Bored and Curious Podcast

Payton Howie Talks about Her Latest Singles, a New Music Video, and Surprising Quirks

October 19, 2021 Mary Katz / Payton Howie Season 1 Episode 9
Bored and Curious Podcast
Payton Howie Talks about Her Latest Singles, a New Music Video, and Surprising Quirks
Show Notes Transcript

Country artist Payton Howie has released singles this year, including the heartfelt tune "Freedom" and the upbeat party anthem "Never Go Home." She talks about the stories behind those and gives some details on her latest upcoming music video that she says will be a bit different. She also gives some surprising answers to personal questions!

Hear Payton's music and follow her on social media here:
https://paytonhowie.com/home

Listen to and follow the Bored and Curious Podcast here:
https://linktr.ee/boredandcuriouspodcast

Bio: 
With backwoods bathed vocals and bona fide southern swagger, Payton Howie is leading the next generation of redneck women. Branded as the ultimate ‘All American Girl’ by Scenes Media, Howie unapologetically embodies the untamed tradition that country music was built on, and she’s hellbent on bringing her own grit to the honky tonk. Not many can say they’ve shared the stage with the likes of Carrie Underwood, and Howie is one of even fewer who can say they were handpicked to do so at the age of 5; while other kids were learning how to ride a bike, she was teaching people to expect the unexpected whenever they hear the name Payton Howie. Her most recent single “Freedom” was featured on several of Spotify’s sought after editorial playlists, and the accompanying music video bleeds red, white and blue. On the verge of releasing her debut EP, Payton Howie is prepared to scorch country music with a brand that’s hers alone.

Intro music artist credit: Short Guitar Clip by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Mary Katz:

Hey everyone. Welcome to this episode of Bored and Curious. I'm your host, Mary Katz. Today we have Payton Howie. She's a new singer in Nashville. And we're going to talk about some of the music that she has out now, what she's got coming up and also get to know her with some personal questions. Hope you enjoy. Let's get started. All right. Well Payton, welcome to Bored and Curious. I am excited to have you today. You are doing some really fun things in the country music industry that we're going to talk about today, but first I want to get started by asking you, what did you want to be when you were a kid?

Payton Howie:

So, okay. So when I was a kid, I've always wanted to be like a singer and a performer. I always wanted to, you know, you'd see the pop stars or whatever, when I was real young and they'd have like the little headsets or whatever. And I always used to tell people I want to be a singer, but I want to, I want to be able to dance too. So I'm going to have a headset. I used to tell people that all the time, but I'm no good at dancing. So I just, now I was born to be a singer songwriter. You know, I've always wanted to do that, which is kind of funny. And I mean, that's what I'm having the opportunity to do, and I'm really like, I'm loving it so far.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. That's actually where it works well that you can actually sing. So that's helpful.

Payton Howie:

I know right. That'd be kind of a shame if I, if I couldn't sing at all. That would suck.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. Yeah. Oh my goodness. So, um, so you realized that pretty early on, but what made you actually take that leap to cause a lot of people think that, you know, oh, I'd like to be a singer, but to actually take that leap; that's pretty brave.

Payton Howie:

Yeah, well, um, I mean, I was kind of inspired to go into that and go into the industry when I was real young. My mom took me to my first concert when I was five. Um, it was a Carrie Underwood concert. And during the concert, I was kind of dancing around in the aisles and she was singing and she stopped singing and the lights were panning across the audience and it stopped like on where I was dancing. And so she like stopped singing. She crouches down and she like waved at me and she goes, yeah, Um, to her bodyguard, Hey, bring that little girl up on stage. So the body bodyguard comes over and he like comes up to my mom and he's like, Hey, Carrie wants your daughter on stage. Can I bring her up there? And I was like, well, yeah. So my mom was like, yeah, sounds good. So, so then he brought me up there and then she was like holding my hand and we were singing. I remember vividly, like getting to lookout and see just like the faces of all these people singing along and having a good time. And I will never forget that moment of seeing so many people come together. Like obviously not all of them know each other. And it's a cool thing to think about that music brings people together in that way. And obviously the experience of getting to be up there and sharing music with other people is, um, something that really fuels my passion to be a singer songwriter. And I think that moment kind of like, you know, put it in my heart, put it in my soul to do it. And then, um, just kind of, as life has gone on, when I got my first guitar at 16, I started playing shows in my hometown and I'm just kind of writing music. And from there just kind of kept going.

Mary Katz:

So, and now you're, you're in Nashville now, right? Like you live in Nashville, right?

Payton Howie:

Like I'm kind of half and half. So I have a house in Nashville that I go to and do some business and all that fun stuff. And I love being out there getting to write and stuff. I'm out there most of the time. And then the other half of the time I'll travel, you know, playing shows. My family lives in Texas. I'll play some shows out in Texas and, um, travel, you know, I'm going out to California in mid October and, um, goin' a couple other places, um, throughout the year.

Mary Katz:

So at what part of Texas is your family in?

Payton Howie:

Like an hour north of Houston on lake Conroe.

