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Payson Meistrich is a powerhouse in music. She is an incredible indie pop singer and songwriter based in NYC. Payson began her musical path early in life and has been moving forward ever since. It all started when she saw the movie "School of Rock" in the third grade. Her classmate adapted it into a play for recess entertainment, and all the girls tried out for the solo at the play's conclusion. After she sang, her teacher remarked on Payson's exceptional voice, and Payson says she hasn't stopped singing since. She puts her heart and soul into every song she writes. She makes herself vulnerable and creates defining moments.
Payson is known for merging classic indie pop sounds with storytelling. She launched her music career with the debut single “Made Me Insane,” which garnered over 300,000 streams, followed by “Bad for Me (Harry Styles),” a lively pop track featuring clever lyrics and sharp self-awareness, celebrating her admiration for Harry Styles and all men who resemble him (regardless of how they treat her). She has now returned with a new single, “Come Back To You,” which captures her signature blend of emotional vulnerability, humor, and toxic relationships. Influenced by gritty pop icons and singer-songwriters, her music draws from a range of artists - including Halsey, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, SZA, Ryn Weaver, and Stevie Nicks, particularly for their songwriting and production, as well as their somewhat petty tendency to capitalize on their heartbreak.
Payson, a vocalist with classical training, is well-acquainted with performing on prominent stages. Her professional performances span across the U.S., including appearances at the White House, Pentagon, FBI, and major NYC venues like Pianos, Rockwood Music Hall, and The Sultan Room. Additionally, she was a featured performer at an officially sanctioned Super Bowl event (Phoenix, 2023).
We had an opportunity to speak with Payson about her new Single "Come Back To You," her inspiration for her craft, her creative process when it comes to songwriting, and overall balance. She's interesting and fun to chat with. Therefore, lets' jump in!
Can you tell me about your musical background and how you got started in music?
In 3rd grade, my friend John was captivated by the movie School of Rock, so he turned it into a play with a brief music solo at the end. We would perform it during recess for our teacher. Our class was really small, just about 20 students, and since all the girls were auditioning for the solo, I decided to give it a shot too. I wasn't immune to peer pressure. After my audition, he remarked, "Wow, you know you can sing, right?" I didn't realize it then. But I haven't stopped since. Throughout my childhood, I was a theater enthusiast (I know, I know, and yes, I've seen Wicked). I studied creative writing and music in college and began gravitating towards contemporary pop. After graduating, music was the only path I wanted to follow. It was the only thing that made sense. So, I started writing, recording, and performing professionally; the rest is history.
What are the most significant musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I've always experienced emotions deeply, and music has been a tool for me to process those feelings. Listening to other powerful, incredibly talented artists express their heartbreak, pain, and triumphs through beautiful and meaningful art made me realize that I could channel my own emotions into something creative as well. Taylor Swift exemplifies this perfectly. As a millennial woman who writes about relationships, I've been a huge fan of hers since "Teardrops On My Guitar" first hit the radio. I've grown up with her as a major influence. Calling her an incredible songwriter doesn't even begin to describe her—she's a genius. Stevie Nicks is another inspiration. I remember the first time I heard "Dreams"; it transformed me. "Silver Springs" had a similar impact. Watching her sing "You Will Never Get Away from the Sound of the Woman That Loves You" directly to Lindsay Buckingham on stage—that's my Super Bowl. It's such an iconic line and a defining moment. Above all, it's honest and genuine. There are countless artists I admire who are unapologetic about their feelings and identity. Whether good, bad, or ugly, they express it all. I've always respected that and strived to reflect it in my music.
What is your creative process like when writing new music?
Each song is unique, but generally, I start with the lyrics. Writing is at the heart of who I am. It's my way of processing and understanding myself and the world around me. Whenever I'm facing something in life, I write about it. Often, I don't even hear melodies; it's all about the words. Sometimes a line just comes to me, and other times, an entire song flows out at once. It varies. Then I bring it to my producers and explain the backstory—the narrative is always crucial to me. Songs are like short stories in a way. Listening is like embarking on a journey with the artist. It's a glimpse into their life that you experience alongside them. When creating something, I want listeners to join me on that journey and truly feel what I feel. Ensuring my collaborators grasp the essence of what I'm expressing helps the music and melody convey that lyrical emotion. And then it's a song—it's released into the world for others to hear, relate to, and weave their own stories into mine. This way, we can share that joy or pain together. I find that exciting and beautiful.
