Showing posts with label #willpreston. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #willpreston. Show all posts

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Will Preston's "Erratic Heartbeats" Album Track-by-Track (Exclusive)

Three-time SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Award nominee and internationally recognized R&B/Pop artist Will Preston returns with Erratic Heartbeatshis most emotionally transparent and artistically evolved project to date.

Blending soulful vulnerability, polished contemporary production, and emotionally layered storytelling, Erratic Heartbeats explores the unpredictable rhythms of modern love from every angle… passion, confusion, longing, temptation, emotional distance, self-protection, and the quiet moments where relationships begin to unravel.

Rather than romanticizing love through a single lens, Preston embraces its contradictions. Across the album’s twelve tracks, he examines the emotional highs and emotional fallout that often exist side by side, creating a body of work that feels deeply human, relatable, and unfiltered.

Sonically, the project expands Preston’s signature sound while remaining rooted in the smooth vocal delivery and melodic richness that have defined his career. The album showcases noticeable artistic expansion both vocally and lyrically, with Preston pushing further into emotional nuance, layered harmonies, and expressive falsetto performances that reveal new dimensions of his artistry.

That evolution is especially present on standout records like “I Just Can’t Understand,” where Preston leans heavily into a soaring falsetto-driven performance, and “Stuck In The Middle,” a soulful exploration of blurred boundaries and emotional entanglement. Fan favorite “Don’t Like Falling In Love” captures the tension between desire and self-preservation, while “Between Us” confronts the cyclical pull of a relationship that neither side can seem to escape.

Produced by an impressive collective of established and emerging talent including Space Jace (Trey Songz, Durand Bernarr, Mila J), Robin Wesley, Nate Rhoads, Lil ZenD, and Al Fraser, Erratic Heartbeats balances timeless R&B sensibilities with modern textures and forward-thinking production.

Over the course of his independent career, Preston has amassed more than 7 million streams and downloads worldwide while building a loyal international audience through acclaimed releases including It’s My Will, Caught In The Act, #reacquainted, and Where Do I Begin?. His music has earned him three SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Award nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year, solidifying his place among the respected voices in independent R&B.

With Erratic Heartbeats, Will Preston delivers an album that does not shy away from emotional complexity. Instead, it leans directly into it… capturing the beauty, instability, vulnerability, and honesty that come with truly feeling everything.















IG: @thewillpreston | TikTok: @yepthewillpreston | X: @thewillpreston | YouTube: thewillpreston | Facebook: willprestonmusic
Official Website: https://willpreston.com/

Friday, May 29, 2026

New Music: Will Preston - "I Just Can't Understand" (from Upcoming Album "Erratic Heartbeats")


With "I Just Can’t Understand", Will Preston delivers one of the

most emotionally vulnerable performances of his career, blending

soulful storytelling with a stunning vocal approach that showcases a

different side of his artistry.



The record captures the emotional weight of trying to understand why

two people who once shared deep love can no longer find their way

back to each other. Rather than focusing on blame or conflict, the

song centers on confusion, longing, and the painful absence of

closure.


While Preston has occasionally incorporated falsetto into previous

releases, I Just Can’t Understand places that expressive head voice

front and center for much of the song, creating a softer, more intimate

listening experience that immediately stands apart within his catalog.

The vocal performance feels intentional and emotionally immersive,

allowing listeners to feel every ounce of vulnerability embedded

within the lyrics.


The song’s unforgettable hook, “I just can’t understand why we can’t

love again,” serves as the emotional centerpiece of the record,

drawing listeners deeper into its reflective atmosphere. Preston

skillfully transitions between delicate falsetto passages and his

signature full-bodied soulful delivery, striking a balance that gives the

song both fragility and power.


At its core, "I Just Can’t Understand" is a song about emotional

incompleteness. It speaks to the lingering ache of separation and the

difficulty of moving forward when the heart still believes in what

once was.


The last stop on the road to Erratic Heartbeats, the single stands as

another exciting chapter in Will Preston’s artistic evolution, offering

fans a rare and deeply affecting performance that feels both

unexpected and unforgettable.


Whether through his music or his lifestyle brand, My Best Interest

Apparel, Preston continues to push creative boundaries, reinforcing

his position as a multifaceted artist with a distinct and intentional

voice.


