Payson Lewis – Bad Influence

By starrymag | May 18, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I actually get asked that question a lot, but recently I’ve been saying that my sound is like if Paramore and Troye Sivan took a road-trip along the beach in a top-down Jeep.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I’m definitely a “little bit of everything” kind of guy so it’s so hard to narrow it down. But some that stand out for me are The Beatles, Sam Cooke, Prince, Michael Jackson, Queen, Bruno Mars…Oh man, I could go on forever. There’s so much good music out there.  So many amazing artists.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Bad Influence.”

 

A) Well, “Bad Influence” is all about how all the stuff in life that we really love has got a little bit of “bad” in it. We love having drinks, smoking and eating junk food. All the stuff our doctor tells us we shouldn’t.  Well, I was walking around Mexico City, drinking all the mezcal, eating all the tacos and I was thinking to myself, “If this is bad…I want some more bad in my life.”  You know?  So, I had this melody in my head and it just kinda turned into this anthem about wanting more of those guilty pleasures that I just can’t quit.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) Honestly, I feel like it’s just a universal concept. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a vice or two…or ten. Other than like Tibetan monks, I guess.  But musically, it’s just an upbeat fun, infectious vibe.  I hope that it sucks the listener in and then takes them on this ride.  It’s just pure energy.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) Well the video is coming out in a few weeks. But it’s a pretty simple video. It’s more about the vibe and energy of the music, but we shot it in this amazing studio that kind of just gives this stark white clean slate feel.  I was going for the idea of being in this void; this space where it’s empty without the things in life that make you feel a little “bad.”  Also, I realized that what that thing is that makes you feel that way is different for everyone, so I wanted to leave it open for interpretation to a certain extent.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I can go either way really. When I write on my own, I do usually come up with a melodic idea first which usually informs me of a general mood. From there I start thinking about how the mood makes me feel and what it reminds me of.  That’s when the words start filling in the gaps.  But when I’m writing with other people, sometimes we take some lyrics, ideas or feelings and then start crafting the melody around that.  So, really it can go either way.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I’m very active in the production of my music. I have an amazing producer, Ben Soldate, and he and I work really well together and really crafted my sound to what it is today. But, usually, I come to Ben with a rough demo that I created in my home studio.  From there he and I get together to rework some stuff and get the song in that sweet spot.  However, I can’t take too much, if any, credit really for the technical production on the record.  Ben is a genius and I couldn’t have made it without him.  Once we get going with the actual recording he’s got his hands on every aspect, from tracking to mixing.  But he and I do work pretty extensively together on most of the creative decisions in the process.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Payson Lewis performance?

 

A) In a word, energy. My music and this record were made for the live experience. Ben and I would talk about the live show all the time when we were recording, making choices based on how the show was going to be. I played a packed show at the Peppermint Club in LA in March and it was just wild. I’m jumping around the stage.  The band is killing it.  We get the crowd into it, singing along. It’s a party.  Everyone’s invited.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Well, I’m still figuring out my release schedule for this record. But there is a lot more music coming this year. By the time the ball drops in December, I’ll have at least six songs out there.  Whether they’re all singles or we package them up in an EP is still being worked out.  I’m definitely working on an acoustic collection of these songs as well, so keep your eyes out for that.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Honestly, I’ve performed all over the world; in tiny living rooms to huge amphitheaters. For me, all that really matters is the connection you make with the audience. Like when I’m singing, when there’s that moment that I can feel every heart in the room.  Like we’re all just in it together.  That’s my favorite “place” to perform, whether it’s by a campfire or on the stage at the Hollywood Bowl.  That’s the spot.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Again, there are just too many amazing artists out there. But I’m a huge fan of Leon Bridges, Bruno Mars and Pharrell. I’d pretty much die if I got to work with those guys.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I’ll just throw it back to that last one and give you a few more: Leon Bridges, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, Dawes, Blake Mills and Lana Del Rey. I just love people who have a sound all of their own. You hear a Dawes song and you instantly know it’s Dawes.  They don’t try to sound like anyone but themselves.  The same goes for that whole list.  There’s no mistaking Lana.  That’s what I aspire to be myself.  Someone where you hear just a few seconds of a song and know instantly that it’s one of mine.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I love a lot of what social media allows artists to do these days. Mainly that we get to interface directly with fans. Like, I get to have a dialog with someone from Germany who found my music.  You get to know exactly how your music makes people feel.  It’s incredible.  So, if you’re reading this and you like my stuff.  Follow me, comment and send me a message.  I try my best to reply to as much as possible.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I just want to say thank you. I couldn’t make music without the support and love of the people that believe in me and my music. And I also want to say, just hold on.  This is just the beginning.  I’ve got so much great stuff coming soon.  I just can’t wait to share it all!