How do you overcome writer's block?
I'm not certain I've fully mastered overcoming writer's block. If anyone has figured it out, let me know. I perform best under a deadline—knowing I must produce something by a certain date triggers adrenaline that drives my creativity. Sometimes, planning things out helps, even if I'm the only one enforcing those dates. But ultimately, if it's not happening, it's not happening. Forcing it has never truly worked for me. So, if I'm in a deep rut, I try to relieve the pressure as much as possible. I'll take a walk (nothing beats Hudson River Park) or meet a friend, essentially continuing my life until inspiration returns.
How do you prepare for a live performance?
I'm quite outgoing, but I need some alone time before a show. I've never experienced stage fright, but it is quite unsettling to stand in front of others and reveal your deepest thoughts and feelings. It's exciting, yet it's odd. It can feel strange. There's a part of it that's like, oh my God, I'm singing about sex, and my dad is in the audience! I'm singing about my ex; the person I'm seeing is here! Or whatever else. Having time alone before a show to disconnect my everyday self from my performer self and silence that inner voice is crucial. At the end of the day, you're there to put on a show and entertain people. So you have to be prepared to do that at any cost.
What was the inspiration behind your latest single, "Come Back To You?"
Unfortunately, I seem to have a penchant for toxic relationships, and that's essentially the inspiration for this song. I shared the latest drama with my producer, and he said, "This reminds me of a song I have that I think you'd love." He played it for me, and I was instantly hooked. We adjusted it to better fit my situation and completed the recording in just one night. It all came together effortlessly. It's a song many can relate to for various reasons. We've all stayed with someone longer than we should have, despite knowing better. Letting go can be tough. This song captures that feeling—not as defeat, but as recognition. This is where I am, and it's difficult. I'm upset and heartbroken, yet I still love this person and don't know what else to do. There's strength in accepting your circumstances instead of trying to fight, justify, or fix them. The solution can come later. Let me experience my emotions now and handle the rest afterward. I'm not suggesting people remain in unhelpful situations, but the truth is, many find themselves trapped in cycles they can't easily break. Acknowledging that and processing the emotions involved can eventually help break those patterns. I'm glad I could express all of this in the song. I hope it helps others understand and navigate their complex feelings.
Have you collaborated with artists, and what have you learned from those experiences?
I kept my art very private, as exposing something so personal to others frightened me. In the early part of my career, I tried to do as much as I could on my own. I would write intensely, but my ideas remained confined to my mind or journal, not becoming a living entity. Once I released that fear and embraced the vulnerability required to create with a group, a whole new world opened up for me. Collaborating with others has revealed new aspects of my artistry. Creating art with people you love and respect is incredibly rewarding. Every single time, working with someone else has introduced new dimensions to my work, enhancing it immensely.
What qualities have you looked for in a collaborator?
It's crucial for me to collaborate with individuals who are passionate about their work. The music industry is complex, and it's easy to become disillusioned and simply go through the motions at some point. When I create something, it's a part of my identity. It's incredibly important to me to perfect it. It's discouraging to present it to someone who sees it merely as a paycheck. Collaborating with people who share your enthusiasm and are equally eager to create something remarkable is a must. I've been lucky in my career in this regard. Naturally, there's a lot of ego in the arts. I'm a Leo, so I'm not immune to it. However, collaborations only succeed when everyone is open to each other's ideas. Some of my favorite elements of songs I've worked on came from someone else's idea that I would never have thought of myself. For me, collaboration isn't about insisting on my own way, and I couldn't work with people who do. Fortunately, I've never encountered that!
What it was like to perform at The White House?