Visit Will online:

IG: @thewillpreston | TikTok: @yepthewillpreston

X: @thewillpreston | YouTube: thewillpreston

Facebook: willprestonmusic


Website: willpreston.com and mybestinterestapparel.com


Management:

West King Entertainment: management@willpreston.com

International PR: Micky Soler: originalmagazine296@gmail.com


Distributed by OmaxMasters/The Orchard (Sony Music Entertainment)

Friday, March 27, 2026

New Music: Will Preston - "Don't Like Falling In Love"


On the heels of continued critical recognition and a steadily growing global audience, Will Preston returns with Don’t Like Falling In Love, a smooth and emotionally layered R&B/pop record that explores the aftermath of heartbreak and the guarded mindset it leaves behind.


At its core, the song captures the internal conflict of a man who knows exactly what love can feel like and what it can cost. Once fully invested, Preston now approaches connection with hesitation, shaped by a past experience that shifted his perspective entirely. The narrative unfolds with honesty, reflecting both the memory of deep love and the resolve to never be that vulnerable again. 

The hook, “I’m a lover but I don’t like falling in love,” serves as the song’s defining statement. It is a contradiction that reveals everything. It is not a rejection of love itself, but a refusal to surrender completely. While the desire to connect remains, there is a clear boundary. Some parts of him will remain protected. 

Preston’s signature vocal delivery glides effortlessly over polished, contemporary production, balancing smooth control with emotional weight. His phrasing carries intention, allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels both personal and universally relatable. The result is a record that resonates with anyone who has ever loved deeply and learned to move differently because of it.

With a catalog rooted in emotional depth, Will Preston continues to craft music that speaks to real experiences. Don’t Like Falling In Love further solidifies his ability to capture the complexities of love, growth, and self-preservation in a way that lingers long after the music fades.

Whether through his music or his lifestyle brand, My Best Interest Apparel, Preston continues to push creative boundaries, reinforcing his position as a multifaceted artist with a distinct and intentional voice.

Visit Will online: IG: @thewillpreston TikTok: @yepthewillpreston X: @thewillpreston YouTube: thewillpreston Facebook: willprestonmusic Website: willpreston.com and mybestinterestapparel.com Management: West King Entertainment management@willpreston.com

Distributed by OmaxMasters/The Orchard (Sony Music Entertainment)

Friday, November 22, 2024

New Music: Will Preston - "Merry Go Round"

On the heels of his latest nomination for SoulTracks Male Vocalist of the Year, Will returns with Merry Go Round, a riveting and soulful Pop ballad that dives deep into the agony of a relationship teetering between love and despair. The song’s powerful lyrics expose the intensity of a love that refuses to let go, with both partners seemingly asking to stop the ride, yet never willing to step off.

Merry Go Round captures the volatile dance of a love that's hard to quit, with unspoken toxicity resonating through every line. The refrain, "What do I have to do so I’ll get over you and get off of this merry-go-round?" reflects the raw desperation of a love caught in an endless cycle, even when escape seems like the only option. The powerful line, "It's insane we know the problem, but we just don't seem to care," perfectly sums up the painful dynamic of trying to move on, only to end up in the same place.

Preston’s signature blend of lyrical depth and rich vocals takes center stage in Merry Go Round. The track’s smooth pop rhythms and Will’s polished delivery pulls listeners into the emotional turmoil of a relationship that lingers long after it should have ended. It’s a song that resonates deeply, offering a powerful narrative of emotional entanglement that fans won’t soon forget.

Will’s songs explore the complexities of love, relationships, and self-discovery, offering listeners raw emotion and relatability. With several successful releases under his belt, Preston's evolving catalog has earned him a dedicated and expanding legion of fans worldwide. His latest single, Merry Go Round, showcases his ability to captivate audiences with soulful ballads that reflect the emotional intensity of love's highs and lows.

Whether through his music or his latest venture as the founder of his very own clothing line, My Best Interest Apparel, Preston continues to push creative boundaries, cementing his status as a multifaceted artist who continues to rise.

