EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Country Artist Payton Rae

Payton Rae is one of the many artists touring the country, performing for the Camplified tour.  The YouTube sensation is known for her unique style of country music that gives off a genuine feeling of Texas charm.

We got to chat with Payton about her country career and her experiences with Camplified - check out the interview below!

Fanlala: Have you ever been to camp before? If so, what was it like?

Payton Rae: I’ve gone to several camps: church camps, volleyball camps.  I love church camps, because there are so many different types of music.  I love musical things, and I get to experience so many different genres.

F: If you could only bring three things to camp, what would they be?

PR: I’d definitely want my cell phone with me.  I’d bring sunscreen because it gets so hot, aaaaand a water bottle.

F: Do you know how to make a campfire?

PR: Oh yeah, I’ve made several campfires.  I have a ranch, so I’ve built a few, we sing around them.  It’s all very fun.

F: What would you rather cook on the campfire, smores or hot dogs?

PR: S’mores, definitely!  I love chocolate.

F: Who are you excited to see perform at Camplified and what inspired you to do the tour?

PR: I LOVE performing, and playing for kids is amazing.  I’m definitely excited to see Wellington.  I’ve watched a ton of their videos online, and I’m actually going to be performing with them later today.

F: Have you faced any obstacles that got in your way of your singing career?

PR: You face obstacles every single day.  I’ve learned you’ll get more cold “no’s” than cold “yes’s,” but once you get that “yes,” it’s the greatest feeling in the world.  It’s that one “yes” that turns everything around!

F: Who is someone you look up to in country music?

PR: Definitely Carrie Underwood.  I watched her all the time on ‘American Idol.’  Her voice is mindblowing, it’s just awesome.

F: What was your favorite campfire song?

PR: There’s a song that I actually always sing before I get onto stage, and that’s “One Less Lonely Girl” by Justin Bieber!  I perform it with a bit of a country twist.  It’s the first song I learned on guitar.

F: We know you like to talk to your fans through Twitter, what would you do if you didn’t have service at camp? 

PR: If I didn’t have service at camp, it would be a nightmare.  I’d try and find a way.  I don’t know how, yet, but I’d find a way.  I talk to my fans all the time, and I’d look for a way to communicate with them - even if it meant I had to stand on a treehouse!

F: What inspired you to become an advocate of Stomp Out Bullying?

PR: I was bullied in junior high, and I’ve witnessed it happen in the past.  It’s horrible, and it hurts my heart whenever I see bullying going on, so being a part of the campaign is really an honor.

Payton told us “I love my fans, they’re my world, and I’m really blessed to have you guys.”  We definitely know she has an awesome career ahead of her, and it’s all thanks to you!  Keep the music coming Payton, we can’t wait to hear more.  And we know your fans are dying to see you at Camplified!

We've got Payton's latest video for her single "Stomp the Fire Out," check it out below!