Mary Katz:

Oh, okay. Yeah. I'm in Dallas.

Payton Howie:

Okay, cool. Yeah.

Mary Katz:

So not too far, not too far out.

Payton Howie:

No, not at all.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. So, um, so since you are in Nashville most of the time now, it's a pretty small town. So have you, have you run into Carrie since you've been out there and be like, "HEY! I was that little girl!"

Payton Howie:

I mean, I wish, and I, you know, to be honest, I don't even, I, I honestly like, I'd be willing to bet, like she probably doesn't remember. But like, honestly, that would be super cool if she did. I have a picture, not of me up there with her, but cause that was back in the flip phone days. So my mom, I'm sure she like pulled out her flip phone or something. Yeah. No one knows what that thing is now, but, um, I have a, I have a picture of my mom and I in front of the sign that says, you know, Carrie Underwood, blah, blah, blah. And then, um, I have a picture in the t-shirt that I bought at the concert. So I was just, maybe if I show her, she'll be like, oh yeah, totally. I remember that back in 2006.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. That doesn't make me feel old at all. It's fine. I'm 35. Whatever. You're like, she brought me on stage when I was a kid and I was like, "She's my age."

Payton Howie:

Well, to be fair. I mean, you know, that was, that was right when you put out her some hearts albums, so yeah. Yeah.

Mary Katz:

It was in the, in the early Carrie, early Carrie days, right after American idol. Yeah. Okay. So do you, do you remember the first song that you wrote?

Payton Howie:

I, you know, I think back when I started writing songs and I think any songwriter will totally relate to what I'm saying right now, we write, we write things and then we don't finish them. You know, it's not like every time we start a song, we finish it because it's just so like, we're so critical of ourselves. And if you're not, then you were probably the best song writer there is because it's really hard to start a song and then finish it. But the first song that I started and, um, really actually was I like it, you know, cause I wasn't, you know, really all upset about it in any way. But, um, the first song that I wrote and recorded was F-150 and I wrote that song when I was 16. And um, so that's the first one that I can really recall being like finish and done. This is it, but I'm sure I probably started like a hundred other songs before that.

Mary Katz:

Oh my gosh, I'm like, what's the first song that you remember writing and you're like, it's called F-150. And it's like, tell me you're from Texas without telling me you're from Texas.

Payton Howie:

Oh, man. Well, to be fair, I'm not from Texas. I only moved here about a year and a half ago. Oh, okay.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. Okay. So originally. Did I skip the- Did I miss that part in your bio or originally you're from the south

Payton Howie:

originally, originally I'm from Southern California.

Mary Katz:

What? With that accent?

Payton Howie:

Well, I know, I don't think I have an accent. People were like, you have an accent. I'm like, I don't have an accent, but I don't know. And I promise it's just, I'm just being me. But yeah. Originally from Southern California, like an hour north of San Diego, like wine country.

Mary Katz:

Okay, Nice. I would not have guessed.

Payton Howie:

Yeah. There's a big Cali country community out there. It's not always just like surfers and skaters, but sometimes...

Mary Katz:

Well, like Gary Allen, he's, Gary Allen, and he's from, he's from California as well.

Payton Howie:

Right. Like John Pardi, you know, like there's a lot of country that come out of California, but know a lot of people don't know that. And so when I say like, oh yeah, like my family lives in Texas, people are always like, oh, you're from Texas. I mean, like. Well, I wish I could say that, but not necessarily. Texas is cool.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. Well, I mean, each state has a, has its pros and its cons. Um, so, um, what do you wish you knew before becoming a singer or songwriter?

Payton Howie:

I think one thing that I wish I knew, um, is that. There's going to be, so there's so many people that are going to try and tell you this and tell you that. And when you meet someone in the industry, that's like, oh, I've I, you know, I worked with this person. I worked with that person, or I could do this for you. I can do that for you. You want to like trust in them. And you want to like, you know, depending on what they're saying, but sometimes it's always best to go with like your internal instinct, you know? And, um, when you're like, especially when you're writing and stuff like that, you don't want to be like, oh, I'm just going to do what this person says because they're saying it and I don't have any other opinion. Yes. It's always good to trust, like your close team. I have an amazing team that I can trust and that I feel like I can depend on what they're saying. And I like, you know, we all have the same point of view and stuff like that. So I definitely, um, been lucky enough to build like a really trustworthy team. But I think in the beginning it was kind of hard to be like, Oh, I'm just gonna do what everyone else is telling me to do. And I, cause I don't know what I'm doing, but in the end it's like my gut feeling was the right thing, you know? And I think that applies to everything. Like not just music, you know, your gut feeling is most of the time. It's always right.

Mary Katz:

No, I think that's a very good advice. It's um, yeah. Trusting your gut and remaining authentic, uh, kind of something that I've, it's kind of a resounding thing in the, that I've heard about in the podcast and talking to singers and songwriters, um. So, is there someone in the industry that you haven't worked with yet, but you really want to?