Visit Will online:

IG: @thewillpreston

TikTok: @yepthewillpreston

X: @thewillpreston

YouTube: thewillpreston

Facebook: willprestonmusic

Website: willpreston.com and mybestinterestapparel.com

Thursday, June 13, 2024

New Music: Will Preston Releases Summer Anthem "I'll Give It Right Back" Single & Visual

Will Preston, the maestro of emotive R&B, is bringing the heat with his latest R&B single, "I'll Give It Right Back," just in time for summer. Following the heart-wrenching ballad "Of Course I Lied," Will is switching gears and delivering an upbeat groove that is sure to get listeners moving with this infectious new single.

"I'll Give It Right Back" is the electrifying second sneak peek from Will's upcoming project, slated for release later this year. Departing from the melancholic tones of its predecessor, this track radiates warmth and nostalgia, inviting listeners to groove along to its irresistible beat as Will takes them on a vocal excursion. 

Lyrically, the song captures Will reminiscing on past love, painting a picture of nostalgic moments and joyful experiences. He welcomes the listener to join him on a journey down memory lane. It's a stark contrast to the raw vulnerability of "Of Course I Lied," offering a glimpse into a brighter chapter of love’s romantic narrative. 

Describing the single, Will sums it up as "The Weekend meets T- Pain, meets Will Preston." This unique blend of influences results in an engaging, feel-good anthem that exudes energy, making it the perfect soundtrack for summer vibes. It’s sure to get pulses racing and bodies moving. 

"I'll Give It Right Back" serves as a testament to Will's prowess as both an artist and a storyteller. Whether he's tugging at heartstrings with soulful ballads or igniting dance floors with upbeat grooves, Will continues to captivate audiences with his undeniable talent and charisma. 

As temperatures soar and summer vibes take over, "I'll Give It Right Back" promises to be a must-have addition to your playlist. Get ready to immerse yourself in the contagious energy of Will Preston's latest masterpiece.

Visit Will Online: 

IG: @thewillpreston TikTok: @yepthewillpreston X (Twitter): @thewillpreston YouTube: @willpreston8913 Facebook: willprestonmusic Website: www.willpreston.com 

Monday, May 22, 2023

Will Preston Interview: New Single "Of Course I Lied", Upcoming Project, Collaborating with Eric Seats & More


Will Preston returns with his latest release, "Of Course I Lied" available on all digital music and streaming platforms.

Will continues to prove that R&B has a stake in the ever-changing landscape of contemporary music. "Of Course I Lied" is filled with unbridled emotion and is unapologetically soulful with Will's rich vocals leading the way. He masterfully weaves in and out of lush melodies delivering what could be an instant R&B hit.

"Of Course I Lied" serves as the lead single from Will's upcoming project.

Will has also collaborated with multi-award winning record producer Eric Seats (Aaliyah, Pharell, Jay-Z, Lalah Hathway and others) on the single "That Good Love" from Seats' Project Sidiooo Vol. 3 available on digital music platforms.

Will's past projects include It's My Will (2005), Caught In the Act: The Live Experience (2007), #reacquainted (2013) and Where Do I Begin? (2020).



TERRANCE: You released your new single "Of Course I Lied". Congratulations on that. How are you feeling about it?

WILL PRESTON: Thank you so much. I'm feeling great. It feels good to have it out and I'm just excited about the response that it's getting so far. It's wonderful.

TERRANCE: Talk to us about the message behind it and why people should go stream it.

WILL PRESTON: Yes! So, first of all you should go stream it because it's Will Preston and people have been saying, when are you coming out with something else? So here it is. The song is really about a time in love that is a painful time in love. We talk a lot about the great times in love, but there's a reality for some people that's the other side of love. Sometimes you're the one leaving and sometimes you're the one left behind. It can be a painful existence in this particular scenario, it's basically the storyteller saying, I lied. It's one of those things where, you know, apparently he was out here doing his thing and it kinda caught up with him and he's forced with having to explain himself and he's really trying to get out of that moment. 

TERRANCE: There's been some talk of a new project. What can we expect as far as the direction and sound?

WILL PRESTON: Yes. So, I'm working on music now. The goal is to have the project out by the end of the year. I'm looking at September, October time frames. It's going to be more of Will Preston, but I think that with each new release, I think the depth of my artistry becomes more and more revealed. I think that I grow as an artist as time goes on. My material becomes, like I said, more in depth, more intense. The lyrical content might be a little different than what people were used to in the past, but in the end it's gonna be something that you can enjoy, something you can move to and something that I hope they love.

