A rising star and former contestant on The Voice, Presley Tennant’s journey into music began unexpectedly at just 10 years old. What started as a childhood dream of a soccer career took a surprising turn when she discovered the thrill of songwriting, recording, and performing—igniting a passion that set her on the path to stardom. Her latest single, Love You With The Lights On, explores the beauty of vulnerability in relationships, blending her various influences in country and pop music. In addition to her music, she is passionate about giving back, championing causes like animal rescue through her Riffs & Rescues tour, and helping underprivileged children through holiday toy drives. Read on to learn more about Presley Tennant.

Where are you based?
I’m based in a small town in Southern California called Norco, also known as Horsetown U.S.A.

What inspired your interest in the music industry?
I grew up always having a love for music, but in the comfort of my own home. I thought I was going to be playing soccer my entire life so the music industry wasn’t what I planned for, but once I was introduced to it through a girl group, I fell in love. I was about 10 years old when I joined full force with rehearsals, writing, recording, and performing — and I never looked back.

We heard that you are releasing an upcoming single called Love You With The Lights On. What inspired you to write this song?
I'm so excited that Love You With The Lights On is finally out for people to hear. I wrote the song about a year and a half ago with David Ray Stevens and Brandon Hartt. I knew I wanted a love song, but most importantly I wanted one about the beautiful vulnerability in relationships. Whether it's insecurities or imperfections, you're still completely in love with that person and want to shine a light on it.

What message do you hope listeners take from it?
I hope people can relate to it. As a songwriter that is the most important thing. I think we all long for someone to love us in our most pure, raw form — our imperfections included, for better or for worse. And vice versa, sometimes the thing someone is most insecure about is our favorite part of them and we love them for who they truly are at their core. So whether it's a romantic or friend relationship, that is the feeling I tried to encapsulate in this song.

What’s your creative process like when writing such personal songs?
It almost feels like a therapy session. You walk into this room and share all these different things that are so personal to you, sometimes to people that you don’t really know that well. The only difference is that you get a song and it’s such a cool way to remember those moments in life.

How would you best describe your music style? Are there any key musicians who you look up to?
I would say my style of music definitely sits more in the pop-country realm, but with some influences of other genres like soul and blues, like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Chris Stapleton. Those were the main influences on my most recent single Love You With The Lights On.

You gained national attention as a contestant on The Voice at just 16. How did that experience shape your career and the artist you are today?
I learned so much from being on The Voice. I fell in love with the industry even more at that point. I also learned more about who I was as an artist. I did a lot of reflecting and found my way going back to my roots, and it led me back to country music.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned while performing on stage?
I’m a perfectionist so I always want everything to be the best it can be, but the biggest lesson is making sure I’m having fun at the same time. Truly living in the moment. It’s kind of a big lesson in life too, remembering to take in each moment.

Your Riffs & Rescues charity tour is such a unique initiative. What inspired you to combine your passion for music with animal advocacy?
I’ve always been a passionate lover of animals. I’ve always had dogs in my life and I know how important they are to us, so it breaks my heart to see these animals without a forever home. I wanted to be a voice for these animals and these shelters that are trying to help provide these animals with a forever home.

We heard you are also passionate about helping underprivileged children during the holidays. Can you tell us more about your work in aiding underprivileged children?
Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year and it's so important to share with others. This year I’m a part of a show called California Country Christmas where country artists from California are coming together through music and helping do a toy drive to make sure some children who may not be able to experience Christmas get toys and presents. It’s so important to me to be part of at least one event for children during Christmas. As that saying goes, to whom much has been given, much is expected!

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
I have so much new music coming out within the new year that I cannot wait for everyone to hear! This past year has taken me on such a journey full of growth both artistically and personally, and the music I’ll be releasing is a reflection of that.

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
I think the best thing has been staying close to friends and family. They are my rocks and I don’t know what I’d do without them. I am forever thankful for that constant in a crazy busy life.

What is your motto in life?
I think the one that I’ve always loved and lived by is “Progress, not perfection”. I am practically a recovering perfectionist!

To learn more about Presley Tennant, please follow the links below
Instagram: @PresleyTennant
Facebook: @PresleyTennantOfficial
TikTok: @PresleyTennantMusic
www.presleytennant.com

Presley Tennant - Embracing Imperfection