Hiya, my name is Rhian Payne, i'm 35 and have been singing and writing songs since my early twenties. I started out writing poetry and then i got my first guitar from a car boot sale. I had a few lessons but that didnt last long!
I started singing in church at 24 and started writing my own songs. Being around other musicians, i would pick up the guitar and just play by ear. I'm still playing by ear, although my knowledge of chords has improved somewhat! Half the time i dont know what chords i'm playing, but my theory is, if it sounds right, it sounds right!!
The turning point for me was when i went back to Bridgend college to do an evening class in 'Perfforming Arts' in 2000. My intention was to do 'Foundation Art', until my mother suggested the performing arts course instead. Best thing i ever did. Ta Mam xxx.
Whilst in college, I got into my first band called 'The Funks', began to find my voice, had the time of my life and the best laugh. Big shout out to Phill, Roger, Keith and Christian. Thanks guys.For some strange reason, when i finished my college course, i decided to join the Army! I wanted to do it when i was in my teens but never did so late twenties i join up. Sometimes the only way to find out if somethings not for you is to do it. Not that i wasnt any good mind, i was nominated for 'Best Recruit', but one of the lads in my Platoon got it. I completed 12 weeks Basic Training at the Army Training Centre Winchester then went onto Phase 2 Training in Chichester, I went in for Military Police. I think the red berets swung it for me. Anyway, it was in Phase 2, before squad training started that i realized it wasnt for me. Mabye it had something to do with the rollicking i had on the morning of inspection, when Seargant saw my guitar sticking out on top of my wardrobe. "What's that Payne?".......to which i replied......"My guitar Seargant"............"Get rid of it"...................!!! Great experience though, made some good friends, but piled on the pounds. I did like the food i have to say. I remember the relief i felt when i sat on the station platform waiting for my train, legs resting on my huge black wheely bag, drinking coffee, and calling my mother to tell her that i was on my way home.I have worked with some great singer/songwriters since then, such as Fiona Stephenson, Lee Jenkins, Phil James, Jonathan James, Jenni Jones, Alan Coopy, Tim and Namaste Nicolai, Jason Rogers, Dean Cadogen, Meilir Wyn, 'Pumed Person', Mike Taki, all of whom have contributed greatly to my development. Thank you.xI moved to Cardiff from Bridgend in October 2005 to pursue music. After spending time in Cardiff with a friend of mine Alex, i developed a heart for the place and just had to be here.I started singing and playing the guitar in open mics at 'Shot in the Dark' and the 'Toucan' when it was on St Mary Street and continued to do open mics in different venues and in the 'Toucan' when it moved to Clifton St.I then got offered a slot at 'Clwb Ifor Bach', by a friend Paul Clarke, who organises the Cardiff 'Meltdown'; to play 3 of my songs. This was a real boost for me and prepared me for my second solo gig at old 'Tantra' bar, Cardiff, which i got through a friend Nick that i had met from the 'Toucan'. I did 8 songs in all and they went down really well.It was at the Toucan that i met Meilir Wyn, welsh singer/songwriter. After hearing me perfform, Meilir asked if i'd be interested in joining him and the other in the band, Javi Matheo Franco (drums and percussion) and Rob Clarke (guitar), to do a Welsh project. I jumped at the chance, and 'Pumed Person' was born. We did a slot on 'Wedi Tri', where i got to meet Elinor and share her couch and since then came 3rd place in 'Song for Wales', which took place on March 2nd 2007 at the 'Afan Lido' in Port Talbot. I am no longer with the band as i decided i wanted to put my energies into writing and perfforming my own songs.Being in Cardiff, I have met some amazing people who have inspired, encouraged, supported me no end, and made me laugh!! Jude and Matt ( Jesus Rocks); Rich, Fluff, Sall, Tim, Beth and Ant, Pete Driscoll; The Late Dai Cove (who kindly recorded my very 1st solo acoustic demo), Namaste and Tim Nicolai, Gareth Lewis (I've got my own mic now you'll be pleased to know!); Andy Stone, Jenni Jones (the other half of 'Cherokee Louise' and the one who recorded 'Lie Down' and added her beautiful harmonies, her guitar and harmonica, she is a real talent. Tanya Walker, Holly Jones, Andy Pek (is that a tall Americano!); Kath and Paul (aka Zervas and Pepper); Jim Jam (who always encouraged me at open mics and bigged up my songs!); Meilir Wyn, Javi Matteo Franco and Rob Clarke of 'Pumed Person'; Jason Rogers of 'The Arc of Stars', (who produced 4 of my lovely toons; 'I Think of You', 'Pillow Files', 'The Bridge' and 'The Men I Love'); thanks Jay, nice work 'n tha', Word up Dictionary Dog; and last but certainly not least, Dean Cadogen (DC, Strangetown Productions), who wrote and produced the track 'Come Back to Me' for which I do the vocals on his site, and who did an amazing job producing my track 'High'. As well as other things, got me up and running on myspace and took some half tidy photo's of me. (Thanks Love).I then got together with two friends, Jenni Jones (who i met at the Toucan when i first moved to Cardiff; and Alan Coopy ( who i met through Jen.) The 3 of us were playing together at a few open mics around Cardiff, doing mostly original stuff which was great. Then it was just me and Jen, two guitars, harmonica, shakers (i still got your eggs Al, they're in good hands!). We called ourselves 'Cherokee Louise'. Even though Cherokee Louise didn't stand the test of time, it did get outside of Jenni's living room and got a chance to air itself.In January 2008 i started work at the 'Funky Buddha Lounge', Cathays, Cardiff. Between us, we decided to start an open mic on Sundays. I organised the open mic every week for just over a year and it was a real success. Initially i had the help of friends Daley Boscher and Gareth Lewis to work the sound for me, until i eventually learnt how to do it myself. I really didnt want to learn, because i'm not the most technical brain!! But circumstance pushed me out of my comfort zone and as a result, learnt a great deal and gained much more confidence.I havent performed live for quite some time now, but I am still writing songs. I haven't been able to record any fresh material lately, but I intend to very soon. I have also been rehearsing with and R'n'B covers band for a few weeks, which hopefully will be out gigging very soon.I'm hoping and praying for a breakthrough this year. And if you have had enough patience and interest to read through my lengthy Bio, God Bless you! Your interest is commendable, and may you too get the breakthrough that you hope for.Here's to a great 2010! x
