Dan Layus

Daniel Robin Layus was born on September 10, 1984, in Southern California. In 2002, while attending Greenville College in Illinois, he formed the band Augustana with Josiah Rosen, Kyle Baker, and Simeon Lohrmann. The band released their debut album, “Midwest Skies and Sleepless Mondays,” in 2003, followed by the “Mayfield EP” in the same year. Layus and Rosen later relocated to Southern California, where they recruited drummer Justin South. Augustana subsequently toured with notable artists such as Switchfoot, Maroon 5, The Fray, Counting Crows, Dashboard Confessional, O.A.R., Snow Patrol, The Damnwells, Goo Goo Dolls, Acceptance, Cartel, and OneRepublic, in addition to conducting their own headlining tours.

Augustana released “All the Stars and Boulevards” in 2005, which featured the single “Boston.” After several lineup changes, Layus remained the sole constant member. In 2011, the other members amicably departed, and Layus continued to perform and tour under the Augustana name. In 2014, Augustana released “Life Imitating Life,” with Layus playing all instruments on the album. In 2016, Augustana opened for the Dixie Chicks on their DCX MMXVI World Tour. That same year, Layus transitioned to a solo career, releasing his debut solo album “Dangerous Things” on October 21, 2016, which Rolling Stone magazine described as having one of “Americana’s most articulate newcomers.” He toured with LeAnn Rimes during her “Remnants” Tour in 2017 and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry.

In 2013, Layus moved from Los Angeles to Nashville, where he began composing for Warner-Chappell Music. This period allowed him to collaborate with artists like Maren Morris. In 2019, Layus co-wrote “Loose Change” for The Highwomen’s debut album, working with Maren Morris and Maggie Chapman. He later returned to touring as Augustana and released new music, including the songs “For Now, Forever” and “The Heart of It.” In 2025, former Augustana members Chris Sachtleben and Jared Palomar are slated to rejoin the band for performances, marking their return after a 14-year absence.