Peyton Shay – Daydream Police

By starrymag | October 31, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Roll the windows down music; I want to be people’s guilty pleasure. My music is inspired by 2000s-era pop nostalgia mixed with a modern current edge. I, honestly, just make music that speaks to me in that moment.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) There are so many artists I admire, it’s tough to choose just a few. Lyrically, Hozier and Dolly Parton really stand out to me—their use of metaphors and imagery is incredible. I’m also a big fan of Blondie, Wet Leg, Paramore and Avril Lavigne. They’ve all made a huge impact, not just in the industry, but by staying true to their sound and creating amazing music.

Q) As a chapstick enthusiast myself, I love the concept for your song “Lonely Chapstick.” Where did the concept for this come from? 

A) “Lonely Chapstick” was the first single I wrote off my new EP. It started out as a light-hearted observation that I always have chapstick on me, and I’m clearly addicted to it. We used my addiction to chapstick as a metaphor throughout the song to tell a real-life story of a secret but thrilling relationship. I’m a very independent person, and sometimes to a fault. “Lonely Chapstick” is about the fear of letting someone get close to you because you’re scared it might take away from who you are or, ultimately, you could end up getting hurt.

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

A) On the surface, it’s a fun, lighthearted song about chapstick – something almost everyone can relate to. But there’s a deeper meaning underneath, and I think combining those two elements makes it easier to approach tougher topics in a more relatable way.

Q) How does the video for “Dashboard Lights” play into the message behind it?

A) I randomly wrote what would turn out to be the beginning of “Dashboard Lights” in my room, alone, on my piano. I took the half-mumbled voice memo into the studio, and my producer and I quickly fell in love with expanding the idea of what this song could become. It’s a metaphorical drive through a relationship that was never meant to work. It’s like speeding through red lights and ignoring warning signs, only to realize too late that I was driving us straight into trouble. I wanted the visuals and red coloring to play into on the car metaphor and evoke that melancholy feeling. It’s simple but powerful.

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

A) A lot of my songs come to life in random moments. I have a notes app where I write down any ideas or concepts that come to my head. I then go into the studio and freestyle lyrics and melodies and from there I let the song come to life. For me, personally, I tend to be concept first, melodies second, and then lyrics last.

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

A) Being fully involved in my music and the creative process is really important to me. If I’m not connected, I can’t emotionally relate to the song, which is why I love writing on my songs. From the initial idea to approving the final version, I’m there every step of the way. For my upcoming EP, I worked closely with my producer, Adam Castilla, every day to bring these songs to life.

Q) What are some themes you’ll be exploring on your upcoming EP Daydream Police?

A) I am a very independent person, sometimes to a fault. The earlier songs on the EP reflect my tendencies toward avoidance. Of course, there are some heartbreak and love bomb songs. I enjoy being lighthearted about heavy-hearted situations. If I can sneak in a lyric that makes the listener question my artistry, I’ll definitely do it.

Q) Are you able to tease some of your favorite songs on the album or ones that hold a special place in your heart?

A) I don’t want to give away too much, but I can say that I love every single song on the EP, especially the final one….

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

A) Performing live is something I’m deeply passionate about, so every show I do I put everything into it. One of the standout moments for me was opening for G Flip at The Observatory on the first night of their Drummer Tour. I’ve been a huge fan of G Flip for a long time, so the whole experience felt surreal. Their audience was incredibly welcoming, and it’s a show I still find myself thinking about all the time.

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

A) Wow, there’s so many, but Hozier and Chappell Roan would be insane.

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) The Aces, The Last Dinner Party, Madue Latour, and Suki Waterhouse have been on constant replay. Their music speaks for itself, and I would definitely recommend it.

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

A) To anyone who has ever listened to even one song of mine, thank you. Without all of you, I would not be able to do any of this, and I’m eternally grateful for such a beautiful community!