Interview by Sophia Mekhael
Thank you for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to answer some of our questions.
Empire: We all love a good origin story; can you tell us a bit about how your music journey started and when you knew that this is what you wanted to as a profession?
Presley Aronson: From a young age, I always knew I had a music bone in my body. Singing has always been a passion of mine and being able to express my stories and messages through my music is a true blessing.
Empire: You have had a very successful run in your brief time on the music scene, from multiple award-wins to playing prestigious venues, and more. Can you tell us of a few current career highlights?
Presley Aronson: I’ve had many memorable moments throughout my career and this year has been incredible. Winning the award for the first ever best country crossover at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards was exciting and it was a great honor to be able to perform that evening as well.
Additionally, my anti-bullying video Background, has received a lot of recognition and has been nominated for awards such as the Hollywood Music In Media Awards. Background is a song that is very important to me as it helps spead a message that is very personal to me, so this was a big highlight.
One of my favorite shows this year was playing the Catalina Wine Mixer as I have a close connection to the island and it was a lot of fun playing on the beach with a great crowd!
Empire: I have seen a couple of your guitars, and I want them both. What gear are you using these days to record and play live?
Presley Aronson: My go-to’s are definitely Taylor acoustics. I also absolutely love Shure mics and in-ears.
Empire: On December 1st, 2023, you released your first single from your upcoming debut album titled ‘Isabella.” Can you tell us a bit about what this song means to you, and why this song was chosen as your lead single?
Presley Aronson: Isabella is a really cool song that we chose as the single because it is something that resonates with a lot of people and has been stuck in peoples head. People who heard the song kept singing it despite it not being out yet. I remember at one show, and I came back out for the encore, and the crowd began chanting Isabella. In my entire career that is the first time I have ever played the same song twice at a show. It was a really cool experience and that’s when I knew it was the single.
Empire: Not everyone who knows you for music knows that you also spend a lot of time in your efforts to help stop bullying through starting a dialogue about it. Can you tell us about your organization, your song Background, and how you feel this message has been received?
Presley Aronson: When I was younger, I was bullied physically, mentally, and emotionally. It was a very tough time for me, but I was fortunate enough in finding an outlet to overcome it. I wanted to make a difference, so I wrote a song called Background and created a short film PSA music video that has been played to kids, teens, and parents around the world. The music video has gone on to get a lot of recognition at different award shows. I started my own non-profit foundation called The Background Foundation to help kids and teens through bullying, mental health challenges, and suicidal intentions. I’ve gone to speak at schools across the country and worked with other non-profits such as the Boys and Girls club, Kollab youth, Stand4Kind and many others.
Empire: Your music taps in heavily to what is current, but there are also hints of some history in the songs that you write. What are some of your music influences?
Presley Aronson: Some of my big influences would be Brett Young, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and Morgan Wallen.
Empire: What does your songwriting process look like? Do you start with the music, then follow with the lyrics, or vice versa, or do you have another way to approach creating these songs?
Presley Aronson: My creation process is really song dependent. I mostly start with either the title or an idea and then finding something that works on guitar or piano, most of the time a guitar. From there it starts off to what sounds like “nonsense” until it all comes together.
Empire: I am curious to know who you want to collaborate with on a song if given the chance? Or, what few artists would you like to collaborate with?
Presley Aronson: I would love to collaborate with some of those who have influenced me. Brett Young, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and Morgan Wallen. Collaborating with Lainey Wilson and Taylor Swift would also be a very cool experience.
Empire: Many indie musicians struggle to accept the lengthy process of finding their target audience. How have you been approaching the building of your own music empire, without losing that drive during the quieter times on social media?
Presley Aronson: I just have such a passion for what I do, the dedication and the drive just follows to feed the passion. It’s not always easy but you have to love the journey, not just the destination.
LISTEN TO ISABELLA ON SPOTIFY HERE
Empire: Finally, and thank you for your time, can you tell us what Cali Country means to you?
Presley Aronson: Cali Country is a new genre-lane that I am creating that is mixed between country, modern country, and pop. It is the combination of the song writing roots and storytelling aspect of country integrated with the Los Angeles, California, and Presley Aronson flavor
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