Born in Conroe, Texas to a teenage mother, Payton came from a troubled childhood that ignited her artistic inspiration. Initially drawn to poetry, she shifted towards music after being spurred on by an ex-boyfriend's doubt about her artistry. Despite this skepticism, she not only embraced songwriting but ventured into music by hitting the road as a runaway with various garage rock bands, selling merchandise at just 16. Influenced by a diverse mix of sounds that include Russian post-punk, Soviet Rock, Surf Rock, and the deep resonance of bass drum of death, she began to mold her unique musical identity. 

Since the release of his 2022 critically-acclaimed debut album Blurry, RIP Swirl, born Luka Seifert, has been continuing to expand his moody sonic palette which marries his work as a producer, DJ in Berlin’s club scene with his lifelong relationship with the guitar and his analog approach to recording. His music has found fans among everyone from Gen Z alt-kids to techno purists, and he has since become a close collaborator and producer to several rising vocalists including Copenhagen’s Ydegirland Ariana Manmoon of untitled (halo). His 2023 single with Ydegirl titled “Let’s Make Out” appeared on YEAR0001’s RIFT Two compilation (listed among DJ Mag’s compilations of the year).