In this episode, I talk with musician and sound engineer Emily Smith Payton about the creative thread that has run through her life from childhood to her career today.

Emily and I grew up in the same community and shared many of the same early arts experiences, especially Mrs. Lewis’s school productions, which shaped so many of us. Although we were in different years and never on stage at the same time, those productions helped spark Emily’s love for the team aspect of music and theater.

Emily followed her older brother into drumming at a young age and carried that interest into her studies at Emerson College in Boston, where she took audio and sound very seriously. After graduating, she kickstarted her career at the legendary Avedis Zildjian Company, connecting her percussion background with one of the most iconic names in music.

Over time, Emily found her way back to her original goal of running sound in professional theater. It is a role that suits her well, blending technical skills, calm energy, and a genuine appreciation for helping performers feel supported.

In our conversation, she shares stories from behind the scenes, including memorable moments working with artists like Mick Fleetwood and Billie Joe Armstrong, as well as the everyday work of helping people feel comfortable on stage, whether they are seasoned performers or wearing a mic for the first time.

We also talk about her band Ali and the Biddies, which she performs in with longtime friends and her husband, keeping music in her life in a way that feels authentic and fun.

What stands out about Emily is her grounded, working class approach. She brings a steady presence to every room and treats everyone with the same level of respect, whether they are rock legends or first time actors.

Our conversation went so long that we did not even cover much of her more recent career and life updates, so I have already rebooked her to continue the conversation in a few months. There is much more to explore.

🎧 Listen now to hear Emily’s journey and the many paths a creative life can take.

Link to Emily's Interview with Mick Fleetwood

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Shout outs in the ep:

@emilybongos

@aliandthebiddies

@alihow611@enthusedkyle

@zildjiancompany

@emersoncollege

@mrslewis

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Support Creative Pathways Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing art programming to Brockton youth. Donate at creative-pathways.com/donate.

Follow on Instagram:
@creativepathwaysproject

 @bethbaileypottery

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Music by ⁠Greg Loftus⁠ — find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

⁠Greg on Instagram⁠

Intro/outro music “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full licensing permission of the artist.