by Nancy E. McCarthy
Corning singer Payton Clark was 9 years old when she made her public singing debut. Clark performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a local basketball game. The national anthem is a difficult song to master – even for an experienced singer – and she was nervous. Clark’s voice cracked on the first note. But after a reassuring eye lock with her mother, she started over and her vocals stayed clear and strong. She went on to sing at more sporting events than she can count.
Kathy Lisi of Painted Post caught one of Clark’s early appearances. “I distinctly remember being utterly astonished by the sheer power and maturity of her voice, especially coming from such a young girl,” said Lisi. “Her performance was truly amazing for someone her age, and she immediately became a positive topic of conversation throughout our local community.”
Clark, 22, moved on from gymnasiums and athletic fields to regular appearances as a solo singer/guitarist at various Finger Lakes Region music venues. She plays a mix of cover tunes and an occasional original song or two.
Lisi and her husband Dominic follow Clark’s musical journey on social media (144,000 Facebook followers and growing). They also make a point to attend her shows. “What I enjoy most about watching Payton live is her undeniable stage presence and powerful, strong voice,” Lisi said. “I genuinely believe that Payton was born to sparkle and sing.”
Part dreamer and part realist, Clark continues to mull over what role music will play in her life. Currently she is in her senior year of pursuing an elementary education degree. She’s having a ball as a second grade student teacher in the Corning-Painted Post Area School District.
But her childhood goal of making it in Nashville isn’t completely off the table.
Opening notes
Clark, born and raised in Corning, is the youngest of four siblings. With the exception of her maternal grandfather who played bass, Clark is the only musician in her tight-knit family. Her mother Amie is a nurse, and her father Phil is a car salesman and was a youth/high school football coach. “They’ve both been such strong role models in my life and have been huge supporters in my music career,” Clark said.
“Payton has cultivated a large following, but I would argue that her biggest fans are undoubtedly her parents,” Lisi said. “I’ve rarely, if ever, seen a show without at least one, if not both, of them present.”
Clark describes herself as an “old soul.” Even as a child she loved antiques, vinyl records and anything with a sense of history and character. “Alongside that, I was drawn to creative outlets. Art and music were constant companions for me,” said Clark. In addition to singing, she spent hours sketching and drawing and still does. Clark is an animal lover and currently has five Chihuahuas and a cat.
At first glance, it’s easy to assume that Clark is a country singer. She certainly looks the part with long coiffed tresses, her signature boots and ever-present acoustic guitar (she’s a Breedlove Guitars brand artist/ambassador). But Clark’s musical influences growing up were classic rock, heavy metal and grunge. Forget the popular country singers of her youth like Carrie Underwood or Reba McIntyre. She listened to Guns N’ Roses, Alice in Chains and Skid Row. “If I weren’t performing acoustic sets, I could see myself fronting a hair metal band,” she admitted.
Her live repertoire leans toward softer rock now; she feels it’s more suitable for a gal and a guitar. Her vocal stylings balance grit and vulnerability.
When Clark was 12, before she started playing guitar, she won a local singing competition. The prize was an opportunity to audition for the America’s Got Talent (AGT) television show. She didn’t make the cut, but she was invited again at age 16 by a producer who discovered her on social media. By this time, Clark was playing guitar. She skipped to the front of the line with a private New York City audition. Clark got close to making it on the show but declined another follow-up audition when pressed to sing a country song. She credits the experience as giving her a stronger sense of direction as a performer.
AGT aside, at 12 years old, Clark wasn’t just singing at football games – she was playing football in the Corning Small Fry Football program, too. Her father co-coached with Mike Giannone, also a local singer with the Sam Pallet Band. Giannone brought his guitar to practice one day and accompanied Clark singing “Me and Bobby McGee.” “He saw something in me that day and took him under his musical wing,” Clark said. She has shared a stage with him many times since.
Other area musicians in popular gigging bands mentored and encouraged Clark, from teaching her guitar to offering advice and performing opportunities. Brian Hughes, a solo artist and former lead singer of rock cover band RUST, produced Clark in his studio singing her original song “Don’t Wanna Play.” It was her first professional recording.
Music City
When she was 18, Clark visited Nashville, and it was an eye-opener. “The talent there is incredible, and I felt like a small fish in a big pond,” she said. That experience convinced her to finish her education before deciding on relocating. “While I haven’t ruled it out, my future location will depend on where both life and music take me,” Clark mused. “If an opportunity arises in Nashville, I’d absolutely embrace it.”
Clark has been playing multiple gigs a month since she was 14. It’s part of who she is. Yet, teaching feels like a calling to her, too. She’s been intentional about choosing a career path that permits her to do both. “Teaching provides me with a steady and meaningful profession, while still allowing me the flexibility to perform gigs on weekends and during the summer,” Clark explained. She even sneaks in some daily singing with her young students.
Clark plays a wide range of area venues such as Laurentide Beer Company in Penn Yan, the Radisson Hotel Corning and Grist Iron Brewing Company in Burdett. She appears regularly at Kookalaroc’s bar and grill in Watkins Glen. “Payton is extremely talented and draws quite the crowd,” said Kookalaroc’s front of house manager Julie Moore.
Clark’s love of music extends well beyond her own personal connection and enjoyment. “I love how music can bring people together, and the best part of performing is looking out at a crowd and seeing strangers connect through the same song,” said Clark. “It’s a reminder of how powerful music is in creating community.”
To view Clark’s performing schedule follow her on Facebook or on Instagram @paytonclarkmusic. Visit paytonclarkmusic.com for more information.