Payton Howie:

Well, if we're going like, like big reach, you know what I'm saying? Like, like in a perfect world, I would say I would absolutely love to sit down and just jam out with Miranda Lambert. I feel like her vibe is just so chill. And if not her Gretchen Wilson, because she's not only, I don't know if a lot of people know this, but just not only is she like a singer songwriter, you know, she's just such like an entrepreneur. Like she does everything, you know. And I think it would be so cool to just get in the studio with her like studio session. Write a song or she does all her own merch stuff. I don't know. So she's just like, she's a really cool, cool uh woman too, that I definitely look up to. So I would say one of those two, for sure.

Mary Katz:

Absolutely. No, some I I'm with you. Um, so what would you say your ultimate goal is in the industry?

Payton Howie:

Well, I think, um, As I've gone on I've, re-evaluated what my goal is. Like almost, almost like every month I feel like I'm like, okay, what do I really want? You know, because the goal, obviously I think for the majority of people that are going after it, in the way that I am is yeah you know, we want to sign a record deal. You know, we want to, um, you know, be on a label like that's, that's, that's kind of like the overall goal for most people, I would say. And, um, Every month, it kind of, I feel like it doesn't necessarily change, but my perspective changes. I'm like, you know, I'm putting out music and I get to hear feedback from people and someone says, oh, Hey, this song, you know, really hit me like in this spot or, you know, this really like uh hit home for me and or hearing people and how they feel about the songs that I put out or hearing people and how they feel even about like cover songs that I put out or they're like, oh, that really, I heard that in a different way. It's really like life-changing to hear that me just doing something that I enjoy doing, uh, can impact people. And so sometimes, um, I think, you know, my goal is just to impact people in any way that I can and just do it for as long as possible. Um, I would say in a, in a, in a, just like a light sense. Yeah. That's the goal is to just be able to impact people as long as I can.

Mary Katz:

Nice! Yeah. Cause I mean, I guess it just depends on, um, you know, each person. Some people will say, oh gosh, once I do this, that's when I know I've made it. Once I've done this that's when I know that I, you know, I've reached exactly where I want to be. But I mean, I can imagine that that would change. Like you're saying, uh, pretty frequently, especially as you progress in your career and it's like, okay, well, once I've, I'm getting the groove of doing that. And then, I mean, three months from now, you might be like, Yeah, I like ya know what? We're going to do this too!

Payton Howie:

With so many things changing in the world, especially like in today's world, so many things are changing. Like, I mean, in the past, you know, everyone was- you know, streaming services and online, you know, music streaming didn't even exist, you know, and now it's like a huge thing. And, um, a lot of people are saying, you know, go with labels, don't go with labels. So, I mean, sometimes you just gotta trust your gut and have an overall goal and just go with one decision at a time, I think is what I've learned in my very few years of doing this compared to a lot of people.

Mary Katz:

I can see how that would be very, very confusing. Especially the label thing. That sounds like it would be a really difficult decision, especially if you're trying to figure out if they actually have your best interest in mind, or are you just going to be the machine and you just gotta do what they tell you to do when they tell you to do it. And it's like, you know what? Hmmm...

Payton Howie:

I mean, honestly, like I've, I've heard so many people say that it's like, oh man, like this, you know, um, this label gives us so much freedom or whatever, and I'm like, that's awesome. You know? And then other people are like, just stay independent as long as possible. And so it was kind of hard. I mean, I'm just kind of going like day by day, knowing, um, I have a team that has my best interest at heart and that, um, you know, I trust the people that I'm around right now. So it's, I mean, there's no worry about right now.

Mary Katz:

Yeah, that's good. You got some good people in your corner.

Payton Howie:

Oh, for sure.

Mary Katz:

Um, so moving into the story behind the song. Um, your most recent release was, um, never go home. Yeah. And let me tell you that brings me back to my college days.

Payton Howie:

Oh yeah.

Mary Katz:

I can't. Yeah, I can't really, Ooh, yo. Now at 35 I'm like, oh God, I barely leave home. But um,

Payton Howie:

Oh my gosh! That's funny.

Mary Katz:

But, um, no, it's a, it's a really fun song. Go ahead, tell me the story behind that.

Payton Howie:

Honestly, never go home was a song that I wrote with, uh, some of my friends out in Nashville, Michael Lawson, Eric Helbig and Joe Yeager. We were sitting just kind of talking about like having a good time. And I mean, we wrote this song, um, I want to say towards the very, very end of 2020, and I think we all can agree how that was. You know, and I mean, We were sitting around, talking about, you know, the times when we get to spend with our family and our friends and just like, hang loose, have a good time and just do what we want to do. And a lot of, I mean, if you're not with it, then you can leave. You know, it's kind of a thing we're going to do what we're going to do regardless. And that was kind of the attitude that went into the song. And, um, I mean, That's one side of me that, you know, I felt like with each song that I've released, I haven't really gotten to share that part of myself with people that listened to my music is that like, Hey, like I like to have a good time. That's like one of my favorite things to do is just like, be around good people and have a good time, not a care in the world, you know. Whether it's playing games or just jamming out to some good music and, um, being by the lake, especially like, that's one of my favorite things to do. Um, that's kind of just the story behind it is we were all just sitting around talking about like the times when we could just be around our friends, be around our family, just with the people we care about. Good people having a good time.

