Payo-tea

Melissa Etheridge, Joan Osbourne, Paula Cole....and ME?!

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:02:00 -0400

Hello There!!

So I am happy to report that yesterday I just got the MASTERED VERSION OF MY UPCOMING EP!! Yes, I am shouting that. It’s taken a little longer than I had anticipated, but art happens on its own time. It’s also very exciting to step into a new sound that actually feels like home. This city girl’s gone country. It feels so right.

This summer I’ll be playing the Ravinia Festival (http://www.ravinia.org/ViewDate.aspx?show=571) with 3 women that I have idolized, studied and covered back when I just starting singing and performing. Joan Osbourne, Paula Cole and Melissa Etheridge.

I used to sing Joan Osbourne’s “(What if God Was) One of Us” in church with my dad when I was 14.

I learned how to tell a story through song with Paula Cole’s “I Am So Ordinary”.

When I was at Boston’s Berklee College of Music I was chosen to sing Melissa Etheridge’s “I’m the Only One” at Singer’s showcase…and then years later I actually got to sing that song with Melissa herself as she was getting her star on the Walk of Fame.

You know, this year’s been an interesting one. There’s been a mad whirl of changes. My heart was broken by the man I thought I’d spend my life with, I ran out of all of my money and living on couches but now I feel like the pendulum is swinging upwards. It has to…I’ve gone down and now there’s always up.

Harlow's in Sacramento Sold Out and live in studio performance at KRSH radio

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:24:00 -0400

Happy Tuesday my friends!

This week I hit the road up Northern Cal with Toad the Wet Sprocket! I got a few new songs written over the past few weeks that I’m stoked to play for you all. Also, my new EP is almost out of the oven for you to taste. I can’t wait for that. I’m really proud of how it’s all coming together

Also, on Monday 4/15 9am I will be doing a live in studio performance at Santa Rosa’s 95.9 KRSH (Krush) radio! So tune in for that (www.krsh.com).

Upcoming dates:

4/11 Slo Brew, San Luis Obispo, CA

4/12 Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz, CA

4/13 Harlow’s, Sacramento, CA

4/14 McNear’s Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, CA

4/15 Krush Radio 95.9, Santa Rosa, CA

A broken heart in the woods (Also, more Toad the Wet Sprocket Dates!)

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:52:00 -0400

Hello lovelies!

I just spent a week in a cabin in the woods shooting new photos, reading poetry and writing new songs. I’m nursing a broken heart which is an opportune time to dive into music to find my way out of the dark. In this new stage of my life, I’m looking forward to what’s beyond the life I knew. Sometimes I want to quit. But that is a passing thought and at the end of the day, there’s a song in that…and there’s people that have experienced the same thing that want to hear these songs.

So there’s that…thanks for reading. I’ve got some shows coming up for you. So come out and let’s feel it all…FEEL IT ALL!

3/7 Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA

3/8 The Canyon Club, Agoura, CA

3/9 The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA

4/11 Slo Brew, San Luis Obispo, CA

4/12 Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz, CA

4/13 Harlow’s, Sacramento, CA

4/14 McNear’s Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, CA

New Tour dates added and "Heaven Help Me" on itunes

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:05:06 -0500

Happy Monday my friends and online socializers!

I’m stoked some of you purchased the single “Heaven Help Me”! Share it with your friends…there’s a message in there for all of us. I use it as a constant reminder to ease my restless, reckless mind. Alright enough poetry for now: Click below to download the song!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heaven-help-me-single/id593960470

Also, I’m playing a bunch of shows this Spring with Toad the Wet Sprocket! Check em out:

3/7 Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA

3/8 The Canyon Club, Agoura, CA

3/9 The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA

4/11 Slo Brew, San Luis Obispo, CA

4/12 Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz, CA

4/13 Harlow’s, Sacramento, CA

4/14 McNear’s Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, CA

6/29 Ravinia Festival with Melissa Etheridge, Joan Osbourne, Paula Cole http://www.ravinia.org

Single "Heaven Help Me" now available on itunes!

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:06:36 -0500

Click on the link below to purchase my single “Heaven Help Me” produced by Andy Clockwise!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heaven-help-me-single/id593960470

An answer to a question

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:24:53 -0500

I’m happy to announce that I’ll be playing the Ravinia Festival on June 29th. Yesterday they sent me a few questions to answer prior to the show. I thought I’d share my answer to question 8.

8. Who was the most influential person in your music career and why?

The most influential person is by far my dad. I really wasn’t planning on a life of music. I thought I was gonna be a go-go dancer or a painter (all very practical careers). My dad played in many bands growing up. I thought it would be fun to sing a few tunes with his friends. So, he assembled a band with some musicians from church and booked me a gig at a coffee shop called the Hot House. I picked out my favorite songs by Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. After a few shows, we got some attention because I was so little, young and loud. So my dad started writing the songs. We played in a band from when I was 13 to 18. During this time, he taught me how to lead a band, how to write a song and played me music that inspired my contemporaries. He had a passion for artists that could channel emotion in a simple riff or a one line phrase. He introduced me to the great blues players like Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon and such. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be doing music like I am today and I have him to thank. He’s passed on now but I still feel like he’s guiding me throughout my life’s decisions especially in music. I am happy to know that in someway, I am carrying out his legacy.

