We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Payton Goldston a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Payton, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I grew up singing in choirs and writing songs around the age of 12, yet taking it more seriously at 17, I truly began my musical career after moving to Tucson, AZ and meeting/working with my close friend Rob Mercury who let me record in his studio. I had always wanted to be in showbiz, either singing, modeling, and/or acting.

My mother and grandmother both sing so my love for singing grew into a passion that outweighed modeling or acting. I would write songs for fun at first, but started to see that this could be a career path when I would watch shows like American Idol, and MTVs Making the Band. I did a talent show at my high school with a group of friends from choir class and we wanted to start a group. The group idea never saw the light of day, but it would be the start of my musical journey to where I am today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Here’s my official Bio:

From Newark to Tucson AZ, inspirational R&B/Soul artist Payton Goldston portrays his love for God by giving thanks through his passionate music. Growing up singing in choirs and writing songs by the age of 12, yet taking it more seriously at 17, Payton Goldston truly began his musical career after moving to Tucson, AZ and meeting/working with his close friend Rob Mercury who let Payton record in his studio.

After his very first demo, Payton Goldston and Rob Mercury decided to wrangle together a group titled Battleground City, named after a youth conference they had previously volunteered with. After many notable releases, the group decided to disband in 2018 leaving Payton Goldston to thrive on his own.

Holding back nothing, Payton Goldston has gotten his motivational music played on Tucson’s most popular radio station HOT 98.3, while also getting international airplay in Mexico, the UK, Australia and nationally across the US. Payton Goldston is no stranger to an audience, as he’s performed in front of hundreds at the National Day of Prayer rally in Tucson, while also making several local television appearances. The working husband and worship leader strives for greatness with the support given under God’s wing, letting everyone find faith and hope within his inspiring music.
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Currently I do music solo and occasionally with a music collective/non-profit organization City Psalms. We create songs that are written with the purpose of creating unity amongst local Christian artists in city of Tucson Arizona and provide Tucson Churches corporate worship songs from local artists. As of 2022, I joined the Board of Directors for this organization.

I also host a podcast call the Refocus Podcast. My mission with this is to provide short formed bible lessons that anyone can listen to to start their day with God. My mantra is “Just like your 1st cup of coffee or morning jog, this podcast is intended to start you day spiritually as you do physically”

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is when someone comes up to you after a show or contacts you on social media and tells you how your music has impacted their lives. That’s more precious then gold in my book. Especially as a Christian you want what you believe God has given you to impact and inspire others to find hope. More so hope in Jesus.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As Christian my driving force is to help others encounter God like I did. My faith also calls us to go out and impact people, making disciples, and sharing my faith in Jesus Christ.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/paytonrefocus
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paytonrefocus
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psalmstarbgc/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/paytonrefocus
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxT16E_GHPGrWnkMJ2Gjymw
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/paytonrefocus
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/60hpGo906IPkkWyVExHhny?si=ICe7J_UsQPCUcQdLa5ak9Q
  City Psalms Website: https://www.citypsalms.com/laments
  Refocus Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paytonrefocus

Image Credits

Photos by Dan Hartman, Peter Gonzalez, Brian Goodall and Erica Goldston