We’re looking forward to introducing you to Payton Riley. Check out our conversation below.
Payton, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Honestly, music. This is my second year doing online school, and I had to make the tough decision to switch because my schedule got so demanding. I’m not always the best at sticking to a routine—everything seems to distract me. I’ll sit down to do schoolwork, and then out of nowhere a lyric or melody will pop into my head. The next thing I know, I’ve got my guitar out and I’m completely lost in writing a new song. Those are the moments I lose track of time but also the moments I feel the most like me. That’s when I reconnect with why I started doing this in the first place.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Payton Riley, a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Montgomery, Texas. I blend country storytelling with a pop-rock edge, creating music that connects with young people navigating love, heartbreak, and finding confidence again. My fans—who I call Riley’s Rockstars—are at the heart of everything I do. My goal is to create music that empowers and encourages them to be bold, real, and unapologetically themselves.
This year, I’ve released several songs that each tell a different part of my story. “Run Girl Run” is about finding the courage to walk away from a toxic relationship. “Limited Edition,” which I wrote with my best friend, shows off the wild, fun side of life. And my latest single, “Blonde,” turns heartbreak into self-confidence—a reminder that you deserve the very best, no matter what.
Up next, I’m releasing a new single in December called “Ink,” which dives into the emotional side of getting over heartbreak and how hard it can be to let go. We’ll be celebrating its release with a “Jingle Bell Bash” at Dosey Doe Big Barn in The Woodlands, TX on December 9th. It’s going to be a really special night, with a surprise visit from Santa, and we’re also collecting Bibles between now and the show to pass out to high school students in our local community.
Beyond music, I’m passionate about helping others. Every year, I host a Young Artist Songwriter Retreat to help new artists learn about songwriting, branding, recording, social media, and making money in the music industry. My goal is to make their journey a little easier by sharing everything I’ve learned so far and bringing in industry mentors to guide them.
I’m also honored to be part of Love Heals Youth, an organization that provides free counseling, clothes, and fun experiences for foster kids in my community. It’s incredibly close to my heart because my family used to foster children when my sister and I were younger. I’ve built amazing relationships with those kids, and they continue to inspire me every single day.
At the end of the day, I just want to use my music and my platform to make people feel something real—to remind them that they’re not alone and that they have the power to write their own story.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I used to think that no one really cared about this little girl’s passion for music—or that people didn’t take me seriously because of my age. I’d hear things like, “Aww, you’re so cute. You’re going to be amazing when you get older,” and it honestly bothered me. I remember thinking, Why not now? I was writing, performing, and working just as hard as the older artists, but it felt like it didn’t matter as much because I was younger.
Back then, I didn’t think I deserved to be on stage—but now, I believe there’s no other place I’m meant to be. I’ve worked my tail off to earn respect in this industry—through long nights, early mornings, and plenty of tears. Over time, I’ve built a loyal fanbase that truly connects with my songs and the stories I tell. When someone messages me to say a song of mine helped them find the courage to walk away from a bad relationship or finally heal from heartbreak, it reminds me exactly why I do this.
I don’t see being young as a disadvantage anymore—it’s my strength. I believe in my voice, I believe in my purpose, and I have the confidence now to use both to make a difference.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. I think a lot of people assume being an artist means just getting on stage, singing your songs, and living the dream—but that’s only a small piece of it. What most people never see is the work behind the scenes: the constant branding, the late-night songwriting sessions, the endless social media grind trying to grow a fan base that truly cares, the meetings, the interviews, and the podcasts squeezed in between rehearsals and long drives to the next gig.
There are days when you pour your heart into a show and play your best songs to a room where no one’s really listening—people are just there to eat or talk with their friends. You pack up your gear at midnight, load the trailer, and drive hours home wondering if any of it even mattered. You question if you’re really moving forward or just spinning your wheels. You stretch every dollar—trying to make enough for gas, save for studio time, and maybe print new merch so you can keep it all going.
It’s a mentally and emotionally demanding life, and there have been moments I’ve sat in the car after a show, completely drained, thinking, Is this worth it? But then something always pulls me back. A message from a fan saying one of my songs helped them through a heartbreak, or that it gave them courage to walk away from something toxic—and suddenly I remember exactly why I do this.
Every mile, every sleepless night, every small crowd that turns into one new fan—it all matters. Because at the end of the day, I know this is what I was meant to do. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing, and no place I’d rather be than on that stage, sharing my truth through my music.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no! My super fans probably know the real me better than anyone else because they get an inside look through my Instagram subscription and private channel. That’s where I share more of my day-to-day life—the behind-the-scenes moments, random thoughts, funny stories, and the things that don’t always make it to my main feed. It’s where I can really connect with them on a personal level, and I love that they get to see more of who I am off stage.
Most people see the confident, sparkly version of me—the girl who loves makeup, fashion, and performing songs about love and heartbreak. That’s definitely part of me! But when the lights turn off, I’m actually more of an introvert. I’ve always been a little shy and have struggled to make friends my own age. Over time, I’ve learned to be really intentional about who I let into my circle because I’ve had friends who weren’t always kind—and I don’t do mean people. I want to surround myself with genuine, kind-hearted people who lift others up.
And while I absolutely love getting dressed up and being in full glam, I also love hunting, fishing, and riding 4-wheelers through the mud. I’m just as happy in boots and camo as I am in glitter and heels! I really do love both worlds—the glam side and the country side—and I think that mix is what makes me me. The version of me you see online is real, but there’s also a grounded, small-town side that my fans and the people closest to me get to see.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop caring what people think of me. In this industry, it’s easy to let those thoughts creep in—“Do they like my music? My outfit? The real me?” But if I only had ten years left, none of that would matter. I’d focus completely on using my voice and my platform for something that truly makes a difference.
When I think about what I want my legacy to be, it’s not about fame or numbers. I want my music to give people hope—to help them believe in themselves, find strength in who they are, and push through the hard times. I want to lead people closer to Jesus, and I want every foster child out there to feel seen, loved, and chosen.
At the end of it all, I just want to know that I used the time I was given to shine light, to love people well, and to make a difference that lasts longer than any song on the charts. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paytonrileymusic.com
- Instagram: @paytonrileymusic
- Facebook: Payton Riley Music
- Youtube: Payton Riley Music
