Augustana

Augustana, led by singer-songwriter Dan Layus, has cultivated a career as a prominent rock band known for its piano-driven melodies and heartfelt lyrics, achieving chart success and maintaining a dedicated fanbase over two decades. After signing with Epic Records in 2005, Augustana delivered their breakthrough album, All the Stars and Boulevards, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and No. 96 on the Billboard Top 200.

Its lead single, ‘Boston,’ peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006 and was featured in series like ‘Scrubs,’ ‘Smallville,’ and ‘One Tree Hill.’ Augustana performed ‘Boston’ on the Late Show with David Letterman in 2007. Their early career included independent debut Midwest Skies and Sleepless Mondays (Spring 2003, 1000 copies sold), the Mayfield EP (later 2003), and touring with Switchfoot, Maroon 5, and Counting Crows. Their third album, Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt (April 2008), featured singles ‘Sweet and Low’ and ‘I Still Ain’t Over You,’ with the latter reaching No.

Demonstrating versatility, Dan Layus released solo album Dangerous Things in 2016 and toured as opener for the Dixie Chicks on their DCX MMXVI World Tour. Augustana consistently released new music, including digital singles like ‘For Now, Forever’ (2019); ‘Okay,’ ‘Lies,’ and ‘Take’ (2020); and ‘Remedy’ (2022). The band also presented Live (Recorded from a Livestream Event) (2021), and expanded their catalog with Everyday an Eternity: Solo Piano Works and Yourself Yesterday: A Rarities Collection (2022). Most recently, Augustana debuted ‘Stand On My Own’ in 2023, followed by ‘Something Beautiful,’ which served as the title track for their full-length album released in March 2024.

Building on two decades of delivering piano-driven melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the band announced the rejoining of original members Chris Sachtleben and Jared Palomar in 2025, signaling a new chapter for Augustana.