Surreal! I performed with a college group for Michelle Obama’s Christmas at the White House. It was one of the most beautifully decorated spaces I’ve ever been. And, of course, it was an honor to be invited and to perform in such a prestigious place. I have always been a huge history buff, so going to school in D.C. and being immersed in and involved with the political scene made the experience very special. I feel fortunate that I was able to experience it!
What are your goals for the future -- both personally and professionally?
That's a great question. I'll let you know once I have an answer. Honestly, I'm not someone who sets goals in the traditional way. I've never had a 5-year plan, a Pinterest vision board, or anything like that. Life is unpredictable, especially as a musician, so I've learned to be adaptable and take things as they come. Any plan I made didn't turn out the way I expected at the time, but it almost always led me to something better suited for me than I could have imagined. So, I try to be less attached to the outcome and trust that the journey will lead me where I'm meant to go. Being a pretty anxious person, that's challenging. But it's crucial for the kind of life I'm living. The most important thing to me is being surrounded by what I care about—the people I love and art. As long as I have that, I'll figure out the rest as I go.
Tell me more about the new narrative-based album that’s on the way!
Sure! As I’ve said, storytelling in music is essential to me. Growing up, I would always obsessively research the songs I connected with the most—I wanted to know the entire background of the song, what inspired the artist to write it, etc. So, when I started making my music, I always knew I wanted to explore that curiosity. Thus, the narrative album was born. I have a background in theatre, so a lot of my music, while contemporary pop, mimics theatrical storytelling, using repeated lyrics or melodies as a motif. I noticed that when you string all of the songs on the album together, they tell a very clear story. The goal is to elevate that story through film—each song has a corresponding, episodic music video that helps bring the lyrics to life even further. I don’t want to say too much because it’s still in development, but it’s something I am passionate about and excited for everyone to see.
What advice would you give other musicians trying to break into the business?
Just share your work. Even if it doesn't feel perfect or you're not fully prepared, go ahead and do it. Exposing yourself to the world is daunting. Art is intensely personal. Everything you create is like a small piece of your soul that you're offering to the world for others to experience and judge. It's frightening to consider what people might think or say, and we all know that online criticism and cruelty can be relentless. However, fear shouldn't prevent you from creating. Less creativity means less beauty and goodness in the world, which is the last thing we need. My advice to fellow musicians is not to overanalyze. We live in a time where releasing music independently is easier than ever, so take advantage of this and see where it leads you. Keep sharing your work even if you don't achieve the success you desire on the first, second, third, or tenth attempt. Continue to explore your sound and your identity as an artist. Not everyone will appreciate you, and that's unfortunate, but it shouldn't stop you or hold you back. So keep trying. Eventually, something will resonate with the right audience. Also, disable your direct DMs. People can be strange.
How important is staying true to oneself in such a competitive industry?
Remaining authentic in any industry or situation is crucial. What do we have if we lose our ethics or identity? However, your artistic persona may often contrast with your everyday self. You can say or do things in a song or on stage that you wouldn't do in real life. That's the beauty of it—you can creatively express yourself in a manner that might completely contradict how you express yourself daily. So, it's acceptable to embrace that, as long as you don't feel like you're compromising your principles.
How do you balance your personal life with your music career?
It's challenging! Working in the arts means living on a different schedule than those who don't. You don't just clock in and out of a job—your "job" is your life and identity. I once read that Lin Manuel Miranda conceived the idea for "Wait For It" during a subway ride to a friend's party. He arrived, wished them a happy birthday, and then left to write it down. It can be like that at times. You might get a call at 9 pm telling you to catch a flight to LA by 10 am, requiring you to adapt quickly. Plans often fall through—it's never been and never will be a stable or predictable career. You have to make many personal sacrifices. But that's the reality. It's essential to be surrounded by people who understand and respect your goals. I am, and I feel lucky for that. Ultimately, balance is crucial. Taking care of yourself and being present for the people in your life is just as important as your work, and learning to say no when necessary—rather than leaning too much into either personal or professional life—is vital. That's a lesson I've learned repeatedly. I'm still trying to figure it out.
To keep up with Payson and her music, you can always follow her on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/paysonmeistrich/
Or YouTube:
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