Mary Katz:

I love it. Yep. Certainly reminds me of back in the day.

Payton Howie:

I kind of want to hear some of your back in the day stories now.

Mary Katz:

Oh God. Uh, I got kicked out of David David Allan Coe concert when I was 20. Yeah.

Payton Howie:

What did you have to do to get kicked out of a David Allan Coe concert?

Mary Katz:

We'll say it was a misunderstanding. Okay. Um, I was, no, I was with one of my brothers and in a very small town and like we go in and he was. Uh, he was in his, I guess, late twenties. I was 20. And you know, a lot of times when you go into a bar or a club or something, they'll, they'll, they'll get like a Sharpie or something and they write, you know, something on your, your, on your hand, like to let you know that you, that you signed in or whatever, um, check I say signed in like it's online anyway. Um, And so they put DAC on his hand, David Allan Coe and then they put the same thing on my hand. This is after checking our IDs. Right. And I, uh, and we looked at each other, cause usually if you're 21 and over you get, you know, one thing, if you're under you get a different thing. Right. So, but they put it on both of ours and all, and we looked at each other like... we even asked why did we get the same initials? And, um, the guy was like, oh, it just stands for David Allan Coe. And I was like, that's not what we were asking, but okay. Um, so we just like go in and I, and my brother was like, well, do you want to drink? And I was like, okay.

Payton Howie:

I mean, it's David Allan Coe. How could you not?

Mary Katz:

Right. Yeah. And so I, yeah, I had a drink and then my brother went off to like go to the bathroom or something. And then sometime later this lady comes up to me and she was like, Hey, uh, let me see your ID. And I was like, they already checked it at the door. And, um, and she was like, no, I still need it. I need to see it. And, um, which is one thing, cause like, okay, I think at, you know, 20, I probably had a young face, but like, but like I'm six feet tall. Okay. So I'm like, there's no way they think that I'm could they still think that I'm, you know, under age, after all checking in all the whatever and so, and I'll, and she was like, no, I still, I still need to see your ID. And I was like, oh, well, my brother has it. And he went to the bathroom and she goes, okay, well let's just go wait by the bathroom for him. And I was like, it could be a while. Um, so anyway, So we're waiting and he doesn't come out and she's like, I'm just going to hold your drink until then. I'm like, cool. And, um, and I'm not, I'm not really the person that gets out. I don't color outside the lines. You know, I'm very by book. I'm a rule follower for a reason because I get caught if I try to do anything. So anyway, so he wasn't coming out. I don't know where he went. So she was like, you don't, let's just, let's just have you hang out over here at the entrance and I'm again, I'm going to keep the drink and blah, blah, blah. And I was like, okay, cool. Whatever. And, um, so eventually my brother comes out at the entrance and I don't know where he was going, but, uh, I was like, Hey, uh, she found you. And he was like, who found me? I was like, the lady that was looking for you. He was like, there was a woman looking for me? I was like, No, no like that. And, um, and I was like, I think we got to go because, uh, yeah, they took my drink from me and apparently they seem to think that I'm not of age, so I don't know what happened, but, um, and he was like, yeah, then let's go. Not trying to get in trouble for that tonight. So, uh, yeah, we left.

Payton Howie:

That well, Hey, that's good. At least you left before anything bad happened.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. Not trying to get one of those. What does it minor in possession or whatever? Like, Nope, no, sir.

Payton Howie:

No, definitely not a good idea. Just go home.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. So, um, yeah. Moving onto your next song. Uh, freedom,

Payton Howie:

Freedom. Um, freedom was probably one of my, um, I think. When I put freedom out, I was expecting people to be like, oh, this is a little bit different. Cause I mean, up until then, all of the songs that I have released had been, you know, pretty like upbeat, uh, you know, more aggressive tunes. And, um, so when I put out freedom, I was really excited to see how people were going to react to that. And the story behind freedom is just that I have a huge love and respect for our veterans our military our first responders. And, um, I was sitting around with, um, you know, the co-writers for the song. And it's interesting to me because we were sitting there talking and everyone in the room say they, all had, like, we all had very different views; political views, you know, views on the world, beliefs, you know, all that stuff. We all were very different in what we believed, but we were all sitting around talking about, um, what, like it is to live in America and, you know, talking about freedom and talking about the freedom that we have. And, and as we all sat around with our different views, we could all agree on a couple of things. And that was that the fact that we're all able to sit here and write a song together, regardless of what we believe is freedom. That in itself is freedom. And talking about all the little things that, you know, start off feeling like freedom. Like when you're 16 driving your dad's truck for the first time, it gives you the keys and, you know, driving by yourself. And, um, you know, like we're talking about high school football games and talking about, you know, even all the way up to like, you know, just having a good time with your friends and. Uh, first love first kiss, and then going into like, realizing that there's people out there fighting for our freedom and people out there, you know, sacrificing their lives and their families, you know, sacrificing their comfort and, um, you know, loving somebody that's out there doing this thing. And knowing that they're out there fighting for our freedom, even though they don't even know who we are, you know, and they don't know everybody. So it's kind of like the thing that we were sitting around talking about is like, regardless of what we all believe, there's one thing we can all agree on. And that is the fact that we can do what we're doing right now is freedom. And that's why we started writing that song. We started talking about those things that feel like freedom and, um, that's how freedom was born.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. It is a beautiful song. And I may or may not have gotten all misty-eyed at the end of the video when the crowd parts and the guy in uniform and,

