Payton Smith Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
- Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about
you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music
you play to someone who has never seen or heard you? I am such a
huge fan of different types of music and feel like
my sound is a reflection of all of my influences – Keith Urban, Eric
Church, John Mayer – so there’s Country, Rock and Pop all blended into
the songs on my EP. - Please tell us about the songs on your EP (influences, songwriting process, etc).
My EP is a combination of so many different experiences. “Creek
Don’t Rise” has so many influences from where I grew up on the Gulf
Coast of Louisiana as well as the story of a very memorable date. “’92”
is a salute to my love of 90’s Country — Brooks
and Dunn, four on the floor, line dancing sound that I grew up
listening to with my parents. “Can’t Go Wrong With That” talks about
things we all feel pretty good about agreeing on like football, Willie
on vinyl, after parties. This song came from an idea I
grew up hearing that went like ‘a bad day fishing is better that a good
one working.’ “Like I Knew You Would” revolves around a big singalong
hook and melody, and again involves so much of the imagery I grew up
with on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. EP:https://paytonsmith.lnk.to/EP - Your
debut single “Like I Knew You Would” is being played by radio. What do
you feel is special about this song that makes people want to hear it? “Like I
Knew You Would” feels like a
song that you know after you’ve heard it one time. You can sing along
and groove to it halfway in to your first listen. It’s fun and
light-hearted with a great hook and some really cool guitar solos. - Talk about the support from your friends and family as you’ve pursued your dream? My
mom and dad have been extremely supportive of my dream, and I truly
would not be where I am without
their support. My three younger brothers have also been a huge part of
that system to keep me grounded and solid. I probably don’t tell them
enough, but my relationship with my family and friends is a huge part of
why I am who I am. - What moments in your career so far stand out in your memory as highlights? I
would say one of the biggest moments I have had to date is my Grand Ole
Opry debut just a couple of weeks
ago. Chris Young introduced me to the stage, and I had 68 friends and
family in the audience from out of town watching me sing two of my
favorite songs. And, I received two standing ovations…OMG. Standing in
that circle was magical and way more emotional
than I thought it was going to be. I still can’t believe that happened! - When you get time off, how do you like to relax?
I like to spend with family, friends and my dog. I like to chill
down at the lake in the boat fishing or just hanging. And I love to
listen to music or watch a good movie when I want to relax. - Many
European fans travel to the United States to attend the several of the
music festivals for the opportunity to see so many of their favorite
artists, bands and celebrities. Will you be
participating and how will the fans be able to find you? Country
music is reaching so many people. It is a very exciting time fans and
artists! Fans can find out when and where I will be playing on my
website
paytonsmithmusic.com. - Where is a place you haven’t played that you would like to? Well, since I am from Louisiana, I have always wanted to play Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. I also have always wanted to
play Red Rocks in Denver and another bucket list venue, the O2 in London. - What
can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert? Fans can
expect to see me pour my heart into every part of my performance.
From singing to playing guitar and performing, I give it
everything I have. I want to connect with each person that came to see
my show and leave them with a feeling that they won’t soon forget. - What’s your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded? Tim McGraw – “Humble and Kind”
Photo Credit
David McClister