Q&A: Payday Comes of Age in Kinetic EP 'Trips to Venus'

Q&AMusic

Nov 9

☆ By Britt Astrid Alphson ☆

A MICROPHONE FROM WALMART, FREE MUSIC PRODUCTION SOFTWARE — on a computer, and access to SoundCloud: this is how 18-year-old Payday, the artist best known for her vivid wordplay and bombastic raps, DIYed her way into the music industry. Citing Tyler, the Creator as a major sonic inspiration, Payday’s high voltage tracks similarly defy genre — at one moment, they’re imbued with the dissonant beats of hyper pop and subsequently scatter off into a velvety landscape built by R&B-informed vocals.

Payday grew up traveling state to state with her family and viewed music as the ultimate outlet, her closest friend. This solitude shines through Payday’s lyricism, as deeply introspective sentiments reside just below the surface of colorful hooks; she’s flexing one minute, she’s doubting herself the next. Trips to Venus, the rapper's latest EP, examines coming-of-age themes such as heartbreak and self-destruction with the acidic honesty only teenagers possess.

Having recently toured with Lauv and Hayley Kiyoko, Payday’s single “Big Boy” was synced to Tim Cook’s unveiling of the new iPhones at the Apple keynote — Payday is cashing in, and we’re all along for the trip.

Read below to find out about Payday’s dream collaborator, advice for young creatives, and more.

LUNA: What are some of your main sonic influences?

PAYDAY: I really like the melodies in emo music like Paramore, believe it or not. So many catchy melodies, it’s crazy. I love Hayley Williams’ voice — she’s such a legend! If you think about it, a lot of Olivia Rodrigo’s songs sound like a Disney version of Paramore (in a good way!).

LUNA: I read that you started making music with just a microphone from Walmart and free production software on your computer — now your songs are being synced with the unveiling of new iPhones at the Apple keynote. What would you say to other young artists out there trying to create in a DIY fashion?

PAYDAY: I would say that if music is your passion and you know that, then going ham with the DIY stuff is the best way to go. Use what you have and just go for it! Put in the time and be creative. You might even end up in a damn Apple commercial!

LUNA: With your latest EP, Trips to Venus, were you inspired to venture out in a new direction thematically and musically?

PAYDAY: I feel like I finally got to do what I’ve always wanted to do. I got to be emotionally vulnerable with lyrics, being honest and showing how I’m really feeling. It’s not just songs about flexing and girls and hype shit — it’s genuinely what’s going on with me. Real shit. I got to be more artsy with it, too, which is always a good time, whether it’s the creative [side], the storytelling, visuals, etc.

LUNA: What are the main things you want listeners to take away from listening to Trips to Venus?

PAYDAY: I want them to know that I’m just like you for real! I’m a real-ass person — I bleed blood; I’m not a fictional character. I want people’s perception of who Payday is to change to something new when Trips to Venus comes out.

LUNA: Your music seems to defy genre: there’s elements of pop, rap, and even hyper pop. What is the thing you try to incorporate into each of your songs despite which genre they inch toward?

PAYDAY: I’d say I always try to incorporate a lot of wordplay and punchlines throughout each of my songs and projects, regardless of what the song is about or sounds like.

LUNA: How do you feel your age informs your writing process and what you feel drawn to write about?

PAYDAY: Everything before Trips to Venus feels a bit more bombastic and I’d even say underdeveloped compared to what is on Trips to Venus and what I’m making now (in a good way!). At that time in life, I was growing as a person and learning how to use real studio equipment… all that fun stuff. I was adjusting to living in a new state and finding who I was as a person. There was a lot of change going on, and it really reflects in my music over the last one to two years, which is really cool.

LUNA: Who is your dream artist or producer to collaborate with?

PAYDAY: I WANT TO COLLAB WITH CHARLI XCX! Every time this question comes up in an interview I always say Charli XCX because I am speaking it into existence. She is a legend and I love her. Baddest bitch alive.

LUNA: What are you looking forward to this year?
PAYDAY: I just want to take over. I want to constantly be improving, enjoying, and exploring new sounds, and multiplying my money! I’m looking forward to all the new collaborators and friends I’ll make along the way as well. Let’s go!

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We couldn’t be more stoked to have Suriel Hess as our new headliner for our upcoming LA show 🤩 🫶 Not gonna lie, us & Notorious Noise kinda went OFF with this line up & you’re not gonna wanna miss it - ticket link in bio 🎫