Will Payne Harrison Still Feelin’ the Payne
About a year ago, famed musician/producer/critic Rick Beato released a YouTube post stating that it has become “too easy” (in his words) to make music, lessening the overall quality of what we put into our ears. And, in one sense, he’s correct – more music naturally begets more shitty music. But it also gives artists a more streamlined path to getting their music out into the world. This seems particularly relevant to two records in this week’s slate of releases – albums from Jonathan and Abigail Peyton and Will Payne Harrison. We’ll look at the Peytons’ record in a separate review, and we’ll focus on Harrison’s album here. The Louisiana native writes, records and promotes his own material, and his newest album, Still Feelin’ the Payne, builds on his track record of no-frills, old-school country music that bypasses all-too-easy sentiment and aims straight for the gut.
More than a decade and several albums into a Nashville-based career, Harrison is well-versed in the ups and downs afforded an independent musician in Music City, and Still Feelin’ The Payne has him pushing back against the downs. From the first lines of the fiddle-driven “Dusk to Dawn” – “Stuck behind this desk again” – he pines for what so many of America’s commute sloggers and work-from-homers really want: time on the road. His, though, comes in the form of a vehicle loaded down in gear and merch, a seat that he craves despite the hardships – “I will tour all my days.” Compare that to the Bakersfield-esque “Empty Pockets,” where he chooses between staying put – and unhappy – and chasing his dream: “I’m givin’ everything I got just for empty pockets/But I’m hopin’ for some change.”
I’d imagine that the best part of the independent artist lifestyle is makin’ music with your friends, and that joy, looseness and enthusiasm shines through in several spots on the record. Longtime partner in crime Van Plating plays fiddle on several songs and chips in counterpoint vocals on the lovesick “I Ain’t the Man for You” – “I try to give you my sunshine/But you still want to be blue.” Tourmate Matt Moran adds appropriately roadweary (and work-weary) vocals to “Dust to Dawn” – “So tired of staring at screens all day long.” And up-and-comer liv. adds extra twang ‘n’ vinegar to album-capper “Sagebrush” – “He’s a fast talkin’ man who can’t shut his mouth/And I’m a woman with burnin’ ears.” All of them make their own music, as well, and it’s worth checking out, but Still Feelin’ the Payne is Harrison’s story, felt most deeply in “Daddy Daughter Time.” Aided by fiddle and some gorgeous Dobro work from Christopher Bauer, Harrison doesn’t shy away from the distractions he encounters – “She’s tryin’ to get my attention/But I’m too busy on my phone” – but ends up recognizing that staying present during moments that won’t repeat is a far more powerful call than the road.
Song I Can’t Wait to Hear Live: “Honky Tonk Heart” – this twanger features an irresistible beat and a ripping guitar solo. If I danced, I’d hit the floor for this one.
Still Feelin’ the Payne was mixed, mastered and engineered by Will Payne Harrison. Musicians on the album include Harrison (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, electric bass, banjo), Tim Kuras (drums), Stephie Gee (drums, percussion), Nelson Williams (upright bass), Adam Guillory (electric guitar), Christopher Bauer (pedal steel, Dobro), Van Plating (fiddle, harmony and guest vocals), Jason Harrell (fiddle), Dan Moran (keys, piano), Christopher Lockett (harmonica), Austin Mayse (trumpet), Jesse Reaux (banjo), Matt Moran (harmony and guest vocals) and liv. (harmony and guest vocals).
Go here to order Still Feelin’ the Payne (out August 15): https://www.willpayneharrison.com/store
Check out tour dates here: https://www.willpayneharrison.com/tour
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Video Premiere: Will Payne Harrison “Freetown”
