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 – January 2025 Edition

What drives your creative passion, and how do you stay inspired?

My creative passion is fueled by my love of music and the creation of it.  I’m also driven by the desire to connect with people on an emotional level.  Whether through music or now with my venture into fashion, I enjoy hearing that my creations resonate deeply with others. Inspiration can come from so many sources.  I stay inspired by observing the world around me—people’s stories, their emotions, and even the unspoken moments. I’m inspired by my life and my journey.  Nature, art, and the creative energy of other artists also fuel my imagination.

Can you share a pivotal moment that shifted your career trajectory?

There have been many pivotal moments during the twenty years that I’ve been releasing music.  A recent pivotal moment was when I decided to fully embrace my dual passions for music and creating a clothing line. Launching “My Best Interest Apparel” allowed me to express a different side of my creativity, but it also deepened my connection with my audience by giving them something tangible to wear and cherish.  It revealed a broader scope of my artistry.  

How do you balance personal and professional life, especially in the public eye?

Balance is necessary but often hard to materialize, especially when you’re an entrepreneur.  It seems that the lines are always crossing and often blurred.   I prioritize setting boundaries and carving out time for myself and my loved ones. Having a strong support system helps, as does being intentional about self-care. It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned that balance is a nonnegotiable element of success.

What’s the most significant obstacle you’ve overcome, and what did you learn from it?

The biggest obstacle I’ve overcome is learning to let go of the fear of judgment and becoming comfortable releasing my thoughts and emotions through music. Early on, once people began to notice my music, I felt that I had an obligation at that point to deliver on their expectations instead of my own.  I didn’t fully understand the industry, and being a new artist on the scene you kind of think that there are these unwritten rules of engagement.  

I would overthink things.  But that was short-lived.  I realized quickly that music is deeply subjective—what resonates with one person might not with another, and that’s okay. I discovered my lane.  I stopped worrying about trying to please everyone and focused on creating music that felt authentic to me. That shift was liberating. It was a return to how I had always approached creating music.  I learned that the beauty of music lies in its personal nature—each listener connects to it in their own unique way. From that point, I approached my work with confidence, knowing that as long as it was true to me, it would find the people it was meant to reach.

How do you handle criticism or negative feedback, and what’s your strategy for self-care?

I view criticism as an opportunity to grow. While not all feedback is constructive, I filter it to find valuable insights. Substantive criticism and feedback propels sincere artists closer to perfection.  You ignore that which isn’t worthy of attention.  Also, as a music consumer as well, I don’t enjoy listening to every artist so I can’t expect that everyone will enjoy my sound.  That’s also one of the great things about music; the subjective nature of it all.  

What skills or knowledge do you wish you had earlier in your career?

I was really like a sponge in the early days of recording.  I probably tried to soak it all up too quickly.  I can’t say that it negatively impacted me, but it was definitely exciting and overwhelming also.  Consuming knowledge more like a marathon rather than a sprint would have benefitted me, I’m sure.  I definitely wasn’t thinking twenty years down the road and all of the valuable, more important lessons that would be learned along the way.  Building relationships has been more powerful than anything I could’ve read.

Who are your biggest influences or role models, and why?

There are just so many.  Professionally, I draw inspiration from many artists, executives, and people who embody excellence and versatility in their craft. People who follow their dreams and execute their passions. I applaud visionaries who push boundaries while staying authentic.  That’s the kind of legacy I aspire to create.

What’s your dream collaboration or project, and why is it significant to you?

My dream collaboration would be with someone who shares a passion for storytelling, like Alicia Keys, Eric Roberson, or Anderson .Paak. Their ability to blend genres and evoke emotion is inspiring, and I think our styles would create something unforgettable.  I have many dream collaborations, but those three are on my mind.  

How do you select projects or partnerships that align with your values?

I always ask myself, “Does this project reflect my authenticity and vision?” I look for opportunities that allow me to stay true to who I am. It’s important that the work I do feels genuine and contributes something meaningful to the world.

What legacy do you hope to leave in your industry, and how do you plan to achieve it?

I hope to leave a legacy of authenticity, creativity, and impact. I want people to look back on my work and feel that it was a positive contribution to the colorful tapestry of music, especially as an independent artist.  Through my music, my apparel brand, and the stories I tell, I plan to keep building platforms that celebrate our existence and connection.  

Social Media Handles?

Instagram: @thewillpreston

Twitter: @thewillpreston

TikTok: @yepthewillpreston

Facebook: @willprestonmusic

Website: www.willpreston.com

Website: www.mybestinterestapparel.com