ll never forget it. I think the last show I saw was a writers’ round at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville. Not quite the same level of excitement as R.E.M, but still some great songs.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

I’m shocked that John Prine isn’t on that list. But I’m sure it’s just a matter of time.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza? 

Ugly Mugs for coffee, but Sump when I want to spoil myself. Smith and Lentz for pizza and beer. They’ve been really COVID-safe too which I appreciate.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville? 

My new record, Postcard from the Moon, obviously…just kidding. Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde is probably the most influential to me if that counts. I love Nashville Skyline, as well (“Lay Lady Lay” is an obvious favorite). I’m not sure if it’s a permanent exhibit, but when I first moved to town there was an incredible exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame about Dylan and Johnny Cash and the Nashville Cats. It made me appreciate those records even more.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show? 

There are so many! I played a writers’ round at Belcourt Taps last month and had a great time closing down the place at Hopdoddy Burger Bar. But pre-COVID, Dukes Sammys after shows at the 5 Spot was a common ritual.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

I played a writers’ round recently with Scarlett Egan and Claire Kelly that was an absolute blast, so they’re forever my go-to gals. I also often perform and write with Alex DeVor, who has become one of my favorite collaborators in town. I would love for that round to become a reality!

What are your favorite music venues to play in town? 

Analog, The 5 Spot, Dees. I’m easing my way back into live performances with writers rounds these days, but I can’t wait to get back on stage with a band.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here. 

Shawn Colvin; she’s been a songwriting idol of mine forever.

Finally, what’s in your musical future? 

I played some shows in Chicago in May and booking some shows out West in late June. I’m really looking forward to playing for live audiences again and have plans to get back in the studio and record a couple of singles later this year. But I recently launched a Patreon to give me a reason to keep pumping out content. So, I’m working on growing my Patreon subscriber base and just writing and writing. Postcard from the Moon came out on May 1st, but I’ve already got the next record in the works!