Payson Lewis – Nothing To You

By starrymag | November 12, 2019

By: Jenny Vintzileos

 

 

Q) Walk me through the songwriting & production process of recording “Nothing To You.”

 

A) This is actually the first song I ever wrote with Brooke Jenkins, who I’ve written with a ton since then. It was an interesting experience because we had just met and I was instantly sharing these deeply painful memories of this relationship that just got totally off the rails. It was cool. It was like a therapy session that ended with a dope song.

 

Q) In comparison to your debut release “Take Me Apart” and “Remember: The Remixes,” how do you feel “Nothing To You” shows your growth as an artist?

 

A) I just think I’ve learned so much since those releases, just in terms of tighter songwriting and more fully realized production. I also feel like I’ve been finding my own sound over the course of those releases and “Nothing to You” is the first release that has accomplished the sonic quality I’ve been striving for over the past year and a half.

 

Q) With the recent release of “Nothing To You,” is there a full-length album and tour in the works?

 

A) I’m not sure there will be a full-length “album,” but I am working on a full-length’s amount of music. But I’ll more likely release them as singles and/or EPs. As for a tour–absolutely–I’m dying to get on the road. Just have to find the right situation.

 

Q) Out of your songs, which one is the most personal to you?

 

A) All of my songs are extremely personal to me, but I will always hold a special place in my heart for “Take Me Apart” because it was the song that sort of unlocked my current direction and sound. But there are a few songs that I’ll be putting out soon that are raw emotionally and extremely personal…but you’ll have to stay tuned for those.

 

Q) You taught yourself how to play piano when you were young. What was it about piano that made you decide to learn how to play?

 

A) Honestly, it was just there. We had an upright piano in my house growing up…and I just started playing it along with the radio, trying to figure out the chords and after a while I started coming up with my own progressions…and then before I knew it, I was writing songs.

 

Q) Some of your early YouTube videos were covers. What has been your favorite song to cover to date?

 

A) I’m a very nostalgic person, so I think my duet with Rumer Willis on “Out of the Woods” will always be my favorite because it was my first and started it all. But I also hold a special place for my cover of “Hello” with Brian Justin Crum, Kelley Jakle and Joanna Jones. They’re all such good friends of mine and I’m proud of how those arrangements came together.

 

Q) If given the opportunity to work with anyone, who would be your dream collaboration?

 

A) I’ve always been a fan of great songwriters, so I think working with some of them would be at the top of my list; Max Martin, Ryan Tedder, etc.

 

Q) In college you were part of your collegiate a cappella group SoCal VoCals. What was the most important lesson that you took away from that experience that you apply to your music today?

 

A) I really became a real artist and singer in SoCal VoCals. I learned so much about finding my own unique voice and also just the application of different vocal layers and textures. I’m incredibly grateful for all the things that group gave me and taught me, including some of my best friends.

 

Q) In addition to music, you also appeared in shows such as “How I Met Your Mother,” “The People vs. OJ Simpson” and “Jane The Virgin.” Is acting an avenue you hope to pursue more in the future?

 

A) I think I’ll always be pursuing acting to a degree. I just love it too much not to. But my focus is on music right now. I hope some more acting projects will be in my future as well.

 

Q) What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the music business?

 

A) Just be yourself. The most unique thing you can be is you. Your style, sound, “brand” – just be genuine.

 

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

 

A) Really the only thing to say is thank you. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have an amazing network of supporters and fans. So, I’d just want to thank them and encourage them to stick around. There’s so much amazing stuff coming that I am incredibly excited about. Thank you guys so much for talking to me today!