Peyton Interview

Peyton Interview

Peyton is a break taking artist who sings from the heart, producing lyrics that present a lifetime of experience.

"Unbelievably strong and powerful vocals coupled with a personality that connected him with the crowd and left them wanting more."
Greg Dufton - 360 Degrees, Dubai

Peyton, is one of house music's most soulful superstars and he is currently working with many respected house music artists like; TFC, Soul Avengerz, Soul System, LoveFreekz, Hoxton Whores, Audio Fraud and Eric Kupper.

Peyton continues to create popular gospel-inspired house anthems which are turning into 'club classics'.

"Peyton brings the kind of energy to a party that other PA's just can't guarantee. Professionalism and perfection seem natural to this one!"
Rob Gribben - Pushca, London

You may know Peyton's face from the UK version of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, where he was the Food and Drink adviser for all 20 episodes of the reality TV show.

In 2003 Petyon released his first single 'A Higher Place' through Hed Kandi label which hit became a top dance song around the world, hitting high places on the Top Dance Charts. After this success Peyton released his highly-acclaimed self titled album. In 2005 the album was released on vinyl including the hits 'Celebrate', 'Keep the Faith', 'Find My Way' and 'Higher Place'.

Peyton is a live performer at Fierce Angel events. Fierce Angel is a massive unforgettable event of decadence and dance. On Valentine's Day 2010 Fierce Angel Loved Up took guests on a boat cruise around Sydney Harbour Bridge. Since Fierce Angel was introduced to Sydney in 2009 it has become on of the hottest events.

"Peyton is simply one of the most exciting performers I have ever had the privilege of working with. Whether it's a club PA or a full band show Peyton has one of the best voices I have ever heard. Mix this amazing talent with some of the years biggest club hits and Peyton delivers an un-missable live experience ...!"
Mark Doyle - Fierce Angel, UK

For more details about Fierce Angel please see: www.thefutureisfierce.com

Interview with Christopher Peyton

What do you like most about Fierce Angel events?

Christopher Peyton: The FA brand sets itself apart from other vocal house brands by putting a lot of focus on production, location, and int'l DJ's and artists. They are setting a high standard for quality parties around the world where you can find as much style as you can fabulous music, as well as just being heaps of fun!


How did it feel to hear your song played throughout an event?

Christopher Peyton: Every time I hear my music played on the radio, or in a shop, or at a club or event, there is always a little thrill that bolts through my veins. But there's always something very special about the FIRST time you hear one of your tracks played in a club, and watch the reaction of the people. That's when it becomes a living, breathing thing!


Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Christopher Peyton: Well, I've been in the industry too long now to remember what my ideas about it were before I was actually involved, so I'm not sure about the 'pre' part, but my current perception of the industry is that it's a complete nightmare. And actually, getting worse all the time. But if you're clever you can find a way to make the industry work for you, without becoming a slave to it.


Where do you get the inspiration for your songs?

Christopher Peyton: There's a bit of inspiration to be had just about everywhere. I travel a lot, fall in and out of love a lot, meet a lot of great people, read a lot of books, and generally try to suck so much marrow out of life that I occasionally choke on the bone . . . but all of that helps with songwriting.


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Christopher Peyton: I listen to a hugely diverse number of artists, everything from Rufus Wainwright to Nina Simone to Hercules and Love Affair to Celia Cruz . . . I love Latin, and Gospel, Disco, Soul, Funk, Pop and the cheesiest of cheesy crooners. But my true love is House. Maybe because House can embody all of those styles, and more.


What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Christopher Peyton: Well, I call it the Never-Ending Peyton World Tour. Every week, or month I'm in a totally different part of the world singing my gospel guts out and doing my thing. At the moment I'm in Australia of course, for a month-long tour, and will be heading back to Europe in March before carrying on to Brazil for a five date tour. Very excited about that, as Brazil is one country I've yet to visit!


Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Christopher Peyton: I contemplate it every day. But as I can't actually come up with any good ideas about what else to do with my life, I hold on to the sweaty towel and keep on trucking.


What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Peyton: I can't really say there was a person who inspired me per se to go into the industry, but it was actually Mark Doyle (the head honcho of the Fierce Angels brand) who gave me my start in the business by signing my first-ever track A Higher Place to Hed Kandi. He is still one of my heroes, a very dear friend, and the fiercest of all fierce angel


What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Christopher Peyton: How long is this article meant to be again? The music business is nothing BUT challenges. The challenge to write good songs, the challenge to hook up with good producers, the challenge to sign your music to the right label, the challenge to distribute your music and make it available to the public, the challenge to promote yourself and your music on a budget which is generally pitiful if there's one at all . . . . the challenge to survive and stay alive in a business where there are so many variables playing a role in your success or failure that you sometimes feel no matter how good you are or no matter how hard you work, you don't have a chance in hell. Is that enough?


What's a typical day like?

Christopher Peyton: Facebook, coffee, Facebook, more coffee, e-mails, phone call, Myspace, Facebook . . . gym? or yoga? maybe . . . then Facebook and a glass of red wine? Haha. I am kidding. Well, about the gym and yoga anyway.


What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?

Christopher Peyton: Making people happy by writing and singing songs that make them want to dance off the shackles of life and enjoy themselves!!


If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Christopher Peyton: At the moment, for purely financial reasons, I'd have to say David Guetta. The man is creaming it! Is that a shallow response? I could've said Pablo Picasso, but he's dead.


Are you single? What do you look for in a partner?

Christopher Peyton: Hmm . . . is this a trick question? Let's just say I'm generally looking for someone who doesn't consume too much from the mini-bar. It gets expensive you know!


Do you have a website fans can visit?

Christopher Peyton: Ahh . . . that brings me to yet another of the great challenges of the music business! Keeping your sites updated! It's a full-time job! But, yes I do: www.peytonmusic.com


Can you tell us 4 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Christopher Peyton: Friendship
Exercise
Sense of humour
Love love and more love


60 Second Quiz
Full Name: Christopher Peyton
Nickname(s): Peyton
Star Sign: Aquarius
Music Talent: Singer/songwriter
Favorite Food: warm cornbread
Favorite Film: The Colour Purple
Favorite Actor: Meryl Streep
Pet: No
Describe yourself in 3 words: excitable, romantic, over-analytical
Best Feature: My Hair
Worst Feature: My Hair
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: does God count as a person? I have a few questions I'd like to ask him!
Hobbies/Interests: is Facebook considered a hobby? haha. KIDDING! seriously (I swear I can be serious) . . . I like reading, and curling up in bed with my MacBook and watching good TV series, and cooking, and taking walks in the park, yada yada yada!
First Job: VERY first? Paper boy. First 'real' job? Waiter. Waitering was also my last real job.
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Being an alcoholic, I'd have to say all three. But as I spend so much time in clubs for work, these days I'd rather be at a friend's house or my own home, or perhaps a relaxed restaurant. I have had enough of pubs, bars and nightclubs to last me a lifetime.
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: my iPhone
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: What the hell am I doing with my life? And then I remember . . . oh yeah, FACEBOOK!