Allen Payne

Background: At 14 I used to watch my Uncle Jim play his Gibson at family functions, I remember how he would sit down and start playing, and within minutes everyone in the house was fixated on his playing. He would play soft melodies and then turn around and rock with some sweet rockabilly. I also remember how everyone would stop in time to watch this man make music and effortlessly spin a tale while we the audience listened with amazement. At 14 I started to attempt to play a guitar with 3 strings on it, and once I showed my dad how well I did with 3, he insisted I go with all 6. After a few years in highschool with some friends and a lot of practicing, I learned to play by ear any melody or song I heard and play it by ear. James Taylor, Jim Croce and Kansas would be my teachers and through them I learned to fingerpick. 25 years later, I find myself happy with this talent and writing songs that inspire others as well as strengthen me in the process.

Interests: I am a musician, guitar player, song writer and avid computer nerd. With a family of 6, my wife Candie who also composes with me and 4 adult kids, we live here on the beautiful Monterey Bay in California where I have been lucky to grow up all my life.

Goals: I have one goal, for my music to reach those who it heals. I have never charged for my music and probably never will unless I actually need to. But I really just want someone to hear my songs and stop for a moment and think about a time when life was easy. Like I did when I Uncle would play. I would love to find other musicians like me that want to become better through practice and creatively meld our own stories into song.