Bringing southern soul to the Pool Party

American-born and London-based, house vocalist Peyton is also a regular visitor to our shores.

The openly gay singer, known for his smooth, soaring vocals on dance tracks like A Higher Place and Music In Me, told the Star Observer he was looking forward to returning this week to perform at the Mardi Gras Pool Party on February 28.

“I have been coming over every summer for quite a few years now, and it has turned into a kind of sacred pilgrimage that I simply cannot live without,” he said.

“The sun and energy of the people there give me a fresh and positive outlook on life. When you live in London, this is oh so necessary!

“The friends I’ve made there are some of my dearest, so it’s like a family reunion when I touch down. A very drunken one.”

Some people might be surprised to learn that this queer club kid grew up singing gospel music in the US South, the son of a travelling evangelist and preacher in North Carolina. His childhood years were “a life of gospel choirs, cassocks and happy clapping hallelujahs”.

“Gospel music will always be my first love, although I would say it doesn’t feature so much in the style of the dance music I make these days. For me, music has to have soul, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be ‘soulful’ in the way gospel music is soulful. Dance music is constantly changing and I’m enjoying working with different producers to explore new sounds and styles.”

Fans can expect to hear some of those new sounds, as well as “some classic Peyton tunage”, during his Australian shows. He said he was particularly excited about his involvement in house DJ Kid Massive’s upcoming album, A Little Louder, due for release in April.

“I co-wrote and perform on the title track, and there’s a big buzz about this track and the album, so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with it. [Current single] When I Fall was just released last week, and there is a gorgeous lush remix which will be perfect to perform [in Australia].”

While Peyton plans to make the best of the Australian summer while he’s here, he said that this year’s trip would be quicker than usual — he’s been booked for a show in the Philippines on the day of the Mardi Gras parade, which he admitted “may be for the best, as it will keep me out of trouble”.

“While I’m in Sydney I’m hoping to get in the studio with your very own Oxford Hustlers, who have recently been turning out some great dance music. After Sydney I’m flying straight to LA to record with Chris Cox, and then in April I’m going to be recording with the amazing Carlos Gallardo in Spain.”

info: Peyton performs at the Mardi Gras Pool Party at the Ivy on Monday, February 28. Tickets through Moshtix. Visit www.peytonmusic.com