Payton Howie:

That is probably the funnest video I've ever shot. It was such a blast. And, um, That was the first video music video I've ever done. And, um, it was just so awesome. And I think with freedom there being a story behind the song, you know, it's kind of like getting to put that story to life was just like really cool. And I'm really glad we got to shoot that video.

Mary Katz:

How long did it take?

Payton Howie:

Um, it was a two day shoot, um, which honestly that was literally. I don't know how we pull that off because literally right after we finished filming just complete downpour and, you know, Texas weather, right. Like just complete downpour, like right after that scene, like the last scene was, um, um, That. Yeah. Like the, the homecoming scene, you know, when the crowd parts and stuff. And that was, that was literally like the last scene. And right after that, you know, we all were like packing stuff up and it just downpour. I had. And I was like the fact that we pulled that off in two days with the weather, we were so worried and it just like, it works so well, but the planning behind it was probably about like month and a half. And, um, just leading up to it. We shot it out here in Texas. Um, and it was really cool because I got to shoot it, um, kind of like in the area that I live in. So I got to have a lot of my family friends be in it, in the video and, um, it was so fun. I loved it.

Mary Katz:

That's awesome. Yeah. I was wondering if that was like, if those were people that you knew or if you had to like hire extras or something.

Payton Howie:

No, those are all people that I knew and people that just came out for the video. It was really cool because I'm, I've been involved with the veteran community out in Montgomery, Texas, you know, around Conroe area. Um, and I've gone and done a couple events, you know, sang like the Anthem or saying like America The Beautiful for some of these events, um, like for the veterans. And so when I was going to film the video, I was kind of cool. Talking with the director of the facility. And I was like, Hey, you know, I would love to have some veterans in this video. And so all these veterans came out. It was the coolest thing. So, um, getting to have some actual veterans there and from the area, and they were like having a blast. And, um, because I mean, the concert that we put on there, like in the video, I mean, it was real, like we have the band and we were just like playing and, um, it was really fun. So. Yeah,

Mary Katz:

it's a nice, it was very nice of you guys to, uh, to honor them and, uh, be able to include them in, um, such a, um, an important video, uh, with a very, very powerful message.

Payton Howie:

Yeah. I really wanted it to be authentic.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. I think that you guys certainly accomplished that. Um, so moving into just for fun. Let's just get to know Payton a little bit. So if you are watching anything or movies, Netflix shows, just whatever, whatever you got, if you're watching something, what you watching?

Payton Howie:

Well, um, I just finished up watching, I think everybody finished up watching outer banks. I finished up watching that, you know, season uh season two, season two and. Um, Hmm. I, everyone kind of hates on it, but I've always loved Riverdale. I love Riverdale. But one that I've always been like, if you haven't watched this, you have to watch it because especially like, as a, you know, like someone that loves music, um, is like the Dolly Parton like Heartsongs. Um, she has a series and it's like all these episodes, like, like mini movies almost based on her songs. And it's like, I love it because I love Dolly Parton. Right. And I love her music. And so they literally had to give me like these movies or like mini episodes of whatever, based on her songs. It's the coolest thing it's called the Heartsong series. Yes.

Mary Katz:

Yes. I have seen that on there. I haven't watched it, but I've, I've seen that. I've been curious about it. So it's good to have a recommendation.

Payton Howie:

Yeah. It's kind of cool because she's like, in most of them, it's just the cutest thing. So I love her.

Mary Katz:

Oh God who doesn't love Dolly. Right. Um, so, um, favorite movie?

Payton Howie:

Favorite movie. Oh, goodness gracious. Hmm. Um, I would say my favorite movie is probably, I would have to say walk the line. I love walk the line. It's so good. I love, I love Reese Witherspoon. I remember thinking when I was young, like she looks like Carrie Underwood. So I was like, I remember thinking that because she kind of does look like her. Right. And similarities know I used to, I used to think that it looks so similar. So, um, I always loved Reese Witherspoon. I remember my parents showing me that video and I was like, I mean, movie, when I was really young and I was like, oh my gosh, I love it. So I would say it's probably my favorite movie to this day is walk the line.

Mary Katz:

Oh, that's certainly a good one. Um, and do you have a favorite song and if so, what is it? Oh, man, I know is hard. This has gotta be hard for like a singer song writer to choose just one.

