Paytra
NYC based artist Paytra has just released her newest single titled “Villain Era”.
Produced by Eric Cohen, “Villain Era” is an empowering record dedicated to anyone who’s ever been in a toxic relationship. Anthemic and energetic, Paytra invites her listeners to break free.
“Villain Era” is a smash. Go take a listen now !
Photo credit: Eddin Martinez
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi, I’m Paytra! I’m an alt/pop/hip-hop artist based in NYC, and my passion has always been writing and performing music. I grew up in a small town and was super shy, and music was the one thing that allowed me to find myself and my voice. I’ve made it my mission to empower others to do the same.
What did you grow up listening to?
Oh my!!! Well, my dad was in a rock band, so I got all the Queen, Billy Joel, Beatles, etc. And my mom was a pop/hiphop/r&b/funk junkie, so Beyonce, Usher, TLC, Eminem, and James Brown were staples in my house. So, I really listened to a blend of these genres. The very first experience I had playing music was classical. Then I fell in love with Alicia Keys's “Songs in A Minor” album and that led me to write my own songs.
When did you know you had to be an artist and release your original music?
I think I knew it when I was 5 years old after I learned my first song on the piano. I just loved it. It was the only thing that no one had to ask me to do. Then, after my first talent show, where I (nervously) performed, the feeling I got after was like no other. I knew I had to get better at performing and make it my career.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you, professionally?
My parents. I know I’m lucky to be able to say that, but they really believed in me and pushed me to follow my dreams. Luckily, I never had to convince them that I was serious about pursuing music, which made a lot of my decisions a lot easier.
"Villain Era" is your new single - what's the inspiration behind this song?
Someone very close to me (not going to share who, or she’ll kill me, laughs) went through a breakup, and I wanted to write a song to show her the bright side of leaving that jerk. I feel like so many people can relate to this feeling of being sad that something is over, but also excited to take on your ‘villain era,’ because you no longer have to answer to someone else and can be YOU!
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song? Who helped you create it?
My producer, Eric, had a really strong idea about the chorus when I first heard it. We knew that we wanted to have a song called “Villain Era,” and he really delivered!!! When I heard his inspiration, it was a matter of an hour before the verses and choruses were written. I think the hardest part was creating a bridge that beat the rest of the song in terms of energy. It took us a few tries before we landed with the current version of the full song!
What's your favorite lyric on "Villain Era"?
“No more of the dedicating of love to someone who needed saving. It’s your turn for misbehaving. It's about time for you Villain Era!” I feel like this thoroughly describes the experience of being in a toxic relationship and breaking free.
What does this song make you feel?
It honestly makes me wanna get on stage and just hype up a crowd. It gives me so much energy because even though it's about a relationship, it really can be used to empower whenever. If you’re having a bad day, get into your Villain Era mindset, and you’ll be ready to go! laughs
What made you want to release "Villain Era" as a single?
I think my producer and I both thought that it was too strong of a song with an epic chorus to not have its own time to shine. As an independent artist, it can be challenging to push multiple songs at the same time. So having singles allows you to focus your resources on ONE song, and give it the best chance of doing well.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
This jacket was screaming “Cruella De Vil,” and while she’s a terrible villain, she's (arguably) the most fashion-forward one, laughs. When I did this photo shoot, I immediately knew that this outfit was going to be villain era.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this song?
I want them to know that putting themselves first is NEVER wrong. If people call you the Villain for doing what’s best for you, so be it. And if you feel unvalued where you are, surround yourself with people who will see your worth!!
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
The hardest part is everything, laughs, just kidding. But it is extremely challenging. For most of the first years, you are not making money and you’re constantly creating art that no one is listening to. Of course, you make music because you love it, but when you’re pursuing a career, numbers inevitably matter. So I think balancing those things mentally is probably the most challenging thing for me.
The best part is when you finally get it right. When you connect with people who listen. When your music helps someone find their inner confidence or voice. I have had so many of those moments recently and honestly, it makes all those years of struggle worth it.
What's it like to be a woman in the music industry? What message do you want to give to women out there?
There’s good and bad. I think many will understand when I say that many times, people underestimate you because you’re a woman. Or they want to control you, and challenge your authority, even if you’re the one paying them! I’m sure it was a mixture of me being young and a female, but I have really had to fight hard to maintain my voice. The good part is that I get to truly embrace my femininity in my art. There is something so special about that, and I never want to downplay it.
I think the best advice I could give is to know that you may have to be the “bitch” sometimes or stand up sternly for what you want. Again– don’t let anyone guilt you into thinking that setting your boundaries is a character flaw.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I know that this will never change, and I’m certainly not one to complain. But I really wish that social media was not more important than music. It sometimes feels that way. You have to be a prodigy in the studio, but also a full-time social media influencer. If you aren’t getting the numbers online, it’s difficult to get anyone to listen to your music. So yeah, I’d change that in a perfect world!
What biggest lessons have you learned since the beginning of your career?
Never sacrifice your happiness or health for anything. You will never be the best artist you can be if you sacrifice either of those two things.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
If everyone genuinely wanted others to be happy. Just because someone doesn't live like you, doesn't mean they are wrong. I wish we all had more love and understanding.
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