Check out our interview with talented songwriter and performing artist Presley Tennant. Presley is also known to be THE VOICE Season 16 finalist and work with Kelly Clarkson.
In only 17 years, Presley has accomplished more than most people will accomplish in a lifetime. Her inspiration lies in words credited to William Longgood, who said: “Dreams & dedication are a powerful combination,” and Presley personifies this mantra.
With an undetermined future and on her path to self actualization, her life in training began younger than most. Signed early to the girl group the “5LP’s” Presley was thrown into the spot-light and a life in recording and dance studios. By the age of 12, she had performed for artists including Kelly Rowland, The Jacksons, and others and had recorded in the famed Westlake Recording Studios in Michael Jackson’s Villa.
In addition to over 100 live performances, Presley has released around 15 singles and is currently finishing her debut EP with an expected release in mid 2020. Presley didn’t come into performing with any expectations of success, instead she has studied, trained, and worked to become the next greatest artist of her time.
Follow Presley at @presleytennant
Hi Presley, please tell us a little about you?
Hi!! My name is Presley Tennant and I’m a 17-year old singer songwriter who is born and raised in Norco, California. I began singing and performing approximately 10 years ago. Just recently in 2019 I was on NBCs show “The Voice”. There I competed on Team Kelly all the way to Top 24 and was welcomed back for the finale to perform with some of my fellow contestants. A week later I was invited to perform with Kelly at her show in Las Vegas where we sang her song “Because Of You”. That was definitely a surreal moment. I am fortunate enough to say that I have performed on the same stages with some pretty incredible artists such as Jake Owens, Chase Rice, Cody Johnson, John Michael Montgomery, Tim McGraw to name a few at many events.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
I would describe myself as being very passionate, hard-working, and persistent.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
Wow, this one is hard… cause I can’t say that there has been one specific person whose made an impact on my life simple cause everyone that has had a part in my journey has made that impact. It’s been an incredible journey for me so far and I have met SO MANY incredible people on the way that have really helped me and I hope to one day be able to pay it forward.
How did you get started in the business?
I started in the music industry when I was about 10. I was in a little girl group called the 5LP’s (5 Little Princesses). We were a 5 young “pop princesses” which really amplified my love for singing, music, dancing, and performing by a million.
Did you go to music school?
I’m currently a senior in high school and attend a Performing Arts School out in Riverside, called Encore High School for the Performing Arts. Along with my academics, we study the art of performing and put on shows through out our local communities.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Powerhouse, Pop-Country, Pop-Soul
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Growing up, I listened to so many people that really influenced me. A few artists that really impacted me would be Kelly Clarkson, Jessie J, Demi Lovato, Carrie Underwood off the top of my head. When I was younger I really looked up to them. I know how much they have inspired me and I hope that one day I have the same impact on someone as they did to me.
Do you ever get nervous?
I honestly never really get nervous. Being up on stage feels like home to me and it feels so comfortable EXCEPT for that ONE TIME on my blind audition for The Voice. I sang Stone Cold for a hot second it got to me but I pulled it together.
What is your next goal as a musician?
My next goal as a musician would be to continue writing, recording and performing.
Now tell us about your hit singles “Me And You,” and “Childish”?
My song “Me and You” is definitely one of my favorite songs to date that I have released. It’s about being young and in love and realizing the relationship wasn’t working out.
“Childish” is basically what you hear it as. I wrote this song off of various experiences where some people can just be very immature and “Childish” and lets just say it drives me crazy.
[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ2IJ7uPZxw” title=”Presley Tennant – Me And You”][vc_column_text]
What’s the feeling of the huge success you had on The Voice?
The Voice was seriously a dream come true. I have never experienced more love coming from a show. I was surrounded by so many incredibly talented musicians and some of the most genuine and humble people I’ve ever met.
How was working with Kelly Clarkson?
She is an incredible human being and even more amazing in person. It was really a full circle moment for me getting to work with her. Her song “Because Of You” was the first song I ever sang to audition for any show, she was my first concert and she was the one to turn her chair. So I’m sure you can imagine how excited it was to work with her.
Do you have a tour coming up or where we can see you performing? (after the lockdown )
Everything has been put on hold for 2020 so far. However, I’m excited to say that in 2021 I will be hitting the road with The S.O.S. Foundation. The foundation has created a National Concert Tour where we will be hitting the Capital Cities to bring awareness to young adults who are dealing and struggling with mental adversities for example bullying, drug abuse, peer pressure to name a few for more details go to www.sosfoundation.life
What we can expect of Presley Tennant in 2020?
In 2020 you can expect to hear lots of new music that I’ve been working on.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Oh my gosh! “Heart Breaker” by Pat Benatar you will always hear me sing at karaoke, but if I’m jamming out in the car I would have to say “The Climb” by Mile Cyrus, “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton and “HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL SOUND TRACK”, LOL!!!!!
Name one your strengths?
I’m very focused on what I want to achieve and I love a challenge. If somebody tells me that something is impossible, I want to prove them wrong to show that it is possible.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness to me is having the ability to pursue and be able to do what I love, to be around family, to work hard and enjoying and appreciating the little things in life.
Any loves other than music?
I always grew up fairly active to one of my favorite things to do ever since I can remember is riding quads. My family and I always go camping in Glamis, which is one of my favorite places to ride.
Any exiting news you want to share with us?
I’m working on an EP that was supposed to be out already but due to Covid-19 we had to push back, but make sure to keep an eye out for it later in 2020.
How’s a typical day in your life?
A typical day in my life consists of waking up anywhere from 7-10ish, getting ready for the day, doing schoolwork, finding new music to listen to, most likely trying to record a cover, an from 8pm to 3 am I’m songwriting.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
My idea of a perfect Sunday would be going to the beach with family and friends and just relaxing.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Favorite healthy food would have to be fruits and veggies. I could seriously only live off of that.
And your favorite cheat food?
Doughnuts have definitely got to be my favorite cheat meal!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
I feel like checking your phone constantly would be a major deal breaker. It makes you seem like you aren’t interested.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Jessie J. She is such a powerful woman and I’ve looked up to her for so long.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see myself performing on tour and performing lots of new music.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I would describe my fashion style as having no limitations. One day I can feel super girly then the next I can be in streetwear. It mainly depends on what type of vibe I’m feeling that day.
What do you think of Social Media?
I love social media. It’s a platform where I’m able to connect with those who support while also getting to share what I love.
Where we can follow you?
My instagram & twitter is @PresleyTennant. Facebook is @PresleyTennantOfficial & snapchat is @Presley_Tennant.
Quote: “Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.” -Les Brown
Song: At the moment I’ve been listening to “Big White Room” by Jessie J.
Movie: Coal Miner’s Daughter
Travel Destination: Maui, Hawaii
Food: Pasta
Sports Team: Anaheim Ducks