Welcome to Game Changers with Jeff Newkirk, where we speak with people who have done something to make this world a better place. It’s simple: inspire, educate, and let’s change this world! 

On today’s episode, Jeff welcomes guest Payton Riley, the fifteen-year-old singer-songwriter from Conroe, Texas. To begin, Payton explains that she began taking vocal lessons at age 7 and started her career two years later by singing the Star-Spangled Banner around town. She shares what initially captured her interest in singing and hopes to be a performer like Miranda Lambert one day. Payton was among the top 10 finalists in the 2023 TCMA Songwriter Contest. She also attended a songwriter retreat in Memphis with Grace Askew, where she learned skills and techniques she continues to use today. She also shares about the most inspirational people she has met in the music business thus far. 

Payton grew up singing Christian music in school and always listened to country music at home with her mom. She prefers to write songs naturally without feeling pressured to do so. Payton also explains when she finds the time to be a kid while balancing school, sports, church, and her music career. She shares that her Christian school is small and close-knit and understands Payton’s desire to follow her dreams. Her goal is to attend Belmont College for a degree in songwriting and continue playing as many shows as possible to get her name out there. She hopes to be a light for listeners and let them know they can always chase their dreams. In closing, she offers her best advice for people just starting in their passion: surround yourself with positive people who can always lift you. Finally, she highlights her upcoming releases and the formation of her new band. 

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Do you have any game-changers in your life? Be sure to let me know so we can celebrate their story and contribution to our world. Go to https://gamechangerswithjeff.com to enter your name to be on the podcast