Payton Smith Rocks into 2025 with New Country Track "She Shouldn't Have"

Payton Smith, the Louisiana-born country music artist, has released his latest single "She Shouldn't Have" on January 31, 2025. The artist expressed his excitement about the new song on social media, stating, "Excited to let y'all know 'She Shouldn't Have' is the next single from an album I'm wrapping up. Really proud of this one".
Born on January 26, 2000, in Beaumont, Texas, and raised in Houma, Louisiana, Smith's musical journey started at a young age. He was inspired to pursue a career in music after watching Keith Urban perform at the CMA Awards when he was just five years old. By the age of ten, Smith had received his first guitar and began teaching himself to play, soon after starting to write his own songs.
Smith's musical influences are diverse, spanning from country icons like Keith Urban and George Strait to rock artists such as Pearl Jam and John Mayer. This eclectic mix of inspirations has contributed to his unique sound, which blends traditional country with contemporary styles. The new track "She Shouldn't Have" showcases these influences to the enth degree through its rocking energy, melodic vocals and country sensibilities.
In 2019, Smith released his self-titled debut EP, which showcased his talents not only as a vocalist and songwriter but also as a skilled multi-instrumentalist. He played every guitar part on each track of the EP, demonstrating his prowess as a musician. His debut single, "Like I Knew You Would," amassed over 50 million streams, quickly establishing him as a rising star in the country music scene.
Smith's career has continued to flourish since his debut. In 2023, he released his first full-length album, "What Colors Your Wild," on March 19. The album received significant attention, featuring on several prominent playlists across major streaming platforms. He also released a number of new singles and 2 EP's during 2024.
As Smith continues to evolve as an artist, he remains committed to his craft, both as a songwriter and as a guitarist. He has emphasized the importance of being recognized for his instrumental skills, stating, "It's really important to me that people realize I'm a guitarist as much as a singer". This dedication to musicianship, combined with his songwriting abilities and distinctive vocal style, continues to set Payton Smith apart in the contemporary country music landscape.