Payton Smith Extends Publishing Agreement With Eclipse Music Group

Payton Smith has renewed his exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group.

The 21-year-old self-taught musician has always dreamt of playing his own brand of country music, one influenced by ’90s country and guitar rock. With influences stemming from the likes of Pearl Jam and Eric Church, Smith composed and played every string instrument on each track of his debut 2019 EP.

His single, “Like I Knew You Would,” charted as the No. 7 song of the year on Spotify’s Hot Country in 2020 and has been streamed over 40 million times. He was also country radio’s most added new male artist of 2020 as well as recognized in CMT’s Listen Up Class. Smith was also chosen as on one of MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Artists in he class of 2020.

“Payton is a triple threat and an undeniable talent. It’s been an honor for Eclipse to partner with Payton early on in his career and especially rewarding to see him come into his own in a way that moves audiences so powerfully,” says General Manager of Eclipse’s Publishing division, Penny Gattis. “His dedication to the craft of songwriting is inspiring and, coupled with his guitar skills and live performances, he’s a world-class entertainer. We are thrilled to continue on this journey with him at Eclipse Music as his publishing home.”

“Eclipse Music Group has had an everlasting effect on the way that I approach songwriting and my artistry,” adds Smith. “From when I first started working with Clay Bradley at BMI in 2014, signed with Eclipse in 2018, and re-signed with Penny Gattis in 2021, the passion at Eclipse has always been SONG driven. I’m so excited to continue this relationship with Penny, Kurt, and the whole team at Eclipse. Here’s to new chapters.”