Interview with The Payson.
The Payson is probably Antigua’s youngest and hottest band playing a mix of Latin pop, rock and a little bit of reggaeton. Brothers Pablo (singer and acoustic guitar), David(drummer), Max (bass) and their close friend Alan (guitar) started playing together in a marimba band when they were only six, eight, nine and ten-year-olds! Still in their teens, the Payson was formed just four years ago.
I asked Pablo why they chose to name the band The Payson.
‘It’s our second name -It’s a family band. I want to mention our grandmother (Joyce Payson). She has always been a great support for us- an inspiration like always, always so yeah it makes us happy and makes her happy too!’
I asked David what Antigua means to The Payson?
‘When we started playing marimba in Central Park https://quepasa.gt/antiguas-central-park/ we always got inspired by the city. We feel like Antigua is our nest! The people here are very special. When we perform in Antigua in El Arco or the Central Park we say that we are from Antigua everyone gets excited. Even when we play in Guatemala City or Monterrico when we say that we’re from Antigua they get that connection too with Antigua and they can relate it to us.’
Pablo then spoke about where they want to go with The Payson.
‘We want to move with our generation. We know that our generation likes and loves Latin pop. So, we are planning to make our own music next year. But we want to give a little bit of everyone like David and Alan who are jazz players and they bring all these beautiful harmonies to pop.
Emilio Mendez (owner of the Saul Mendez) https://saulemendez.com/gt/somos/ was at their school graduation and saw how the band engaged with the audience. He saw their potential and their connection with their generation. David recounted what happened next.
‘Emilio arranged a meeting and we got a personal stylist and he picked our clothes based on our personality. In exchange we will be performing for his events, fashion shows and the places that he supports for charity.’
Being a personal friend to Joyce Payson for many years, I have listened to The Payson many times, their warmth and energy shines through in their music. Having a mentor like Emilio Mendez plus their natural talent could well mean that their dream of being Guatemala’s band of the generation come true!
You can find The Payson on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thepaysonband/ where you will find their upcoming gigs. Pablo Payson can be found on Spotify.
