“Little girl with a whole lotta dreams, Little Girl who knew a whole lotta things, Little girl smiling from cheek to cheek, nothing in this world could defeat me” -- Little Girl, Growth by Payton
Church and school productions were many of the places Payton started to sing at age 7. She never understood that singing would play a serious role in her future music. Payton and music have always had a special relationship; like everyone, she could not live without music but what was extraordinary about their relationship is that music could not live without Payton. She was born to be one of the reasons music moved people; she was intended to be a singer. She is one of music’s chosen ones; however, with insecurity overpowering her destiny she was in limbo. It was not until Guenada Lambert—a vocal coach—made it clear that music was in her future. Reaching this realization at age 15 Payton did not want to waste any time and decided to record her first EP Growth in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This R&B album is reminiscent of Summer Walker, Kehlani, Ella Mai, and H.E.R but her unique voice in style and perspective stand apart.
“Mama taught you what was right daddy told how to fight so just be you and shine your light” – Little Girl, Growth
One of the three ingredients for any new artist is a ride and die team. The first two players a part of her journey are of course her mom and dad, Jeff Stovall and Simmone Kilgore. When you hear your child wants to be something other than a doctor, lawyer, accountant (stable job) parents become frantic. However, Jeff and Simmone were the opposite. When Payton determined she wanted to take music seriously, she never told her mom but showed her. "I told her I was going down to Beloit [Wisconsin] but did not tell her what I was doing. When I finished the song ["Spinning"] I went back home to Milwaukee [Wisconsin] and played the song for her. She was like 'Is it finished? What you gonna do with this? This is real.'” Simmone finally knew Payton’s passion and tried to help (give input) as every mother does but Payton knew her music, therefore she knew it was perfect—it was finished.
Her dad was similar in his response. After putting the song on YouTube she sent it to her dad and he applauded her talents. "A few days later we were on the phone and he was asking about the context of her songs 'Who is this about, where did this take place?'" she describes. By hearing these questions she knew her music made people interested, especially to those who she loved. Payton knew her parents were confident in her talents and her discernment. Even though they played the devil's advocate in the situation, they were only testing her confidence in her journey—they knew she could do it, but they needed her to know she could do it. Jeff and Simmone keep supporting Payton even as she tends ASU(Alabama State University)for musical theater and early childhood education.
“I just want to say thank you for keeping me going thank you for always showing you care like nobody else” – Thank You, Growth
As an artist in this age, it’s hard to navigate fame, criticism, and money especially when you’re young. Payton understands she will be affected by the byproducts of a music career, still, she came prepared. She has started by making her music and personal life independent but still dependent upon each other. She realizes the music should speak for itself but might need aid in its promotion. Therefore, she lets her post on social media reflect the image her music produces. This is just one of the reasons her brand excels, another is her merchandise.
Her growth T-shirts are simple and come in pastel colors. When I asked if the T-shirts took attention away from her music and gave more attention to her she said "No"; she kept the design simple and put her name at the bottom to give less attention to her.
Though it may seem that she put her music before her, it is the opposite for her. She and music are one and conduct themselves as such. Her music is a reflection of her life. They are interconnected for life so when she is promoting her music she is right next to it, she just prefers that it speaks for her.
She has learned to harness her oneness with music by watching the artists she admires. She gushed about Beyoncé's worth ethic and honesty with her music. Summer Walker’s love for music despite her social anxiety is something Payton is in awe of, as well. Included in this list is Megan thee Stallion; her lyrics and confidence erase any fears Payton has about her music. The main point taken away from these three artists is their honesty. Payton does this in every song she produces; she wants to be transparent to her audience but more importantly to herself.
Music is her therapy and therefore she needs to be honest in her music. Another key ingredient Payton believes every artist possesses is the truth. The truth is many things: uncomfortable, revealing, scary, boring but all in all, is liberating.
“Fill me up til I overflow. Will you look up Imma be behind you studying the ways that you move. When you look at me what do you see? Hopefully a reflection” -- Distraction, Growth
“I don’t make music for clout, popularity, or fame I make music for me” Payton claims. Before fame and success can enter the equation, music and the artist have to be inseparable. Passion is the key ingredient that plays a part in this connection. She exclaims “I’m very confident as a person but when it comes to my music it’s my baby.” This art is her main outlet in life. She feels comfortable taking risks and expressing herself here. As she sings about love and heartbreak in her EP Growth, she is being transformed. Furthermore, this transformation is not a one-way street; the music is changed as well. The sounds, rhythm, tones of her story, the music is recording and molding to shape her life. This metamorphosis sets singles away from albums, one-hit wonders from consecutive billboard hits. It separates Payton from others.
“Do you wanna know who I am? Me Payton, I don’t know how to put this. I’m a little complicated. Let me sing it to you..”- Little Girl, Growth
This is just the beginning of a story without an ending for Payton as she continues to accomplish milestones like performing and producing her first EP. She's now studying musical theater and childhood education and is making her mark in the world with a can’t stop won’t stop attitude. She knows the journey to "making it" is long and filled with tribulations, yet she already has it all planned out. “In one year (2021) I see myself having another album completed, gigging more, and exuding more confidence as an artist.”, she says.
The year 2025 promises many opportunities for Payton; she’s going to be out of college, she plans to have her big break in music by then. However, if not, she will have her degree and will be teaching while still providing space for her singing/acting career. In the year 2030, she hopes “ to have a family and sustain a series...catch me on Thursday at 8.” Although she does not possess the gift of fortune-telling she has something better: she has faith. Faith is the power of believing in the unseen; with faith, she will move effortlessly through whatever her journey may throw at her.
With her truth, ride or die team, and the cherry to top it off her passion this girl is going places and if you’re ready to join her you better not wait because she is a queen with according to her a whole lotta “Big Ass Dreams” and she has no time to waste.
I enjoyed reconnecting with Payton. Here's a secret she's my cousin! You see where I get the tiny bit of talent I have from. GO follow her on Instagram @trillpayyy, Youtube @Pay's Pulse, and Twitter @trillpayyy!!!! Most importantly hear her on Apple Music and Spotify @Payton
Now here a sneak peek of her new song "Type of Way"
Dope