Check Out Justin Payne’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Payne.

Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started out as a classically trained violinist and composer, went through bouts of massive debt and homelessness, mental illness, drug, and alcohol abuse, and a few visits back to college. Worked in a great diner in Ohio until it burned down, trying to barely pay to survive and dig out of my circumstances. This is when I started writing my own tunes.

Started out as a country-folk cat in the ubiquitous hat/beard combo, ended up as an indie alternative genre-defying freak. I have taught philosophy, history, guitar, and violin, over the years, and it all eventually added up to me being who I am today. I met a few bands that dug the sound, met a booking agent, and ended up doing numerous national and regional routes touring the US, on the power of my own tunes, for like 8 years.

Eventually, Nashville just seemed like the logical next step for a move, for myself and my partner, in growing my career as a singer-songwriter/string-multi-instrumentalist, and increasing the exposure to my art. I have recently released my band’s debut full-length LP, “Season of Loss”, it is currently available on all streaming platforms online, with vinyl copies coming in early-2022. Recently, this album received some killer press from American Songwriter magazine.

Music and compassion have been my salvation in life, pulling me out of some dire straits and landing me in the lap of doing what I love, writing and singing songs, rocking out with my pals, honing my skills as a performer, and doing the best that I can to contribute to the lexicon of American song.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No. Drug addiction. Homelessness. Misdiagnosed mental illness.

There were times where I was hindered, and there were times when I was in danger and near death’s door, on more than one occasion in my journey. Part of growing up, I guess.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I play the violin, guitar, mandolin, but primarily the guitar these days. I have been performing music in some capacity for nearly 20 years professionally. These days, I am most interested in writing songs, and arranging them with my band, Justin Payne & Co., be it for intimate acoustic shows, rock n roll good times, or experimental/jazzy naval-gazing. I am incredibly versatile as a writer.

I defy genre at every turn because it’s a prison made by executives to move units equal make $$$ for seemingly everyone, but the artist. I write timely songs, about love, loss, children in cages, you know, the usual. You can catch my band, or just me, gigging regularly around Nashville, and hopefully soon, the Eastern US. I am known as an accomplished artist, who write complex and compelling songs, and has a golden voice to carry it all over.

I am most proud of having finished my recent full-length LP, “Season of Loss” to the positive responses, reviews, and press. That fact that I could care less about looking or being cool, in a town like Nashville, certainly sets me apart from a lot of my contemporaries. I have no illusions of stardom or playing Broadway. I don’t even really want those things.

I am shooting for a higher target. Timelessness and immortality through performances and songs that resonate forever.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Nothing is easy that is worthwhile. That, and you need to get over your pride, be humble, and be willing to learn. Literally, surround yourself with people doing what you want to do, but better than you. Keep working. Don’t compare yourself to anything, because it is the heart of misery.

Believe in yourself, and advocate for your work, but be realistic. Life isn’t a movie. Prepare yourself to fail. Fail as much as you can, trying everything you can.

Contact Info:

• Website: justinpayneandco.com
• Instagram: @justinpayneandco

Image Credits
Miranda D. Liss