An Interview with Presley Tenant
- R.A.G.
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
Single release from Presley Tenant delivers a heavy-handed country sound with robust vocals and plenty of swagger, along with vintage instrumentation attributed to the genre, and this vibrant approach that is completely undeniable and gives her such wonderful character and persona throughout this song.
The track is called "Let Lying Dogs Sleep" and it absolutely embodies this wonderfully lush and full-bodied Country soundscape and tonality while delivering powerhouse style vocals, but keeping things dynamically balanced and getting the message across all at the same time.
One of the biggest elements of this song is her performance and how she's able to deliver this sort of attitude in the vocals and keep things catchy, warm, and somewhat welcoming, but also bring on hints of edginess that sit just beneath the surface.
The sentiment of the song feels like it revolves around being with someone that you know isn't being truthful and keeping the game going while you're packing your stuff and getting ready to get out of there.
It's a sentiment that we've certainly all dealt with at a certain point in our lives, and it's so relatable because of how she paints that picture. It's a very personal perspective, which makes it all the more authentic and lets you really connect with the song as a whole.
The song features some classic rolling snares and that Americana and Country approach, some lap or pedal steel floating in the background of the song, giving it a bit of spaciousness, and along with her vocals and harmonies come all this stuff helps really build an atmosphere.
So, not only are you getting a great story that's just laid right out there for you, but you're also getting this gigantic musical sort of atmosphere that has a forward-moving flow, is still catchy with plenty of hooks because that chorus is super memorable, and loads of personality to boot.
I'm always a fan of songs that give pieces of the artist. This may be a smaller piece, but you can tell that it's something that is a part of who she is as a person.
This is a country single that should be all over the radio waves because it's so friendly in terms of combining some vintage and fresh pop influences and churning all of that into something that is her own.
It is a song that packs a little bit of a punch, but also makes you want to move. It's danceable, there's a great groove to it, and that sort of swing vibe is evident.
The guitar work across this track is just amazing and really helps the song come through lush and beautiful while still complimenting her vocals at the same time.
The whole thing was very well produced and comes through crisp and clean, bright, colorful, but again, still with that perfect level of swagger that a good country song needs to come through with the right aesthetic.
The song is sort of about having one foot out the door the whole time. And again, this is another thing that we've probably all been there for at certain points in our lives. She portrays this in such a great way lyrically that it makes amazing sense.
Now, Presley Tenant has been releasing songs for quite a while and she's got some outstanding tracks and album releases from 2019 up to this single.
Her robust vocal style and approach are starting to make waves in the country arena, and it's easy to see why as soon as you listen to this track.
I bring it up only because if you do like this track, you should listen to her previous release, "If It Were Easy", dropped last year, showcasing a different side to her personality as well, but still keeping to this beautiful Country and southern-kissed soundscape.
Now, while you listen to this track, I suggest you take a read through of our interview with the artist below. She really opens up and gives us some insight as to where the song was birthed, some of her insights into performing on stage, and plenty more.
Check this out right now, and if you are a fan of country music, you're going to fall for this right away.
RAG: Hello Presley! Let's talk a bit about "Let Lying Dogs Sleep" first. This new single really hits that Country tonality with twangy guitars and an honest perspective! Where did this song come from?
- The idea for the song came from the saying "let sleeping dogs lie." It’s that idea of “don’t poke the bear, just let ’em be.” Trey Bruce, my co-writer and producer on this track, actually brought the idea to the table, and I loved it immediately! It felt both familiar and playful. There were so many directions we could’ve taken it, but it reminded me of all the stories my friends and my mom’s friends used to tell me growing up. I knew at that moment we had to write it!
RAG: When you go to record a track like this one, do you work with specific producers to achieve the sound you're looking for?
- I definitely had a clear vision for how I wanted the production to sound. I sat down with Trey and we really dove into the structure and tonality before tracking it. No detail was overlooked. It felt like the song needed to be uptempo, with super twangy guitars, and a little rowdy during the chorus to match the energy of the lyrics.
RAG: This is a recent release, and now that it's out, I see you’re gearing up for some performances—including a few in Las Vegas! Are you excited? Can you share the dates with us?
- Yes! I’m super excited to be heading back to Vegas. I’ll be playing October 3rd and 4th at the Nowhere Lounge at Fontainebleau, and then I’ll be back on December 26th at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country!
RAG: Live performances seem second nature to you. Have you always been a stage performer?
- I’ve been performing on stage since I was about 5 or 6 years old. It started with karaoke nights at our local Mexican restaurant, then vocal recitals, school performances, shows with a girl group I was in from ages 10 to 13, and eventually performing my original music til now. So yes, performing isn’t anything new for me. I feel most comfortable on stage!
RAG: I also noticed shows in California—do you perform there regularly?
- I was born and raised in a small town in Southern California called Norco! I do perform out here pretty regularly, especially when I’m back home, but I'm also expanding outside of California and the West Coast now, which is really exciting.
RAG: When writing a song like this, do you start with a guitar and see what comes, or do lyrics come first?
- It really depends. Every song has a different approach. Some songs start as just a lyrical idea, and then we build the music around that. Other times I’ll have a musical idea first, and then the lyrics follow. It’s always a little different!
RAG: You've come a long way with your music and singing career. What advice would you give to others trying to get heard?
- Don’t be afraid to get out there. Perform as much as you can. Write the songs you want to write and put them out there. I’m a perfectionist and always want everything to be up to a certain standard, but I’ve learned that living your truth and telling stories that are true to you or stories that you resonate with is the best thing you can do.
RAG: What’s next for you after these upcoming shows? Are you heading back into writing mode?
- Yes! I’m always writing! Whether it’s by myself or co-writing. I’ll also be heading back to Nashville soon to work on some new projects. I’m really excited about what’s coming next!
RAG: What’s your absolute favorite aspect of what you do?
- I’d say meeting people is my absolute favorite part of what I do. I’m so fortunate to write and perform, but getting to meet people who connect with my music is one of the most special feelings ever.
RAG: What can people expect from this single?
- I think it’s definitely different from my past releases. This one takes a heavy topic and puts a cheeky, fun, fresh spin on it!
RAG: Last but not least—give us your top 5 musical influences of all time. People want to know!
- Oh my gosh, that’s a tough one! I grew up listening to so many different artists, but the ones who have shaped me the most are Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Aretha Franklin, and Heart. In no particular order!
RAG: Thanks so much for your time—and for the amazing track!
- Thank you so much for having me!