Will Preston was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with him.
Will Preston As Cover Story – March 2024 Edition
How do you introduce yourself?
I would introduce myself as a singer who brings soul to any genre. Someone who bridges the gap between current music and the sounds that we’ve grown to love throughout music’s evolution. I’m a vessel of love primarily. And love is multifaceted so there is so much to share musically. As a writer, I love to explore the complexities and various angles of our emotions. As a singer, I get to interpret and share those emotions vocally.
Childhood to Adulthood – How was your transition from childhood to adulthood and what are the bad and good things you remember?
I had a great childhood. I knew that it was good back then, but it’s amazing that as we get older there is a different type of appreciation that we gain for parents and the sacrifices they made so that we could have that experience. My parents weren’t overly strict, but they had standards and rules that were expected to be followed. I didn’t always like the rules, but ultimately, I respected my parents. I don’t want to paint the picture that I always did the right thing. That definitely wasn’t the case. If I was the first child, they probably wouldn’t have had more. As they would say, I was always into something. Nothing too crazy, but just being mischievous. I was probably the real-life Dennis the Menace. I was the kid who acted in the moment. My imagination was big. If I had an idea, good or bad, I was going for it with no regard for the repercussions. As you can imagine, I was very acquainted with the concept of punishment.
Transition to adulthood was pretty seamless. Our parents prepared us well, and I don’t think they had any extreme concerns of us stepping out into the world. They were probably ready when that time came.
Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?
Dealing with the loss of loved ones is the toughest challenge I’ve faced. It’s the most difficult aspect of living. When those you love and cherish are no longer physically with you, it hurts. It’s a pain that ultimately softens, but the void is forever. I’ve been fortunate to have had wonderful grandparents and other relatives and friends who are no longer with us, but their legacies and teachings will always be with me. I lost my father very recently, and I’m still dealing with that. It’s very raw. As many have said, the price we pay for love is grief. It’s a high price, but I wouldn’t exchange an ounce of that love to diminish the grief.
What do people usually not know about you?
Most people probably don’t know that education has always been very important to me. Music has always been a passion, but I’ve also been passionate about pursuing education and other ventures. I have a bachelor’s degree in Finance, a master’s degree in Education, and a Doctorate in Leadership. So yes, I’m technically Dr. Preston. That’s a little-known fact. I love options. I’m constantly in pursuit of a challenge. I don’t think I’ll ever just sit still. I’m realizing more that I got that from my father. He was always busy, doing whatever brought him happiness in that moment. I’m doing the same.
What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry and in life?
I do my own thing. I’ve always been that guy. I was never a follower. It’s probably why I stayed in so much trouble as a youngster, but it’s also the reason that I didn’t get into some bigger trouble throughout the years. I’m not easily pressured. Music is no different. I don’t approach music with the mindset of competing with other artists. For my music to be organic, it must be authentic. I’ve vowed to remain true to my artistry. I like being me. I’m grateful that I create music that connects with others, and they seem drawn to me for that reason. My appeal is that I’m an authentic artist who isn’t consumed with being trendy. You can be both unique and relevant at the same time. Ironically, it works.
What are your upcoming major events?
I’m very excited about my upcoming project. I’m nearing the end of recording, and it feels good to have another one on the way. They’ll be upcoming shows, so stay connected. I’m also excited to be launching an apparel line this year. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do, and the timing is finally right. You’ll hear more about that over the next several months. Definitely stay tuned.
What are your food preferences and physical attributes?
I work hard to stay focused on eating healthy. I work out four to five days a week. I do well most times with eating, but it’s not always easy. I’ve gone through periods of being vegetarian, pescatarian, clean eating, low carb, etc. It just depends on what I’m trying to accomplish and what I have the willpower to withstand. In general, I attempt to minimize my carb intake. I could get caught up in the world of chips and french fries if I didn’t set parameters. My favorite food hands down is macaroni and cheese; not the boxed variety, real homemade baked macaroni and cheese. I have to draw the distinction, just in case someone had the wrong idea. There is no greater comfort food than macaroni and cheese. It is the sole reason that I have never attempted to go vegan. I just haven’t been able to persuade myself to give up cheese. If someone knows of the ideal substitute, I’d give it a try. But so far, I haven’t found one.
Your relationships and family?
I have a wonderful family who are my super fans. They keep me grounded but also give me the motive to soar.
What expert advice would you like to give?
My advice to others is to connect with your passion as soon as possible. Life is relatively fleeting. You blink and a decade has passed you by. You don’t want to be on the other end of time with a string of regrets. Tap into that passion as early as you can, and always consider that receiving some enjoyment from it is better than receiving none at all. You can’t continue to wait on the right time. Life isn’t unfolding with our sideline inhibitions in mind. Life is fluid. We have to jump in and live in the moment. There are never any assurances that everything will go as planned. In fact, nothing will go as planned. Just consider that there is a realistic chance that they will go better than plan you could’ve ever conceived.
Your social media handles and website links?
- Instagram: @thewillpreston
- Twitter: @thewillpreston
- TikTok: @yepthewillpreston
- Website: www.willpreston.com
R. Harwood is the writer and editor in chief of TheCelebrity.Online – Read more on our About Us page.