Peyton Turner: Lovin' Rock & Rockin' Love by: Jeff Hightower

When you’re a 14 year old girl from Virginia and you start looking at what you want to do with your life. If you’re Peyton Turner, there is only one answer…ROCK N’ ROLL!!! Learning from the school of life, Peyton also got her degree in Voice from the Atlanta Institute of Music. On down the road a way, Peyton became a semi-finalist on VH1’s Rock Star contest. She is currently signed to independent label, Rock Hollow Records. Her next move took her to millions of households as a contestant on VH-1’s Rock of Love II featuring Poison front-man Bret Michaels. Her voice is reminiscent of Janis Joplin, her style is “take no prisoners” and her music…is true rock n’ roll. HM - How is it that you came to be a contestant on Rock of Love II? PT - I was surfing Myspace and actually, was on Jess' page (she won the first ROL) and saw a casting directors page. It was then that I contacted him "just to see what was going on". No specifics. Didn't even know they were casting ROL2. It was a whim but, it worked! Within 2 weeks I was cast and on my way! HM - What is it that makes your music stand out from other rock-n-rollers? PT - I have been told that my songs "pull emotions" out of people. And truly, that's my goal. Music has saved my life, inspired me, made my day, helped me heal and grieve...it touches the deepest part of me. I want my music to do that to people. HM - Music is constantly changing and evolving. What are your thoughts on how you and other artist change with a constantly changing music scene? PT - Well, you definitely have to have your ninch. Over the years, 22 years, of my career, I have had to evolve but I feel I do naturally cause I am constantly evolving as a person which, by default, not so much by design....comes thru in my music. You need to be in the loop of today’s trends but yet, stay true to your inner musical core or you can come off as being contrived. HM - Do think it was a good or bad experience being on reality television while trying to work on your music career at the same time? PT - I think it can work both ways. Obviously, you "sign your life away" by being on reality t.v. for the exposure that comes with it. It has been the good, bad and the ugly for me. However, it did break the "glass ceiling" for me and I'm very grateful. HM - How would you describe the product you make in relation to the industry today? PT - Because I am my product...I just do my thing musically, involve myself in entertainment opportunities and with all of that; my product i.e. me evolves each time. The industry is totally into marketing whatever flaw or gimmick or interest that you bring to the table and with that angle, to work the person's image to make it work. Whatever it takes... as long it represents who you are and not an empty marketing ploy based on a lie. Because at the end of day...you have to deliver! HM - Everyone has their heroes in music that have influenced who they have become. What kind of music and artist molded you into the artist you are today? PT - Led Zeppelin are my Rock Icons. As well as Heart being the power duo of Ann and Nancy Wilson are my female Rock Icons. I am seeped in classic rock. However, it goes back to the blues with me as well. Janis Joplin is/was a huge influence for me. Also, I completely dig 60's rock; The Grass Roots, Hermans Hermits, etc. Jeffrey Steele as well is a total badass. He's a huge country songwriter with a rock-n-roll soul!! So many more.... HM - What are your goals in the music industry? PT - Actually, my goals are ever changing regarding my music career due to time passing, growing older, etc. However, the bottom line is: I want my songs to inspire people, to help them. I want to be remembered for writing songs that changed people's lives, led them to good place or motivated them to keep going on their journey. HM - Not only a singer, but also a writer, what is the typical process you go through when sitting down to write a song? PT - I have no typical process when it comes to songwriting. I can say it hits me out of the blue sometimes and within 5 minutes the whole lyric, melody, arrangement and tune is done! Other times...I can hold onto a verse for years and then, find something randomly and finish the song. There's no telling. I am creatively driven and I don't like to be forced to be creative. The appt. setting writing sessions just aren't my thing. Yet, I've done them before and have had some luck so, I don't count anything completely out. HM - What is the biggest lesson you've learned about the music industry that you had to learn the hard way? PT - I learn big lessons all the time. I guess one thing I can say is patience has been the hardest part of my journey. Yet, my perseverance is second to none. HM - Of all the high's and low's of music, what's your greatest memory so far along your journey? PT - My greatest memory....hmmmm...there are so many! That's like asking me my fave Zeppelin song...I just can't do it!!! But, let me try. I think I would have to say meeting Heart recently along my own musical career path knocked my socks off! Also, the fact that I look back and think...wow....I'm still going...after all these years I'm still in the game. I pride myself on my endurance. It certainly takes a toll. There have been many, many moments where I thought I'd say forget it! But, I never can. This journey is my life; the whole thing has been a beautiful tragedy. It's a rare, tapestry of me in the making...daily. ALM would like to thank the lovely Ms. Turner for taking time to talk with us. We can’t wait to see and hear more from her. From the Nest… Jeff

Click here to visit Peyton's myspace page

Click here for Peyton Turner merchandise

Back to the nest...