Hello 2013! A little note from yours truly.

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:28:16 -0500

Happy New Year! (Yes…7 days late in saying so)

But it seems to me that TODAY is when the year starts for a lot of folks. We’re now back in the grind with a clean slate and a list of resolutions under our belts (mine is a little tighter after the holiday food and drink).

2012 was a wonderful year. Granted there were some pitfalls but the victories are never as sweet without those valleys. I’ve been so grateful to finally be in a place where I’m playing music that is 100% all me and to have people resonate with it, has been the cherry on top!

Of course, in this very moment there’s a mixture of true excitement for what’s to come and a whole lotta “holy shit, Jessie, don’t mess it up”…but I’ve always worked well under pressure. The scary thing is, if I may be totally candid, is that usually if I feel like I’m gaining any sort of momentum, I tend to back down out of fear…I’ve been a self-proclaimed self saboteur…

I haven’t made my list of resolutions but as I write this, it’s apparent that I RESOLVE to let go of that part of me and really take this road as far as I can take it. I fully believe that where ever it takes me, I was destined for it. I think, in the past, I wasn’t quite ready. The beautiful part between my wins and losses, there’s always something valuable to walk away with.

I hope you can read this and take away something for yourself. Much love and good fortune to all of you in 2013!

Jessie

Pianos~Joe's Pub~Livestream

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 21:06:34 -0500

I’m sitting backstage after my set in Ridgefield, CT. The crowd was warm and loving despite the horrible tragedy that happened in Newtown. I’m happy that apart of my job as a musician is to entertain, thus creating an escape for those in need of a happy distraction. Or to feel like they’re not alone.

As the tour comes to a close, I am filled to the brim with gratitude that I can share my love, desires, laughs and uphill battles with strangers every night and there’s always at least one person who can relate. We are not so different.

But I’m not done yet!!
Monday Dec 17th
Pianos (Lady Gaga’s old haunt lol)
158 Ludlow, NY
9pm

Aaand….the legendary
Joe’s Pub (two shows)
425 Lafayette st., NY
6:30
9:30

For those who can’t get to the Big Apple, I’ll be live broadcasting on Livestream.
Dec. 18th 9:30 EST
Http://www.livestream.com
(I’m featured on the first page!)

Sending holiday love!
Jessie

Coming to NY! City Winery Dec. 15th and Pianos Dec. 17th

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:25:37 -0500

So far the tour has been just wonderful and I’m loving all of the new friends I’ve been meeting along the way!

Looking forward to coming to the Big Apple especially since I will be celebrating my birthday when I fly out on the 14th!

I’d like to invite you to two fun shows:

City Winery Dec 15th
155 Varick St., New York
7pm

Pianos Dec 17th
158 Ludlow street, New York
7:30pm

Sending love from Nashville!!
Xo

Nashville! Dec. 2nd @ 3rd and Lindsley

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:46:40 -0500

This will be THE first time I’ve ever been to Nashville…and first time playing there!

I can’t wait to get back on the road with Eric Hutchinson for his Almost solo Tour. I’ll have two new songs to work out and some new covers. So far, Hutch fans are nothing short of awesome so I am looking forward to meeting more!

3rd and Lindsley (818 3rd South Nashville, TN)

December 2nd Doors 7pm

ME: 8PM

This will be fun…I might pull out my favorite Gillian Welch song “Tennessee”

Cuz you’re the only Ten I See (wink wink)

City Winery Dec. 15th in NYC

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 08:55:06 -0500

Thanks to all of you that tuned into my Stageit performance last night…thinking of doing more of those!

Looking forward to coming to New York this winter and in the meantime I’m writing songs to freshen up the set!

More news to follow!!
Xo
Jessie

Watch my Stageit Performance Mon. Nov 12th 6pm PT 9pm ET

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:32:51 -0500

Stageit show Monday November 12 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET

http://www.stageit.com/jessie_payo/live_from_my_living_room/15543

Feeling a little blue because I just LOVED being on the road. But the fun really doesn’t stop now.

I’m doing a show for you that you can watch where ever you want…on your computer!! This will be my FIRST stageit performance this coming Monday November 12th 6pm PT 9pm ET! I’ll be playing most of my own tunes as well as my favorite covers! Because it’s online, you can comment, request or play along with me. It’ll be a blast!

I might even do my song about Peanut Butter…we’ll see about that one:)

Back to LA!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 07:45:05 -0500

I’m sitting at my gate more than an hour before my flight…and I’m hurting. The boys and I celebrated after our show last night and made a dent in the CVS snack aisle.

