Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Payne.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my journey in music in church; where some of the best artists start. I began playing drums. I was shown the basics by my uncle Timmy Payne, by the age of 6 I was playing a full set, with assistance from uncle Timmy. As I grew older I began to craft my own style, and noticed I had really fast hands. I also noticed that I had multiple latent ability’s. Which weren’t discovered until middle school.
My 7th grade year I joined the marching band in my hometown Adair County Marching band. We traveled to different counties performing our routine for the supporters. During these trips we would often practice the music so we would be prepared mentally for the field. No matter how much we practiced the elements always had a wrench to throw in the plan.
We were always doing the more difficult music. Our band director Tim Allen (not from home improvement) was meticulous, and respectfully stern. As much as he laughed he made sure to know his stuff which helped us enjoy our time, and find the balance between work and play.
During my second marching band season I started coming out of my church boy shell. I began noticing that women liked a man who could sing. In fact I had a female friend ask me to sing “let me love you” by Mario, and when I did she sat in my lap. Mind you this is in 8th grade, I was instantly excited.!
She told me to keep singing, and to sing to her every day. Which sparked my latent ability.
I remember being at a competition, and there was a break due to possible bad weather. In the stands while waiting rang out notes not from an instrument, but from me; singing as loud as I could “I got sunshine, on a cloudy day” as soon as I finished the first line of the song everyone was looking at me, some were singing along. Ever since that day I began singing more and more. Fast forward to the present day, and I have a song out called “Set Sail” that has over 30k plays. I’m working on a music video for it.
I sing with a live band. Shoutout to Mr. C, he has one of the best hearts in this business, and truly can be trusted from what I’ve experienced. Between him and Victoria his lady. My son and I are pretty much covered.
I host a lot of the creatives events. The band has instagram @thecreatives.atlanta my instagram is @bunkinpayne
Since moving to Atl after the passing of my dad I have found a community of talented musicians and artists who push me to be better.
I have also met a Gentleman by the name of “Lucky Johnson” Lucky is an honorary member of the band, and has been a vital part of my success thus far. We are not related, but family nonetheless.! He has had my back since day one, and for that I will always support his vision. Lucky is the reason I am in a movie this summer, and the reason I have been in stage plays. My 2 year old son was in a play (then 12 months.)
Lucky is the kind of individual that has helped more people than anyone will ever know. He has family in the industry, but refuses to use his family to get him anywhere. He’s made it thus far off of his own work ethic. Huge shoutout to him for all his efforts in supporting me, and my son!
Huge shoutout to Tunes media and vFloyd for capturing the moments that highlight the incredible talent and chemistry at our shows. If I missed anyone, just know I love ya. Especially you sister from another mister. If not for you I wouldn’t see the greatness in me.!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been extremely difficult.
Growing up in a small town was rough. A lot of my friends are still hooked on meth. A common drug found in Ky because it was easy and cheap to make.
I dabbled in other drugs as well many that could have killed me instantly, so I know I was meant for something.
In a span of a year I lost 4 close friends to drug abuse, and had to cut ties with plenty more. The following year I lost 3 more associates to either self harm or drug usage.
I had to get out, and music was the only way I could see myself getting out, but nobody in my hometown was doing much with music except recording in their basement. Around my freshman year of college a group of us had come together with an og of the game c-work. Founder of pure elements, and struggles followed us there as well. We were having a hard time getting the quality of music we heard on the radio, but we did our best, even performed at a country club in a surrounding town. However there just wasn’t much of a scene for rap or hip hop in this “Bible Belt” of a town.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a country/r&b singer. I also lead worship, and play drums for another church.
I specialize in creating emotion that people can relate to. I am set apart by my ability to come off the dome with a rap that is made up of things around me.
At a live show I’ll use the audience as my muse to make the experience unforgettable. This is my superpower, and why I know it’s only a matter of time before I make an impact in the culture. Like the Mc’s of old.
How do you define success?
Success for me is knowing that my son is taken care of, and wants to be around me. It’s a bonus to make music, and have a community of artists who want to do the same thing. That too can be defined as success, but for me it’s the family impact that will determine if I’m successful.
Pricing:
- Private shows start at 325-500
- Vocal lessons range from 75-150 group or individual
- Drum lessons range from 75-200 group and individual
- I also write, prices vary, and can be negotiated
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bunkinpayne
- Facebook: Joseph Thomas Payne
- Youtube: Bunkin’ Payne
Image Credits
vFloyd
Tunes Media
