In the summer of 2012, Payton Taylor performed at several of the country’s largest music festivals, such as Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the CMA (Country Music Association) Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. She has released her debut CD, entitled “Shine” and has opened for major artists, such as Casey James, Chuck Wicks, Collin Raye, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, and the legendary Charlie Daniels Band. But, despite these milestones in her career, the Southern New Jersey native still remembers singing since she was barely able to speak. Never one to shy away from a stage, Payton jumped at any opportunity to perform; church events, school plays, local festivals, and anywhere else that would let her get up and sing, all witnessed this tenacious little girl’s love of performing. But it wasn’t until the summer of 2009 that the then 12-year-old Payton discovered her true passion for singing – Country Music.
During a trip to Nashville, Tennessee in August 2009, Payton was invited to jump on stage at a local music venue and perform a couple of songs. “That’s when I knew I wanted to sing Country Music for the rest of my life,” says Taylor, “During that trip, I fell in love with Nashville – its music, history, and its culture.” Now, only four years later, Payton is making her mark in the industry with her energetic stage performances and her catchy songwriting, and creating a genuine buzz that is making fans stand up and take notice. She was a finalist for the 2011 Texaco Country Showdown, and has been gaining national attention through multiple TV appearances, newspaper and magazine interviews, and a strong social media presence through sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
At only 16 years of age, Payton has achieved a great deal in her blossoming career, but she’s not ready to rest on her laurels: “I know I have a lot to learn, and a lot of time to grow and mature as a singer, a songwriter, and an artist. I want to do whatever I can and take as much time as I need to achieve my dreams and make a career out of doing what I love.” She’s already recording her next CD project, which is being produced by award-winning producer Lynn Nichols, who has worked with artists such as The Band Perry, Amy Grant, and Switchfoot. All the songs on the project were written or co-written by Payton herself. She has also switched to homeschooling to accommodate her busy schedule on the road and in the studio, and is already taking some college courses to get a jump on her college education. The past few years have indeed been busy for Payton Taylor, but if the past is any indication of the future, there’s no telling what the next few years hold in store for this young talent.