On the other hand, there’s so much to look forward to. Every time I know I’m coming home to Los Angeles I get overwhelmed with excitement. Don’t get me wrong, I love traveling but L.A.’s one of those cities that’s a grab bag of fun (much like the Ruffles and Flips bag I combined last night). I’m looking forward to warm weather, writing sessions, adventures in wigs, green juices, ballet barres, kissing, screaming around a piano and a big lazy Pitbull in my face!
I CAN’T WAIT!

…but right now…I’m just hung over. This too shall pass. See you muthalickas with your Bailey’s soon;)

See you tonight at Ram’s Head, Baltimore

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 14:16:42 -0500

See you tonight at Ram’s Head, Baltimore

Ram's Head in Baltimore Tonight 7pm

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 09:28:36 -0500

The first leg of this Almost Solo Tour comes to an end this evening at the Ram’s Head in Baltimore!

I fly home tomorrow and the feeling is bittersweet. Of course I am happy to come home to my awesome friends, family, bf and Betty (my Pitbull!!!). But I really love traveling from city to city, from stage to stage sharing my music, jokes and stories with new friends and listeners!

But now comes the other side of the job…the writing. I have a dam of inspiration ready to burst. At the end of the day, it’s the SONGS that make it or break it.

Thank you to everyone for your unending support and positivity! I’m ready for a killer show tonight to top off this tour!
Xo Jessie

"Heaven Help Me" video is up!

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 18:36:03 -0400

"Heaven Help Me" video is up!:

Shot this in the hills of good ol Fryman Canyon! Enjoy it and play it for your loved ones!

Pianos show in NY is Canceled

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:31:31 -0400

Hey friends. It’s probably no surprise that I won’t make it to NYC for our shows. My heart aches for those who lost their homes and loved ones as well as those who are trying to get by without resources in our Beloved big city.

But you can help via text!
Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10. It took me less than a minute.

In other news, we have one show left in this leg of the Almost Solo Tour! It went by so fast and it’s been nothing short of amazing. In an earlier blog, I expressed my fears and anxieties regarding this tour. Now after many shows behind us and new friends made, this has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life as a musician. I am truly meant to do this.

I’ve learned by challenging myself to push against my own limitations brings me to realize that we are all deserving of greatness!

I encourage you do the same. The rewards are plentiful.
Love from Philly
Xo Jessie

Live at Pianos, NYC Nov 3rd!!

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 08:49:52 -0400

Come celebrate survival of the storm with me this coming weekend!

Piano’s
158 Ludlow st.
New York, NY
6:30pm (Happy Hour)

On the Road to Londonderry

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:32:57 -0400

Hey There Friends and Lovers!

I’m in a Sprinter Van with the band and our two tour managers. Can’t believe there’s wifi on this thing…so I thought this would be a great opportunity to catch everyone up on the tour!

This has been by far one of best adventures I’ve ever experienced. Every night I still get 50,000 butterflies in my stomach about an hour before the show. My palms are sweaty, I apply too much makeup and I pace up and down the hallways backstage nervously talking to the staff. Once I get onstage and break the ice, it all goes away and I realize that there’s no mistake that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

So far, I’m loving all of the people, the cities, the band hangs and the fact that when I wake up each morning, for just these few weeks, I know that I can call myself a legitimate musician. Bliss is doing what you love…and I’m fully Blissed Out!!

That’s it for now. We’re driving all day to get to the East Coast. Tomorrow we hit the Tupelo Music Hall in beautiful New Hampshire!

Hope to see you along the tour!

From you spicy little Payo…xo Jessie

A healthy dose of fear

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 22:02:26 -0400

I woke up this morning at 5:30 in the morning in a panic…holy crap…a week from today is my first show with Eric Hutchinson. It’s the kick off show for me opening for the Almost Acoustic Tour….I think I’m prepared?

This is going to be a short tour but to me, it’s a milestone. Never in my 15 years of performing/writing music have I toured completely solo (on guitar) playing all original material. I worry that I don’t have the guitar chops to carry myself on a tour at this level.

Let me be completely candid in expressing that I. AM. TERRIFIED!!!

So I launched myself out of bed this morning and played the songs over and over again all morning. I started to pick apart my guitar work and realized that I’ve been taking shortcuts in my playing. So, I brought myself back to basics…back to the metronome.

As this day comes to a close, I already feel a little bit more prepared than I felt early this morning. I’m starting to get excited. I want this to be fun. I don’t want it to be as frightening as I’m making it out to be.

A little bit of fear is good. If I didn’t jump out of bed in a cold sweat, I wouldn’t have committed the day to my instrument, to the songs…the foundation of what this is all about.

To those in LA…come witness the fruits of my labor. Come see what I sound like after a week and a half of constant rehearsal. I’ll be playing the exact set that I’m taking on the road. I’ll be completely stripped of the band feeling cold and naked (not in a forest gump jenny kind of way, mind you).

Tickets here: https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=1828