Payton Howie:

Oh yeah. That's I mean, that's going to be real hard. Ah, man. Um, I mean, recently I've been listening to, um, I've been listening to a lot of. Kind of older country, I would say I've been listening to a little bit more Reba. I've been listening. I mean, and it's funny because a lot of the times, like, I like to incorporate some new songs here and there when I play shows and sometimes I'll throw in some. More like classic or more classic country style, you know? Um, but I think one that I've been listening to a lot recently, is that why haven't I heard from you Reba? I've been listening to that a lot lately. Um, I also really love, like, I'm really getting into like some red dirt, Texas country, like Parker McCollum and Cody Johnson and stuff. So I've been really getting into that kind of stuff. But I don't know if I have a favorite. I don't know if I could pick a favorite song. It's just what I've been listening to recently.

Mary Katz:

Gotcha. Yeah. I mean, especially when you throw a Reba in the mix, it's like, okay, which of the 5,000 awesome songs that she has, but I. Yeah. I, I had the incredible honor of interviewing one of, um, Liz Hengber, one of her song writers, I, in my second episode. Oh my God. I was like, I, I think I just sweated during the whole thing. Cause I was just like,

Payton Howie:

That would be awesome interview. Oh, it's up there. Take a listen as soon as you can I'll have to check it out now.

Mary Katz:

I'm already starting to sweat again, just cause I was like so excited about it.

Payton Howie:

Yeah, That would be so cool. I would love to listen to that.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. She's she's phenomenal. Um, yeah. Even finding out things that like, from the stories behind those songs that even Reba didn't know, like there was stuff from the interview that she sent to Reba, she was like, oh, Reba doesn't know about this. I'm going to send it to her. And I was like AH! Reba's gonna-

Payton Howie:

That's so crazy. She's done so many cool things and it's like, I think she's just like one of the greatest, um, like storyteller singers that I've like, you know, ever listened to. And it's. This is kind of a crazy thing. I had the opportunity to work with her steel guitar player, Mike Johnson on my, my EP project that I've been working on including runway run freedom, never go home. And then a couple other songs I'm releasing this year. And he was like on those tracks and it was crazy to get to work with him because he was just such a chill dude in the studio. And he's like, oh yeah. And he's like telling me some stories about, you know, playing with Reba. And, um, then I was watching, um, she has a masterclass that she does I don't know if you know masterclass and she's like talking and she's recording rerecording, like a song. And I see him, I'm like, there's Mike! He's in the Masterclass. It was the coolest thing. So, he's great.

Mary Katz:

Awesome. That sounds like a lot of fun. Um, so give me at least one item on your bucket.

Payton Howie:

One item on my bucket list. Well, I want to go skydiving. I know that sounds pretty basic. I think everyone says that, but I definitely want to go skydiving. So if anyone else wants to go with me, I am taking applications because I want to go. And, um, if not that I definitely want to try shark. Like I want to try it. Like, I feel like. I've never tried it, you know? And I feel like people are like, oh, it's great. So I want to try shark,

Mary Katz:

Try shark as food?

Payton Howie:

Yeah. Like, as food.

Mary Katz:

Okay. I was like, does she mean as food? Or like in the, in the cage? I want to try, like to be in the water, which was like, oooh...

Payton Howie:

No, no, I don't do underwater nothing. Nope. Not sharks. Like I have like- Underwater movies freak me out. Heck no.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. Yeah. I just like, I don't, as like with the David Allen Coe concert, I don't have great luck with risk-taking things. I would end up in, like I would end up in like a Leonardo DiCaprio situation because he has horrible luck on vacations. Where he was like, he did the shark tank thing. He got into the cage and he was in there and then the shark comes and like tries to get in. And he's like pinned on like the floor of the cage while the shark is trying to get in. And I'm like, dude, just stop doing those things.

Payton Howie:

That's literally, I don't know. I would, I would be terrified. I cannot, like, I watched that, um, I watched that movie, I think it's 37 meters down or whatever. And it's like, what do they get trapped under water with the shark? Oh, no,

Mary Katz:

I, I respect the sharks, you know. It's like, I don't.. It's their house, you know. It is like if someone comes in my house unexpectedly, like there's going to be a conversation. But if I go to the shark's house unexpectedly,

Payton Howie:

No, not gonna happen!

Mary Katz:

They don't really eat humans that much. It's just that they just, they're curious. Like, can they not? Okay. I'm just gonna stay out the water. How about that?

Payton Howie:

Yeah, I mean, like I'm on the beach. Like I love the beach, you know, but like deep, dark water. No.

Mary Katz:

I need to be able to see my feet. If I can't see my feet, I'm not getting in.

Payton Howie:

There you go.

Mary Katz:

Yeah. Looking at beach vacations with my husband, we have different versions of what a beach is. I'm like crystal clear water. I need, I need to be able to see in that mess. Okay. Who's your celebrity crush,

Payton Howie:

Celebrity crush.

Mary Katz:

I love this question.

