St. Louisan Theresa Payne won a singing competition last year that allowed her to open for Jill Scott at the Budweiser Superfest at Verizon Amphitheater last summer.

Next week, the big-voiced soul singer releases her EP "The Moment." It's her long-awaited follow-up to 2009's "Go Fight Win" album and features five studio tracks and two live tracks recorded at the Gramophone.

This time, Payne breaks out of her inspirational soul sound for a broader perspective.

The project is produced by producer-rapper Black Spade and Adult Fur. Rapper Rockwell Knuckles, Payne's frequent partner-in-crime, is featured.

We spoke with Payne last week.

Q • What is "The Moment" about?

A • Every song basically generalizes about how things happen in our lives that make or break our destiny. I'm about inspiring and uplifting, and about every moment that happens in our lives shaping our destiny, good or bad. When those moments happen, things change, and it's up to you to take those moments in and figure out how they will affect your life and what you do afterward.

Q • How was the transition from "Go Fight Win!" to "The Moment"?

A • "Go Fight Win" was inspirational soul. I was so focused on getting accepted on the gospel side. Now, whether I'm talking about God or love, soul is the general basis. Inspirational soul kept me in a certain box, but I'm continuing to open up that box. It's just soul music, stuff that touches the heart and reaches the soul.

Q • How is "The Moment" different from "Go Fight Win!"?

A • "The Moment" feels a lot more mature. It's more creative lyrically, and productionwise it's definitely different.

Q • Describe the song "This Love."

A • I basically took it from Scripture. It's about a love that's patient and kind. God's love is perfect, but a lot of people don't realize how good it is.

Q • Why did you decide to cover Black Spade's song "Running and Gunning"?

A • It's an amazing song, a beautiful song, and I wanted to cover it. Lots of people need to hear this song. And I don't think a lot of people into R&B know Black Spade can write a love song like this. It turned out so beautiful.

Q • How was it meeting Jill Scott at the Budweiser Superfest?

A • I met her backstage. … We were warned not to bother (the Superfest headliners) while they were eating. I was standing a foot away from her and I said. "Hi, Miss Scott." … After she ate, she came over and introduced herself. She was friendly, and it was a dream come true.

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Theresa Payne EP Release

Concert for 'The Moment'

When • 7:30 p.m. Thursday

Where • Lola, 500 North 14th Street

How much • $5

More info • welovelola.com