Back with another stunning visual, R&B wonder Summer Payton has returned with the cinematic video for ‘Spotlight’. Bringing to life a relatable narrative, Summer delivers a stunning performance that is guaranteed to keep your eyes fixed on the screen from start to finish. The single’s earworm chorus delivers a distinct classic R&B/Soul feel, whilst staying fresh, current and original. Levelling up with each of her releases, Summer’s creativity knows no bounds, and ‘Spotlight’ sees her thrive in what she does best - captivating her audience with her inspiring talent.

Speaking on the track, Summer explained: “‘Spotlight’ is track 5 from my debut album, ‘Golden Hour’. The process of writing this song was one of my favourites to date. My friend Ray and I, who goes by the name Canvos, were at a songwriting camp he put on in Big Bear with a group of 10 of our friends. We all took turns grouping up to work on songs, but the first day, he and I knew we wanted to lock in together. He was playing me tracks and when that one came on, I instantly knew it was some heat. I was drawn to it immediately. I said, “I want that one!” We poured some Hennessy and ginger ale and got to work writing the song. We wanted to explore that concept of being interrogated, being the person possibly in the wrong in a relationship and what that feels like. And what it feels like is that there’s an inescapable spotlight on you, sitting in the hot seat. It flowed so naturally and effortlessly and we just had fun! Probably the most fun I’ve ever had writing and recording a song. So when it was time to put my album together, I knew Spotlight had to make the tracklist.

Summer Payton is an R&B singer, songwriter, musician and music producer from Chicago, Illinois and graduate of New York University Tisch School of the Arts, Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Later at the 1500 Sound Academy, Summer enhanced her engineering and music production skills under the mentorship of Grammy award winning producer, Rance Dopson of the legendary band, 1500 or Nothin’. Most recently, Summer released her debut album, ‘Golden Hour’ on her golden birthday, December 25th, 2020, which features a stunning array of songs straight from Summer’s heart and soul and continues to be her proudest accomplishment to date.

Summer sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My love of music started with my parents. My dad used to play organ at church and made sure there was a piano in our house. So I grew up watching him play and learning from him. My mom introduced me to all of my favourite artists. From our car rides blasting music to Sundays cleaning the house with neo soul, r&b and oldies playing, to the concert footage she used to show me of all the greats. She showed me Janet Jackson’s Velvet Rope Tour on VHS and not long after she took me to see The Beyoncé Experience Tour in person as my first concert. Between the two of those I was sold. At 13, I wrote my first song and I knew this was what I wanted to do. I went about learning how to materialise it. How to produce and compose music around it, how to record my vocals. And from then on that became my creative process.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

My biggest influences for sure are Janet Jackson, Brandy, and Tweet. My dream collaboration would be with Missy Elliot.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

I wouldn’t say that I necessarily faced problems making and releasing music during this time. Quite the opposite actually. The pandemic served as an awakening for me. Before it all happened I had lost sight of my true goals and my purpose and I was hiding behind my other skills like engineering, production and songwriting and I wasn’t thinking about my artistry because I had gotten so jaded with it. But when the world stopped I had time to just sit with myself and think….the pandemic was so dangerous and scary and we were losing people left and right it was a wake up call. What am I waiting for? I realised I couldn’t take life for granted and I needed to put all my energy behind focusing on me, my artistry, my purpose, and my goals. After that I started releasing one song a month, purging out older songs from my catalogue in a campaign I titled “The Road to 25”, all while finishing my debut album in my bedroom. “Golden Hour” released on my Golden 25th birthday, December 25th, 2020.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I consider myself an r&b artist who blends the old and the new. I value extensive vocal production, layering, and harmonies. As well as hard hitting beats and basslines under a musical bed of moving chords and melodies.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

 My proudest moment to date is the release of my debut album for sure. It’s such a great representation of who I am, the best representation, and it speaks for itself. Most of all I’m proud that I saw it through. Completing an album in a pandemic was no small feat but I was determined and it came out amazing.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

My advice would be to don’t get discouraged. It’s very easy to, especially if you feel like you’re giving your all and nothing is happening. A mentor of mine once said that there are a thousand people in line who want to do what you want to do. And each time you quit, you go to the back of the line and start over. Your job is not to quit. Stay in line. Work on your craft while in line, so that when your day comes at the front of the line you can grab that opportunity and make the most of it. I carry that tidbit with me always. Don’t get discouraged. Stay in line.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

June’s Diary, Alex Isley, Jayla Darden.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

“Heaux Tales” Jazmine Sullivan, “Back at Sixes and Sevens” Tiana Major9, “Ungodly Hour” Chloe x Halle, “Jaguar” Victoria Monet, “Dur&” Durand Bernarr.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Watching TV is my favourite pastime. I love storytelling. I think of myself as a storyteller and I love exploring it in all mediums. TV is one of my favourites. I love when I get time to dive into my shows. It’s my favourite form of escapism.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

I’m really not high maintenance when it comes to recording. I like to keep Ricola cough drops for my voice. They really help lubricate the vocal cords so no matter what time of day or night I’m recording my voice sounds silky smooth. Water, for the same reason.  Most importantly though, I need peace around me in my space. If the wrong energies are around I can’t be productive, so peace and comfortability are really important to me.