PEYTON INTERVIEW: In the ever-evolving landscape of R&B, some artists possess a rare ability to capture the complexities of life with a golden touch. Houston’s own Peyton is one such artist. Having captivated listeners with her 2021 debut album PSA and collaborated with luminaries like Steve Lacy and Sango, her music has already found a home on popular TV shows like Insecure and The Summer I Turned Pretty. Now, Peyton is ready to step into her power with her highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Au’, out now on Stones Throw. Get familiar…
What five words define your sound?
Soulful, honest, dreamy, resilient, Houston.
Tell me something unique about your creative process.
I lean a lot on feeling before form. Sometimes a melody will come to me while I am cooking or walking outside, and I record it quickly on my phone. I let the feeling guide me, and later shape it into a song. It is almost like chasing a spark and then slowly fanning it into a flame.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
‘Red Flags’
What inspired you to make that song?
I had an on and off again relationship and an equally obsessive friend who were triggered by my natural essence. They could not tell if they loved or hated me, and did whatever they could – whether it was intentional or not – to try dimming my light. It was a very tough battle, seeing that I shine so bright naturally.
What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?
My upcoming album ‘Au’ holds a lot of that vulnerability. There are moments where I am not dressed up in metaphors — I am just telling the truth about heartbreak, growth, and rediscovering my worth.
What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?
The best feeling is when the audience is singing my lyrics back to me. It is like a reminder that the music has really connected and reached people, and that means everything. The only tough moments are when the sound is off and I cannot hear myself properly. If the sound is not right, the whole performance feels off, because at the end of the day the sound has to carry the gift.
What is your favourite song to perform?
‘Jelly’ is my favourite song to perform from my catalogue because it’s from my very first EP and feels so good to sing.
Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?
Amel Larrieux’s ‘Infinite Possibilities’ album. The whole album encouraged me and taught me vocal range, powerful lyricism and the power in genre bending. She blends R&B/Soul, Jazz and Pop so well that the sound became unique to her.
What’s the meaning behind your name?
Peyton is just my first name, but I think it holds a sense of strength and softness that feels right for me as an artist.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?
I simply can’t imagine it, but maybe acting/voice acting. I was always meant to use my voice.
What’s success to you?
Being able to live from my art while staying true to myself. Success is also when my music reaches someone at the exact moment they need it.
What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?
I had a humbling moment where I realised that even though I have a gift and have experienced some beautiful moments of success, I still need to keep growing. My gift is my talent, but my greatness comes from how much I continue to work at it. I had to accept that I am a student for life if I want to be great. That shift reminded me that consistency, focus, and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone are just as important as the moments of celebration. It was a wake-up call to keep evolving and not be afraid to show that evolution.
Where can people keep in touch with you?
I am on Instagram and Twitter at @Peyton, and you can find my music on all streaming platforms.
Photo by Cydney Boudreaux.