TERRANCE: Your debut album It's My Will turns 18 this year. Can you share your favorite songs?

WILL PRESTON: You know that album, I remain so proud of even today. I just smile thinking back on that project. It was a labor of love. When I think back to some of my favorites, "It's My Will" was the title of the album, but also the title of the song on the project. "Second Chance" is a song that I wrote that I really love. There was a song that a producer that I was working with that I brought in for me to sing called "We Should've Stayed". I remember initially not really wanting to record the song. It wasn't that I didn't like the song, it just didn't feel like it was something that I could sing and kind of relate to, but once I got into that song, I just really, really, really loved it. So, that's one of my favorites. I love all of them, but I would say "Second Chance", "It's My Will", those are the ones that really stand out to me. And "My Love".

TERRANCE: What are your favorite songs from the second album #reaquainted?

WILL PRESTON: Well, I do know what everybody else's favorite is, because my streams tell me everyday and that's "Candy Coated Raindrops". Everybody loves that song and it's so amazing to me that still today that song streams like crazy. My favorite song from the project that I thought would be the standout song was "Painful Times". That was absolutely at the time, my favorite song on that project. But yeah, I love them all but "Painful Times" is probably my favorite.


TERRANCE: How proud are you of your most recent album, Where Do I Begin?

WILL PRESTON: Extremely proud. You know, it was a long time in my career where I could actually just sit back and enjoy a Will Preston release without holding my breath when it got to a certain part. Like, I remember doing this and I should've done this, so it took a long time for me to get to that point. By the time with Where Do I Begin?, I tell you, I can listen to that project so objectively and separate the fact that it's me, and I just really enjoy that project. The song "The End", I feel is one of the greatest songs I've ever written and or recorded. I just love that song and it's like it's not even me singing it. And of course "Never Knew Love" was a nice hit for me and did well in a lot of territories and "Let's Play". So, that was just a good project and I'm excited that it was received well and continues to be received well and I just hope I can continue to carry on where I left off there, but yeah that project was special. 

TERRANCE: How did you hook up with producer Eric Seats for "That Good Love"?

WILL PRESTON: Oh man. Eric Seats is amazing. He and I connected because we both work with a gentleman by the name of Jay Ross. Jay Ross is a promoter out of LA and we were doing separate projects, but working with Jay on these projects and I think Eric may have heard my music and Jay put us in touch and Eric and I just collaborated and had a great, great record with "That Good Love". People don't know that we actually did more than one record and that's the only one that's been released and maybe one day the other will be released. But he is a phenomenal producer and an amazing drummer. It was a pleasure and an honor to work with him. He's worked with some of the best in the industry. He did a lot of work with Aaliyah, of course when she was here, Lalah Hathaway and just so many others. So, it was truly an honor to work with him.

TERRANCE: Are there any talents you possess outside of music or entertainment?

WILL PRESTON: Talents. I like to think I'm a man of many talents. *Laughs*. I don't know, if I'm talking about talents I think that music is a gift that I feel blessed to own. I feel like I'm a Chef as well. I think if someone asked me about extracurricular things that I do well at, I'll probably say cooking and music and probably some other things. 

TERRANCE: Can we expect any special events, performances or appearances?

WILL PRESTON: Yes. So, I'm really focused right now on getting this project out of the way. I am really hoping to get some appearances done sometime towards the end of the year as I start to wrap up this project, but right now it's all about me just in the studio focusing, recording and just getting it done. For me, that's always been the thing, so I try so hard to just stay focused and to get in the studio and to get it knocked out. And the thing is, I have a studio in my home, so I have no excuse to not be getting stuff done and getting output done. But sometimes I get so busy and things take me away from the music side, so I just have to really force myself to be in the mode of completing a project. So, I'm really in that mode now. I'm many songs in and don't have many left and I'm just ready for the journey. It's really hard to think about touring and shows and those types of things when I'm in the actual recording mode.

TERRANCE: Any final words you would like to share with fans, followers and the readers?