Payton Howie:

Well, if I had to pick, I would have to go with, I would have to go with Parker McCollum because I fricking, I love, I love his style. I think he's super chill. And it's kinda funny because like he's from Conroe, Texas, right? And I moved here like a year and a half ago, not knowing he was from Conroe, Texas. And I was like, you know, I can listen to his music and stuff like that. And he had like his song young man's blues, right. Is I used to run down county road 2854. I'm driving. I'm like County road 28- where have I heard that before? I'm like, it's right there! You know, it's just kind of crazy. So I actually got to meet him too. His brother Tyler, um, plays around in Conroe, too. He plays with a band and I got to open up for his brother Tyler. And uh, we were just chilling after the show. I was sitting there watching Tyler and his band play and Parker walks in and I was like, holy crap. I totally had like a star struck moment and I got to meet him. It was super cool. So that's what I would say.

Mary Katz:

I, now, when I say celebrity crush, you understand that I'm not saying it's like, oh, I think that they're a great artist. It's like, you're single. That person is single. Well, if you're both interested in each other, that's what I mean by celebrity crush. I don't mean like, oh, I admire that.

Payton Howie:

No. I know what you mean. I know what you mean. I think, I think he's pretty good looking. I know he's got a fiance and all that. I'm just saying-

Mary Katz:

I didn't know that.

Payton Howie:

Now you know, he does. He does.

Mary Katz:

I'm not trying to get anybody in trouble.

Payton Howie:

Yeah, no, I know nobody get nobody in trouble, but

Mary Katz:

yeah, most of mine that I, that I liked there, I'm like they're unavailable. So what's the worst thing you did as a kid?

Payton Howie:

Like in trouble?

Mary Katz:

Yeah. I mean, like don't incriminate yourself here, but yeah. What's the worst thing you did as a kid,

Payton Howie:

Don't incriminate yourself. Okay. I'll try it. Um, Hm worst thing I did as a kid. I mean, I was kind of a bit of a troublemaker as a kid. I will say that for sure. But I was definitely a troublemaker. Um, my brother was always like the angel child and he was always like, oh, we're not going to get in trouble. You know? And I was just kind of like out there doing the dang thing and, um, Oh man. I mean, and I think this isn't necessarily like, like awful. Like I would've gotten in trouble for it, but it was really stupid. So, um, my brother and I, we were playing, we were playing baseball in the pool. Okay. So my brother and I both grew up playing, he played baseball, I played softball. And we were playing, you know some kind of wiffle ball game. We had a plastic bat and a soccer ball and we'd be like, oh, this is really fun. Right. And so we'd like hit the ball and go jump in and swim to the bases. Right. And I was probably. Um, I was probably eight years old and, um, man, we were playing around and my brother goes, Hey, instead of using the plastic bat, let's use the metal bat. That'd be so fun. Right. And my brother was 10. I was eight. And so he, um, he was messing around with me and he's like, oh, well, if you don't use it, then you can't play and you're not cool. And I was like, oh yeah, I'll show you. I'll use the bat. And I'm so cool. Check this out. So I grabbed the bat. And I hit the ball. It, I hit so hard to bounce back and hit me in the face. And now I have a scar above my eye. I had to get 13 stitches across my face and my brother goes running in the house or around the house, I think to my parents. And. He's like mom, I was screaming and crying. And my mom's like, if there's not blood or fire, I don't care. And she's like, there's a lot. And there was like blood everywhere. And, um, I ended up having to get yeah, 13 stitches and I guess that's kinda what I get for trying to be, you know, like, oh, I'm so cool. You know, trying to show my brother what's up. But, um, yeah, so that's probably, I mean, that's not like probably the worst thing, but. I mean, it was probably one of the dumbest things I've ever done. People always in there. I'm like, oh, I hit myself in the head with a bat, you know?

Mary Katz:

Hmm. That sounds like a nice trip to the ER. Oh yeah. God, are you telling my kids that they're only minor? My kids are five, four and two. And like, anytime they were about to do something they need to not do. I'm like, I do not want to go to the hospital. Okay, take it down a notch.

Payton Howie:

Not today.

Mary Katz:

Go, go do a puzzle. Okay. Something like that. This is

Payton Howie:

Go color!

Mary Katz:

We're not jumping off the back of the couch. All right. Um, so what's the most adventurous or the riskiest thing you've ever done. done

Payton Howie:

Uh, I mean, I've had the opportunity to do some pretty cool stuff. Um, I've been zip lining out in Costa Rica before; that was really fun. And during, uh, during a lightning and thunder storm, so that was really crazy. And that was insane. Um, man, I mean, I like to go off-roading and do that kind of stuff. Um, Um, I'm trying to think I've been, I've done, I've done a couple crazy things. Like, I, I love to go jet skiing, um, or on the lake and stuff, but I've gone in the ocean too. I've gotten the do that too. Like, you know, instead of jumping wakes, like, uh, jumping actual waves in the ocean of jet ski, that's really fun. Um, man, I've, I've gotten to do some like cool snorkeling stuff. I mean, I know it's not like super dangerous, but I mean kind of talking about it

Mary Katz:

Depends on what's in the water!

Payton Howie:

Oh, yeah. That's yeah. That's pretty sketchy stuff there, man. That's probably that's about it. I mean, I'd have to think about that one, but I mean, I've done some pretty fun stuff.

