Wielding a guitar with the precision of a seasoned virtuoso, Payton Smith is rapidly establishing himself as country music‘s next groundbreaking innovator. The Louisiana native, who began releasing music in 2019 at just 19 years old, quickly made his mark when his debut EP soared into Apple Music’s top 20 charts on its first day.
Smith’s remarkable talent extends beyond his vocals, as he personally plays every string instrument featured on both his debut album and EP tracks, showcasing a level of musicianship rarely seen in contemporary country music. His personal journey began when he started teaching himself guitar at age ten, developing the foundation for his distinctive playing style.
A multi-instrumentalist prodigy whose mastery of strings elevates him beyond the typical Nashville talent pool.
Smith’s eclectic style blends 90s country traditions with modern country-pop and guitar rock elements, creating a sound that resonates across generations. Drawing inspiration from diverse influences including Keith Urban, John Mayer, Pearl Jam, and George Strait, he has crafted a musical identity that merges roadhouse country rock with crossover pop appeal.
This versatility has earned him recognition as one of CMT’s 17 promising artists to watch in 2020 and a 2021 Listen Up artist. Music Row magazine definitively labeled him as the 2021 Next Big Thing, validating industry expectations for his rising career.
His commercial success has been equally impressive, with his first single “Like I Knew You Would” amassing over 50 million streams. Smith’s debut album “What Colors Your Wild,” released in March 2023, garnered 3 million streams in its early release period, while his latest EP “Up From Here” dropped in April 2024.
His current single “She Shouldn’t Have” continues to build his streaming presence across all major platforms.
On stage, Smith recently completed his headlining “Up From Here” Tour in April 2024, establishing a reputation for high-energy performances that showcase his impressive guitar skills. His mastery of advanced string bending techniques adds emotional depth to his live performances that captivates audiences. He has supported established country acts including Lee Brice, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Lily Rose, building a diverse fanbase through extensive touring.
Industry insiders have praised Smith for his rare combination of guitar virtuosity and mainstream country songwriting appeal, positioning him as a potential transformative force in the genre as he continues to blend technical prowess with accessible storytelling. Beyond performing, Smith has expanded his revenue streams through sync licensing deals, placing his distinctive sound in various commercials and visual media projects.
