The Voice has helped several of its contestants get a great start in the music industry, but for Presley Tennant, her appearance on the show helped her discover her true self as an artist. What started as a pop music journey transitioned into the country market, and that’s where we had the chance to catch up with this rising powerhouse. We had the opportunity to chat with her about her time on the show and what she learned from it, her latest release “Half That Strong,” if her recently released singles are all part of a bigger project, her work with the SOS Foundation, and much more!

Single Review of "Half That Strong"

www.presleytennant.com

1. Most people will recognize you from your time on season 16 of The Voice in 2019 as part of Team Kelly. Tell us a little bit about being on the show. What you learned the most from that experience? Etc.

The Voice was one of the best musical experiences I’ve ever had. I was 16 at the time and so excited to soak up the environment around me. I was surrounded by people who love and appreciate music as much as I do. It was really refreshing. I got to work with Kelly Clarkson, who is a phenomenal woman, that I have looked up to ever since I started singing. Just being on that show and around everyone, I was really able to find myself as an artist and I’m so grateful for that.

2. Since being on the show, you’ve made a strong transition into the country market. How did being on the show help you re-discover your country roots and help you change direction to go from pursuing pop music to going the country route?

I remember going into the show as a pop artist and leaving and a country artist. I felt like I had a good understanding of who I was but still felt something missing. Throughout the process I found myself getting closer and closer to where I wanted to be. So, when the show ended, I took one look into my country roots and never felt so sure of anything.

3. Just before Father’s Day, you released the song “Half That Strong.” Tell us a little bit about that song and why it was so important for you to record and release that one?

I originally wrote “Half That Strong” for my dads birthday last year and never planned on releasing it. It was basically a thank you for everything that he has done for my family and I, and how strong he is, with everything that he’s gone through.  As Father’s Day was approaching, I thought why not release it. So many people have fathers or a figure in their lives that hold a special place in their heart, so I wanted to share the same feeling of when I wrote the song, to everyone else.

4. For your fans who have heard recent releases like “Bite The Bullet” or “Always You,” what similarities will they hear between those songs and “Half That Strong,” but also what will this newest release show about you as an artist that the others didn’t?

I feel like “Half That Strong” will give people a better background on myself. I wrote this song for the man who shaped me into who I am today and try to be at least half of what he is, because if I’m doing that then I know I’m on a good path.

5. You’ve put out 4 singles over the past year….are these songs part of a bigger project you’re working on like an EP or album, or are they just stand-alone singles? 

They are just stand-alone singles for now but expect an EP very soon!

6. Is there one song that you’re working on right now that you can’t wait for your audience to hear? If so, why that song in particular? 

There are so many songs that I’m so passionate about, so you’ll just have to wait and hear!!

7. You’ve been working with some of the best of the best – Kent Wells, Chuck Rhodes, Jeff Huskins, and Buddy Hyatt. How has working with industry vets of that caliber elevated your music to heights that otherwise might not have been there? 

I feel like I have learned so much from these incredible people. Before I came out to Nashville and recording, I was used to seeing all instruments digital and recording in small little studios but as soon as I came out to Nashville, it was so different. There were giant studios and SO MANY PEOPLE working on one song to make the rough into a fully mastered song. That process is like magic.

8. You’re also balancing recording between two incredible – although vastly different – musical towns (Nashville and Muscle Shoals). How has your music benefited the most from the vibe of both locations coming together to help you find your own unique lane.

I feel like my sound is definitely a mixture of country & soul with a little grit and prettiness. A weird combination but I feel like that’s how I would describe it. Nashville and Muscle Shoals have equally benefited me in finding my own sound because of all the musicians and history there. I was able just to take everything in and truly find my sound.

9. Switching from music to a more personal outlet for one quick question…you’re an ambassador for the SOS Foundation. Tell us a little bit about the foundation. How you got involved with it? Why it’s important to you to be a part of it?

SOS was created to help young adults & teens who are going through different mental adversities. I wanted to be part of the SOS Foundation because that was something that I had gone through but found a way to handle it, but I know so many others may feel like there’s not an escape. I want to be there for those who feel like that and let them know that they are not alone, and someone is always there for them.

10. What is the best piece of advice that you can offer an aspiring songwriter/artist just trying to break into the music business?

I would say to do what makes you happy. If you haven’t found you’re sound, then keep going until you find where you’re the most comfortable and happiest.

Learn more about Presley Tennant by visiting her official website at: www.presleytennant.com

• Prev
• Next