In April 2022 Layla was privileged to perform a duet with the iconic storyteller and healing song man Uncle Archie Roach. They opened the National Folk Festival alongside the Phoenix Ensemble string quartet, Hauptmann Trio Band and National Folk Festival Family Choir of over 250+ singers. They performed Archie’s song ‘Let Love Rule’ which is about the concept of love, forgiveness and willingness to love all people. It has a great message and was a perfect song to open the festival with. This was Uncle Archie Roach’s last concert on Ngunnawal Country, Canberra. The time they spent together, singing and chatting was very special to Layla and will always be a treasured memory.

Photo Credit : @ Melbourne Ceili Camera

Layla is so fortunate to be mentored by the 5 x ARIA, AWMA, AIR and APRA award winning and 7 x Platinum selling artist Katie Noonan. Performing with Katie Noonan since the age of 11 has been an invaluable experience and has provided Layla with a unique insight into the music industry. Katie has given Layla numerous opportunities to perform at many festivals and concerts with various talented musicians. Layla strives to follow in Katie’s footsteps and admires her music and tireless work ethic. Layla has written a song for Katie called ‘Kind Heart’ that is to be released on her debut ep. The lyrics express Layla’s appreciation and admiration for her mentor.

“I’m yet to find a way to thank you for all you do. You are special and I strive to be just like you.”

Kind Heart – © L. Barnett & I. Hurren

Photo Credit : @ Zoe Worth Photography

Not 1 but 2 Mentors! Zac Hurren - National Jazz Award, ARIA Award winning and Freedman Jazz Fellowship finalist saxophonist/composer - has been a major influence in Layla’s musical journey. Zac has been teaching Layla song writing and composing over the past few years. Zac has gone above and beyond to mentor and encourage Layla with her song writing by sharing his knowledge of composing & recording. He has taught her tools that she can use to be creative and be able to express her emotions through her lyrics. Zac’s main goal has been to encourage Layla to be confident, feel comfortable sharing her lyrics and be empowered through music. He is amazingly patient, so creative and always enthusiastic. Zac and Layla have been recording a debut ep together. His commitment, dedication, guidance, friendship & support through this process has been outstanding and Layla feels very privileged to have Zac by her side as her mentor.

Winner of the ‘Gill Rees – Promising Young Musician Award 2022’ National Folk Festival, Canberra.

Celebrating with Yothu Yindi & Katie Noonan

Photo Credit : @ Michelle Haywood Photography

In 2021 & 2022 Layla successfully auditioned & participated in a 6-month program called Creative Generations State School Onstage. Creative Generations concerts have been great experiences to performing in a high-end production that was televised nationally across Australia. Layla was honoured to sing various songs in English & First Nations Languages:

‘Bapa’ Dr Gurrumul Yunupingu

‘You’re the Voice’ John Farnham / Mitch Tambo

‘My Island Home’ Neil Murray / Warumpi Band

Photo Credit : @ Creative Generations

Auditioning and being accepted into the Eumundi School of Music Scholarship Program 2020 & 2021 was where Layla’s love for performing started. The program has amazingly talented musicians as teachers who dedicate themselves to make each childs time in the program fun and educational. At the end of every program they have a concert where the kids get to share the stage with famous talented musicians. Layla was chosen for the Show Band for 2022 and was delighted to do a duet with Clare Bowditch at the Sunshine Sounds Festival. Layla is very grateful for her time at Eumundi School of music program. Layla values all the teachers and their knowledge that they passed on , the other students she met through the program and friendships.

Photo Credit: Kita Lawrence

Clare Bowditch & Band very generously gave Layla the opportunity to perform with them at the Sunshine Sounds Festival, July 2022. Layla & Clare performed a duet of Clare’s hit song ‘You Make Me happy’. It was a beautiful rendition and the crowd loved it.

Photo Credit : @ Zoe Worth Photography

Layla met Mark Moroney during her time with the Eumundi School of Music program. Since then Layla has been having guitar lessons with Mark. His fun personality along with his experience in performing, smooth vocals & guitar skills make him a versatile teacher. Layla & Mark have performed a few duets together and they both have a great time during lessons. Mark is a very supportive, fun teacher and Layla appreciates him sharing his guitar wisdom.

Photo Credit : @ Zoe Worth Photography

Another highlight from the National Folk Festival was performing Dr Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu’s beautiful song in language ‘Bapa’ with Gurrumul’s Guitarist Ben Hauptmann to a crowd of over 5000 patrons.

Photo Credit : @ Michelle Haywood Photography