NRA Country presented lots of great music to attendees at this year’s NRA Annual Meetings in Indianapolis. One highlight was multiple performances by Payton Taylor. The daughter of a retired Philadelphia police officer, you may have seen her on the current season of “American Idol.” Her single, “American Born” resonates with fans who proudly have red, white and blue running through their veins. NRA Country’s Vanessa Shahidi took a few moments to ask Payton some questions and get to know her a little better.
VS: What was it like performing at this year’s NRA Annual Meetings?
PT: I was amazed at the number of families I saw in Indy. My favorite experience was when a mother told me she brought her daughter to the Annual Meetings for her 10th birthday. To see a mother and daughter making memories, learning, and spending time together was priceless. I was able to surprise them with a pair of tickets to see Alan Jackson later that night. The little girl thanked me and said it would be her first big concert! It’s moments like that you don’t forget.
VS: Who taught you how to shoot and handle a firearm?
PT: My father won several “sharpshooter” awards while on the police force. Needless to say, when I got to the age where I was going to be on my own, it was time for us to go to the range for some beginner lessons. Over the years, we’ve spent many hours making memories at the range.
VS: NRA Country is a lifestyle brand all about hunting, fishing, being proud to be an American and supporting our military. How does that align with you as an artist?
PT: My favorite part of touring is getting to see this country not just from a tour bus window, but by getting out with the crowds and hearing the stories that connect us. Music is one of those God-given blessings that transcends all boundaries and brings us back to the bigger picture of life. To me, getting outdoors and spending time with my loved ones grounds me. It’s an escape that reminds me of what is really important. As an artist, I can only hope my music can give that same kind feeling. When I wrote my single “American Born,” I wanted to capture all of the stories, people and places I’ve had the blessing of being able to see.
Head to paytontaylor.com to be the first to know about new music, tour dates, videos, and more. NRA Country is a lifestyle and a bond between the country music community and hard-working Americans everywhere. It’s powered by pride, freedom, love of country, respect for the military and the responsibilities of protecting the great American life. For more information visit nracountry.com, follow on Twitter @NRACountry, and NRA_Country on Instagram.
