Chris Payn: From Dorset Stages to International Airwaves

For years, Chris Payn has been a familiar face on stages across Dorset and beyond, building a reputation as a passionate performer, songwriter and frontman. Now, as American radio stations begin playing his music and inviting him for interviews, the Dorset musician finds himself entering an exciting new chapter.

While juggling solo performances, appearances with Chris Payn & The Parade, a new collaborative duo project and a recently formed rock supergroup, Payn remains focused on one thing above all else: establishing his own identity as an artist.

That journey has inspired what may be his most personal body of work yet.

His forthcoming album documents a period of significant change following the end of Hightown Parade, a chapter that prompted him to look inward and fully embrace his own creative vision.

A Soundtrack to Reinvention

Drawing inspiration from legendary artists such as Queen, Meat Loaf and David Bowie, Payn has crafted a record packed with theatrical energy, soaring melodies and ambitious arrangements.

Rather than simply recreating the sounds that inspired him, he has used those influences to shape something distinctly his own.

"I've made a real effort to make the dialogue between guitars and keyboards feel relentless and exciting."

Beyond the musical ambition, the album explores a wide range of lyrical themes. From observations on world leaders and society's apparent disconnect from political ideas, through to addiction, relationships and everyday social interactions, the songs reflect a songwriter wrestling with both the world around him and the thoughts within.

At its heart, however, the album is deeply personal.

"It is an honest insight into the chaos of dealing with the conflicts of my own thoughts and perspectives."

For listeners, that honesty may prove to be the record's greatest strength.

Working with Rock and Roll Royalty

As Payn continues to develop his solo career, opportunities have emerged that many musicians can only dream of.

One of the highlights of Chris Payn’s career came when renowned boogie-woogie pianist Ben Waters, who has worked with everyone from Cher to The Rolling Stones, invited him to perform in St Kitts and Nevis. The opportunity took Chris’s music to audiences far beyond Dorset and introduced him to international audiences.

There, Payn met singer-songwriter Chris Jagger. Despite being the younger brother of Rolling Stones icon Mick Jagger, it was Chris's own musicianship and character that immediately caught Payn's attention.

"The fact he was Mick's brother didn't really phase me too much. I was more intrigued by his earthy, rootsy approach to music and his charismatic aura."

The pair spent time sharing songs, jamming on the beach and developing a friendship that would eventually lead to a creative partnership.

Back in the UK, they have continued performing together and are now working on original material.

For Payn, it represents an opportunity to explore a style of music he has rarely ventured into before.

"It's earthy, rootsy, a musical place that I've never had the chance to explore, and who better to do it with than Chris, who has pretty much been there from the start of rock 'n' roll."

A New Supergroup Takes Shape

As if that wasn't enough, another exciting project emerged when Payn reconnected with Dorset guitarist Brett Smith-Daniels.

What started as a mutual admiration quickly evolved into something much bigger.

Smith-Daniels approached Payn with an idea involving former Guns N' Roses drummer Frank Ferrer, and the answer was immediate.

"He told me that Frank Ferrer was interested in doing something with him and he wanted me to front it. It didn't take much convincing."

The project would eventually become The Slax, featuring Ferrer, Smith-Daniels, Russell Marsden of Band Of Skulls and bassist Stefan Bielik.

For a musician who grew up idolising Guns N' Roses, sharing a stage with Ferrer felt surreal.

"I'd seen Frank play with Guns N' Roses three times. They were and still are one of my favourite bands."

"It was like we had played together for years."

The band's debut performance quickly attracted attention, even earning coverage from BBC South Today. Despite battling the early stages of strep throat, Payn says the chemistry between the musicians was immediate.

With plans already being discussed for future shows and original material, the project looks set to continue gathering momentum.

Looking Ahead

For Chris Payn, the past year has been one of transformation.

A deeply personal solo album. Growing international attention. Collaborations with respected musicians from across the rock world. New creative partnerships that continue to open unexpected doors.

Yet despite the impressive names and growing recognition, the focus remains firmly on the music.

The new album captures an artist stepping into his own identity, embracing uncertainty and turning personal experiences into songs that connect.

And with listeners now discovering his music on both sides of the Atlantic, it feels like this next chapter may only be the beginning.