WILL PRESTON: Yeah. I would say thank you for continuing to be on this journey with me. It's been a wonderful ride. I think that every time I release a new project, more and more people discover me, but even more so the people that have been with me since the very beginning are just right there and they're so supportive and they continue to send me messages and reach out to me and that just means so much to me. It means a lot to know my music has connected and resonated with so many people. It really is honestly amazing a lot of times to sit back and look at it, because I don't think about it in that way. I just record music and release it and the second part of that is realizing, hey, there's people out here who really have been waiting and loving this and that's just the icing on the cake.


Follow Will Preston:
Instagram & Twitter @thewillpreston
Facebook @willprestonmusic
TikTok @yepthewillpreston

Friday, April 28, 2023

New Music: Will Preston Returns with "Of Course I Lied"

Will Preston returns with his latest release, "Of Course I Lied" available on all digital music and streaming platforms.

Will continues to prove that R&B has a stake in the ever-changing landscape of contemporary music. "Of Course I Lied" is filled with unbridled emotion and is unapologetically soulful with Will's rich vocals leading the way. He masterfully weaves in and out of lush melodies delivering what could be an instant R&B hit.

Lyrically, Will takes a diversion from the trademark sentiments of reciprocated love found in prior fan favorites like "Candy Coated Raindrops", "Let's Play", and "Never Knew Love". "Of Course I Lied" is a story of unrequited love, offering listeners an inside view of an uncomfortable and seemingly tumultuous end. The song, which was also written by Will, is an impassioned ride through the emotions of letting go. As Will states, "This song represents an often unforeseen but very existent component of love for some. It happens."

"Of Course I Lied" is the lead single from Will's upcoming project due later this year. His last full-length release, Where Do I Begin?, offered the standout singles "Never Knew Love", "Let's Play", and "The End" which continue to garner rave reviews globally.

Recently, he teamed up with multi-award winning producer Eric Seats (Aaliyah, Pharrell, Jay-Z, Lalah Hathaway, and others) to release the single,”That Good Love”
which appeared on Seat's Sidiooo Vol. 3 collection. The song continues to chart and amass accolades worldwide.

Will's other past projects include It's My Will, Caught In the Act: The Live Experience and #reacquainted.

Once again, the delivery is a signature sound that is engaging and timeless... It is the sound of Will Preston.

Visit Will online:
IG: @thewillpreston
TikTok: @yepthewillpreston Twitter: @thewillpreston Facebook: willprestonmusic Website: www.willpreston.com

Sunday, December 6, 2020

Will Preston Announces Upcoming Album "Where Do I Begin?"


R&B/Soul recording artist Will Preston has announced the release date for his upcoming third overall album Where Do I Begin? for December 18, 2020 via West King Entertainment.

The 12-track project is led by the infectious feel-good slow jam "Never Knew Love" & "Phone Don't Ring".



Where Do I Begin? Tracklist:

1 Never Knew Love
2 Guarding My Love
3 My One My Only My Last
4 The End
5 Forecast
6 Phone Don't Ring
7 Cinderella
8 The Moment
9 Shake That Thang
10 Let's Play
11 Help Me Remember
12 Either Way It Goes

Executive Produced by Preston, Where Do I Begin? follows after previous releases #reacquainted, Caught In the Act - LIVE & It's My Will and is available for pre-order and pre-save at Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify and other music outlets.

RnBJunkieOfficial recently caught up with Preston for an Exclusive Interview to discuss his new music, growth as an artist and much more.

Friday, August 28, 2020

Will Preston Interview: New Single "Never Knew Love", Upcoming Album, Musical Influences & More



In 2005, Virginia-born and multi-talented Singer-songwriter Will Preston released his critically-acclaimed debut album It's My Will via the West King Entertainment imprint. This project was followed-up by the intimate live CD/DVD release Caught In the Act...The LIVE Experience and the 2013 release #reacquainted. Preston returns with his catchy new guitar-driven mid-tempo single "Never Knew Love" available on all digital music streaming platforms which serves as the lead single from his upcoming album due in October.


TERRANCE: First, congratulations on the release of your new single "Never Knew Love". How does it feel to get new music out there?

WILL PRESTON: Thanks man.  And congrats to you too.  I’ve loved watching your brand really grow over the years.  I’m a fan.  I remember when you were first starting out.  I would go and read your interviews and always found them to be insightful.  Very entertaining and informative.