Mary Katz:

Love it. Yeah, I, yeah. Yeah. Jet skiing on actual ocean waves sounds I would die. Um,

Payton Howie:

You catch some good air though. You know what I'm saying? Like you get like up there it's a couple feet!

Mary Katz:

Yeah, I, I need icy hot just from lifting a suitcase the other day. So literally,

Payton Howie:

Oh my gosh!

Mary Katz:

Literally. I wish that was a joke. It is not. So

Payton Howie:

What was in the suitcase?

Mary Katz:

We went to Disney. All right. We got back like last week. And so we have like these kind of heavy suitcases and stuff, and I probably lifted one in a way that I should not have. Um, and now I regret it. So

Payton Howie:

That kinda makes more sense.

Mary Katz:

But, um, yeah, so those are all the questions I have other than my last little segment here called could you not? It just basically is what irritates you, like, what are your pet peeves? Doesn't matter if it's professional or personal or a specific topic you don't want to ever talk about again or a question you never want to get asked again? Just like what gets under your skin? What are your pet peeves? Put it out there. Tell the world could you not.

Payton Howie:

Could you not okay. I'll tell you one thing that always gets on my nerves, that people do this. And I mean, and I know, I don't know why it's just like a weird pet peeve that I've always had. And it's, you know, when people like have their hoodies up and then they have like, you know, there's like strings, like hoodie strings. When people pull like one all the way down and then ones all the way up. And then this was like hanging all the way down there. And they're uneven. That makes me so mad. And I'm not even OCD. I'm totally not, but I'm like, I'm not OCD. Like, I'm not weird about any of that other stuff. That thing literally pisses me off so much when people do that, like why? Like, can you just have them be like remotely close to each other up? Okay. That's it. That's it that's could you not cause you not wear your hoodie and have the strings be uneven? I hate it.

Mary Katz:

That is the most random answer I think I've ever gotten, even not just like on the podcast, but like I ask other people that just because. That is hilarious!

Payton Howie:

I'm just like, I'm just being real. That's honestly, like the only thing that really bothers me, like I know some people will be like, oh, like chewing with your mouth open or, you know, wearing mismatched socks or something like that. But like, that's really. That just gets under my skin. Like why?

Mary Katz:

It's one of these, one of these days, one of these days, you're going to be in a relationship and the person is going to know that and you're going to irritate them for some reason. And as retribution, they're just going to be like,

Payton Howie:

Yeah. I don't know. I know it's just a crazy, I'm not, I'm going to sh probably, you know, I'm going to share this podcast and I know that like, everyone's going to start sending me pictures of them with their uneven hoodie strings. And I'm just going to be like, okay, Cool I guess, oh man.

Mary Katz:

Oh God, that's hilarious. I love it. Oh, of all the things. That's awesome. Okay. Well, those are all the questions I have. Um, go ahead and tell me what you got coming up. If it's new singles coming out, whatever it is you want to put out there that you want people to know about the floor is yours.

Payton Howie:

Yeah. I got so many new things coming, especially towards the end of this year. I have a music video for never go home. That's coming out very, very soon and I'm ridiculously excited about it is a really fun video that we shot. Um, and I have another single that I'm getting ready to announce and release very soon. And I just recorded the video for that one in Nashville just last week, actually a week ago today, I got to record that video. It's super cool. Um, and it's a little bit different than, you know, the typical music video. So I'm really excited to share that as well. Um, and overall I've been working on a project which right now it's an EP, but I'm considering, um, making it into an album and adding a few more songs to it. And, um, I'm planning to have that come out next, like first quarter next year. So I'm just got tons of new music coming out, really excited, but I usually post everything on my social media, my Facebook, Instagram Payton Howie music, P A Y T O N. And, um, it's out there so I'm excited.

Mary Katz:

Awesome. All right. Well excited about all that stuff coming out. And now I'm all curious about, uh, the, the, the thing of the video. That's going to be a little bit different. Can I ask a little, can you tell me anything about why it's a little different?

Payton Howie:

It's going to be a little different because I mean, um, the, you know, the normal music video is like, you know, we got a song and then we shoot the music video to it. This is more. Um, a broken down version of the song itself. It's kind of like, I mean, I mean, it's kind of like an acoustic performance video, I would say. And, um, I'm just really excited to share it because this next song that I'm getting ready to release. I won't, you know, spill too much about it, but it's more of a. You know the song, it's more about the story behind the song and what the song is about rather than like, you know, anything crazy or anything like that. It's kinda more about just the simplicity of music and the simplicity of the song. So, I mean, it'll make more sense when you get to see it or hear it, but I'm just really excited about putting it out.

Mary Katz:

Awesome. Well, looking forward to it. All right. Well, Payton, that's all I've got today. If there's anything you want to add, feel free to, um, otherwise thank you so much for coming on the Bored and Curious Podcast today. And, uh, we look forward to seeing big things from you.

Payton Howie:

Awesome. Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate it. And thank you guys for listening.

Mary Katz:

Well folks, thank you so much for checking out this episode of Bored and Curious. Make sure that you are subscribed to the YouTube channel and give us a follow over on social media. See you next time.