We were lucky to catch up with Paytra Gessler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Paytra, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I recently just finished and released a project called “World’s About To Get Crazy” — an EP about my personal fears, anxieties, and thoughts around where we are at in a society as it relates to politics, but also socially. My music has always been focused on empowerment… specifically for young women. To have such a positive response (and of course some… not so positive lol) on a project where I speak about real things on my mind is truly so magical. I love writing catchy pop music, but being able to fuse that with something that’s bigger than myself… and seeing the impact it has on people who listen might be the most meaningful thing I’ve ever done.

Watching young girls create videos using my song to call for change and speak up is truly so rewarding and I’m honored to be part of this community and movement.

Paytra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a pop artist who some may describe as a “firecracker” — mostly because my lyrics are very bold and brazen. My writing style fuses elements of pop, rock, hip hop, rap, and r&b into this beautiful sonic chaos lol. I have always loved writing and music.. and began writing at 10 years old and its truly the one thing that has shaped me. Before music, I was so shy and self conscious…. but I got behind the piano and started writing, it has taken me on the journey to finding myself.

I moved to New York City at 16 to pave a way for myself in the music industry… looking back it’s truly insane to think my 16 year old self had enough confidence to move here alone and try to make things work. But she did it!

I went to every event, open mic, dance class, singing class, and party that would let me… and I just inserted myself straight into the heart of the music industry. It allowed me to make mistakes and learn pretty quickly… and while that might sound terrifying, it was effective.

I think what I want to show my followers, rans, and listeners is that chasing that burning desire to find yourself to do the impossible… is actually possible. I try to be real about it in my music…. and I do feel like because I’ve so authentically shared my story I have an irreplaceable relationship with my fans and supporters. We’re all in this together.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

That’s a great question… and the answer is I had to unlearn how to not take up too much space or ask for too much.

As a young girl, we’re kind of always taught how to be accommodating and never ask for too much as to make someone else uncomfortable. I think as a business owner that can be extremely detrimental. I always find myself battling between taking up as much space as possible and also fighting that inner voice that’s saying “people are going to think this…” or “what if offend someone doing that…”

I think asking for exactly what you want and not being afraid to speak up and GO for it is so very important.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The first is being able to build a life around what I love, rather than build what I love around my life. I find so much flexibility and adventure in being an artist. You never know where it will take you and it’s led me to meeting some really great people and doing some pretty awesome things.

Secondly.. seeing how music can touch others is truly so rewarding. The most rewarding thing. I think us creatives have the power to shape the lives of people and our culture. It’s a huge responsibility and also one of the coolest parts of the job.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paytramusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paytra_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaytraMusic
• Twitter: https://x.com/PaytraGessler
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paytra
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2OG7pww56UaYyXIf6Agpeg
  https://www.tiktok.com/@paytra

Image Credits

Casey Drane, Lauriana Christiana, Justin Rodriguez