To answer your question, it feels great.  I released my last project #reacquainted seven years ago, so this upcoming project is long overdue.  It’s amazing that once I started putting the buzz out earlier this year that I was working on new material, it’s like everyday or every other day someone is asking me about the project.  I guess people have been waiting.  It was kind of like “Finally. Where have you been?” 

TERRANCE: Walk us through the creative process and how it came to be.

WILL PRESTON: It’s a feeling.  I got that itch.  I just felt like recording a project.  I wanted some new Will Preston material in the mix.  I’ve recorded things over the past several years, but I wasn’t focused on a full project.  I have my own recording studio, so whenever I felt like doing a little something here and there I would, but I wasn’t in the right zone to commit to recording for a full project.  It takes focus and a commitment to timelines.  Earlier this year, I was ready for it and said let’s do this.

And then the pandemic hit, so my plans changed a little.  I had planned to work with a couple of producers and writers during that time and of course that came to a halt.  But I wanted to keep pushing.  I typically write about 70% of my project I guess, and the remaining songs I choose from other writers.  On this project, I wrote everything.  I was in such a good zone creatively.  Still am. 

TERRANCE: Many of your songs speak on love and with that being said, what does Love mean to you?

WILL PRESTON: Yea.  Good question.  Love is multifaceted.  I’ve sung about love from many angles, and I’m sure I’ve missed a few.  Love doesn’t look the same for everybody.  Love is complicated.  It’s the best of everything and also the worst pain you could ever experience when things are not in harmony.  Anyone who has ever truly been in love can tell you that it’s more than sharing good times.  True love endures.  As the lyrics go in Never Knew Love, “I never knew love could make you act like this. It twists and it turns and it’s not all bliss.  I never knew love could make you feel this way.  There’s something about love that makes you go insane.”  I view love as the foundation.  If the foundation is solid, the twists and turns will ultimately lead back to the straight road.  Those bumps and bends also help define love and can at times add to the intensity.  Just find that special one and hold on for the ride.  That’s what it’s all about.

TERRANCE: This year marks the 15th anniversary of your debut album It's My Will. What is your most memorable moment about making that album?

WILL PRESTON: Can you believe it’s been 15 years?  We probably first met around that time.  That’s crazy.  That was the beginning of it all for me commercially.  I remember how excited I was to work with Funkeeboy.  I recorded most of that project in Connecticut with him.  I would fly up from DC.  Sometimes I would drive.  It was cold.  I remember one session, I was very sick.  I was so congested and didn’t think I’d be able to really accomplish anything in the studio.  I was drinking, not sipping, but drinking hot tea every second it seems.  We just kept working at it.  I recorded two songs that weekend.  One was "It’s My Will", which is a favorite by many, so it all worked out.  I have so many great memories of recording that project, but that one always stands out.

TERRANCE: Talk about your growth as an artist through the years.

WILL PRESTON: I’ve definitely grown.  My writing, my vocals, my artistry in general has evolved.  The goal is to always become better, to focus on perfecting your craft.  I’m extremely proud of all of my past releases, but I listen to some of the songs today and think of things I would have done a little differently.  I think all artists probably do that.  We’re always self-critiquing. Vocally, I think I was very safe in the earlier days.  I didn’t want to be too soulful, yet I needed to capture a certain sound.  I didn’t want to be boxed into a specific category.  Now I don’t care about that.  (laughs)  I sing what I feel.  In the end, you’re going to fall wherever people want to place you.  Some call me RnB, some say RnB/Pop, others say Urban AC.  You know, on and on.  It really doesn’t matter. I’m whatever you want to call me, just keep spinning the records. 

TERRANCE: Social media was in its early stages when you first came along, so how have you embraced or utilized it to promote yourself as an artist and your music?

WILL PRESTON: You’re so right.  When I released It’s My Will and even Caught in the Act, Facebook, Instagram and the others were just not relevant.  Snapchat and TikTok were unheard of.  I remember promoting on Myspace.  Now, how many people actually know what Myspace is?  In fact, I believe my old profile is still out there.  It has some of the live tracks streaming.  IG wasn’t even a big thing when #reacquainted was released.  Twitter was starting to boom at that time.  Admittedly, it’s the piece that is the most challenging because it’s always evolving.  I love it though.  I just have to stay on top of it.  I once had a very vibrant IG presence and took it down several years ago after being hacked, but we’re back up and thriving.  It has been great growing it again and interacting with those who love my music.  I have a team that helps with the various social media aspects, but I check my own messages and respond.  I post content.  I love the interaction.  Everybody can find me @thewillpreston on IG and Twitter.  You can get to my others from there.

