In the Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview with Peyton Shay on ‘Twisted Saint’
Check out our interview with indie pop sensation Peyton Shay, who just released her mesmerizing new music video for “Twisted Saint.” The video, a visual feast set against a simple yet powerful backdrop of darkness with only a spotlight on Peyton, delves into the tangled web of toxic relationships. Her performance, full of raw emotion and vulnerability, perfectly captures the essence of the song, unraveling the complexity of harmful love.
The video is punctuated with intimate scenes of Peyton in a bedroom, laying bare her soul with fervent vocals, creating a poignant visual story that mirrors the song’s hauntingly beautiful melodies and lyrics. This engrossing visual narrative strikes a chord with viewers, reminding them of their own reflections on love within the privacy of their bedrooms. Directed with cinematic elegance, it invites the audience into an engrossing exploration of the stormy seas of love and desire.
Follow Peyton @peytonshayofficial
Hi Peyton, please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! I got into music when I was 11. I picked up playing the piano during my time in ‘Les Misérables,’ using it for vocal warmups. I then gained interest in playing and started diving into YouTube videos. Singing has always been my thing. I did a lot of acting, mainly being cast in horror shows and films. I would always sing and play the piano when I wasn’t playing some dark character.
Describe your sound in three words.
Alternative, Authentic, Unpredictable.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
I love so many artists that narrowing down my favorites is hard. However, lyrically, I love the way Hozier and Dolly Parton write. Their metaphors and imagery are so strong that I try to incorporate those same skills. Blondie, Wet Leg, Paramore, and Avril Lavigne have been huge role models for me. I think they do an amazing job representing female artists in the industry while standing on their own and creating insane music. Outside of music, I pull a lot of inspiration from my family, friends, and visual arts, such as paintings, books, magazines, and films.
Do you play any instruments?
Aside from vocals, I play piano! I learned through YouTube how to do my vocal warmups when I was about 11.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes, all the time! I’m a huge perfectionist, so I always want to put out the best work that I’m capable of making. Because I care so much, I definitely do get nervous.
Tell us about your new single, “Twisted Saint.”
I just released the first single off my new EP! Twisted Saint’s music embellishes the sweet taste of temptation with playful yet dramatic lyrics, while the production hits you in the chest and lifts you off your feet, making you want to jump and dance on your bed.
What’s the story behind the song?
The story follows the toxic back and forth of knowing someone is not good for you, but it almost becomes more addicting.
Can you walk us through your creative process for this single? How did the idea come to life?
A lot of my songs come to life in random moments. I have a notes app where I write any ideas or concepts that come to my head. I then go into the studio and kind of freestyle lyrics and melodies, and from there, I let the song come to life.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this song?
So many of us have experienced a relationship that maybe wasn’t the best for us. Twisted Saint was written about the toxic back and forth of knowing someone is not good for you, but it almost becomes more addicting.
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
I am a very independent person, sometimes to a fault. The earlier songs on my new 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. I’m a big concept person, so I always have a story that I’m ready to bring to life. I then go into melodies and lyrics.
How involved were you in the production and arrangement of “Twisted Saint?”
Being front and center in my music and the creative process is extremely important to me. If I’m detached in any way, I can’t emotionally resonate with the song, which is why I love writing my tracks. I was there from the day the concept was born to approving the master and everything in between. My producer, Adam Castilla, and I worked day in and day out to master this track and create the story and life behind it.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
To me, knowing that somewhere, somehow, there are people who resonate with my music. It’s funny because some nights, when I’m cuddled up with my one-eyed dog, watching re-runs of car pursuits, I really wonder if people would still feel the same about me. But I honestly think that’s what resonates with people. The strange things that make you and your music unique.
As a popular artist, you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about the pressure of always doing the right thing, and encouraging people to follow their dreams?
I’m constantly growing and learning as a person and artist, and I’m so grateful that people look up to me.
What mindset helped make you so successful and popular?
I definitely am nowhere near where I want to be yet, but passion, consistency, and resilience have helped me immensely. Music is my entire life; to me, there’s no other option than to pursue my dream.
How do you manage your busy schedule with your personal life?
That’s something I’m actually trying to figure out! I’ve always struggled with taking a break because I feel guilty if I’m not being productive. Plus, I love what I do, so I never want to stop. Music never feels like work to me. But outside of music, I’m really into documentaries, watching car pursuits, and hanging with my three dogs.
Which place that you have visited do you think changed you in a particular way, maybe for motivation or to see a different reality, etc.?
My first tour was when I spent three weeks in the UK. It was my first time traveling that far away from home, especially for music. I saw so many different cities and met so many people I will forever remember. Each show was so special to me.
Tell us your top 3 countries to travel to.
Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the UK.
And which countries or cities are still on your bucket list?
Iceland, Greece, Switzerland.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Atomic Habits by James Clear.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
Success takes time; stop freaking out because you’re not where you want to be yet. Also, rejection isn’t your enemy! I mean, it sucks for sure, but sometimes it’s in your best interest. And for me, it always made me work harder because I had something to prove to myself.
How would your best friend describe you?
Passionate, Independent, and creative.
What’s next for Peyton Shay in 2024?
I’m getting ready to release the second single off of my upcoming EP! Creating this project for the past year was a dream, and it really pushed my creativity to places I had never been before. I’m ready to tour these songs! 2024 is all about shows, music, videos, and more!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Obsessed with mangos and basically all fruits.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pasta. Obsessed.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Edgy with feminine flares, always evolving, and mix + match.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Music. Singing music. Listening to music. Writing music.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Elvis Presley. His music was so revolutionary, and I would give anything to just sit and listen to his stories.
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Outer Space, and I would take my dog, who is also my best friend, Roxy.
Best advice ever given?
Success takes time; stop freaking out because you’re not where you want to be yet.
Do you support any charities?
Throughout the years, I’ve made it a priority to involve myself in community service. I was a part of two charity organizations where we focused on philanthropies such as Stand Up to Cancer- Screen Actor’s Guild Foundation, Operational Gratitude, Red Cross, and more.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
Tour Europe, the US, and festivals, create an album and more videos, and just be an artist I’m proud of.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
Kesha- TikTok
What do you think of social media?
It’s a fun way to connect and meet so many cool people, but everything is better in moderation. Depending on the person, social media is either great or harmful. I’m lucky to have had a positive experience with it!
Where can we follow you?
All of my socials, including my Spotify is under Peyton Shay! I just released a new music video for “Twisted Saint” on my YouTube channel!
Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Quote: “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try”- Dolly Parton
Movie: The Goonies and Pirates of the Caribbean
TV Series: Currently loving Fool Me Once
Favorite Food: Anything Italian, specifically vodka pasta.
Travel Destination: If I could fly to Outer Space, I 100% would. I just need to get over my claustrophobia first.
Sports Team: Dodgers