TERRANCE: What can you tell us about your upcoming album?

WILL PRESTON: Man, I’m just so excited for the world to hear what I’ve been brewing in the lab.  I sing about love, that’s what I do.  The good, the bad, and everything in between.  There is so much depth to this project, both vocally and lyrically.  It’s going to put you in touch with your feelings. It will have you saying, yes I’ve been there and also have you celebrating how good love feels.  The sound is current with amazing track production by who I consider to be some of the best talent out there, Tone Jonez, The Legion, Al Fraser, and a few others.  Vocally, I showed up to work each day (laughs).  I was ready.  I look forward to hearing everyone’s feedback, but I think there is something there for everybody to enjoy.  If you’ve ever enjoyed any Will Preston music in the past, this is next level.

TERRANCE: Growing up who were some of your musical influences who helped shape you to who you are today as an artist?

WILL PRESTON: I’m often asked this question, and my answer probably varies a little each time because I love so many singers.  There are artists that I loved listening to, but I’ve never intentionally set out to channel them in my music. I loved singers who focused on the vocals and could give a great show just by listening to them.  People like Luther Vandross. I think he was the preeminent balladeer.  I loved everything he did.  He could do things vocally that I’ve never witnessed any other artist do.  So maybe my smoothness can be attributed to my admiration of his style. People like Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick – She’s so smooth.  Sam Cooke – I love Sam Cooke.  Harry Connick Jr.  Aretha.  I was a big fan of Gerald Levert.  Marvin Winans is also one of my favorites.  Babyface is a beast vocally, but his writing is in a league of its own.  None compares.  He writes the language of love.  And of course, Whitney was in my opinion the greatest.  Vocally superior.  I don’t even think she understood the magnitude of what she possessed.

The artists that I really listen to and follow today are Avant, Calvin Richardson, Usher, Alicia Keys, Jorja Smith.  I like Chris Brown, Drake, The Weeknd.  As you can see, I love a variety of music. Not to mention all of the indie artists that I vibe with, Eric Roberson, PJ Morton, Russell Taylor, and others.  

TERRANCE: If you could give one piece of advice to fellow independent artists, what would it be?

WILL PRESTON: Invest in yourself.  It’s bigger than having a great voice.  That’s such a subjective measure, and you can’t rely on that alone.  Music is more accessible now than ever.  You have to build your brand.  It takes time.  It takes drive.  It takes passion. And it definitely takes resources.  I would be selling a false dream if I said money is not important.  Do what you have to do to invest in yourself creatively and financially.  Maybe that means you can’t put out a full-length project, but instead focus on releasing a great single or EP.  Enjoy the journey.  Most people that we see as superstars today have put in many years of hard labor.  The optics of overnight success is merely an illusion.  And I would also say find someone who is doing what you want to do and study them. Study their moves.  Don’t try to reinvent the wheel.  When I first started out, there was a singer named Jarrard Anthony from VA.  I discovered so much about the indie music scene, venues, blogs, promoters, literally almost everything just by following his journey.  

TERRANCE: What are the best attributes of being a live performing artist?

WILL PRESTON: Oh, this is where you have the fun.  This is where all of those songs come to life.  You get to interact with the crowd.  Some might know the words to your songs.  Some may only know a few words, and some might not know any, but you interact with the energy in the crowd.  Music brings people together.  For that moment you’ve solved the challenges of the world.  You allow people to escape the headaches of life.  It’s a good feeling when you can look out and see people smiling and moving because of the energy you’re giving. Definitely an amazing feeling. 

TERRANCE: Any final words you would like to share with longtime fans and followers as well as new ones?

WILL PRESTON: Of course. Thank you to those who have been on the journey with me through the years as well as those who are just discovering the sounds of Will Preston. Your support is greatly appreciated and never taken for granted. We’ve got some exciting days ahead of us. Hold on and enjoy. Stay close!