Artist Name: Preston D Barnes
Hometown: I live in the North West of England, just outside the seaside town of Blackpool.
What project(s) are you currently working on?
This is exciting.. I have been spending a lot of time in the studio, working on some brand new music! I really can’t wait for you all to hear the next single release in September.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
>When I was very young, my mum bought me a keyboard for Christmas that came with 4 free Organ lessons. I went along and soon found that I really wanted to play music properly, so I moved from Organ over to Piano and things escalated from there. I then became really interested in Joining the Army as a musician, just like my Uncle. You wouldn’t believe it but after taking the plunge at 16 years old and signing on the dotted line to join the British Army, I eventually served with my uncle in the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers based in Chatham, Kent. Thanks to my mum and dad for buying me a keyboard for Christmas all those years ago I say.
<If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
If I wasn’t a Professional Musician, I’m more than positive I would be a Prison Officer due to my Military Background and Coaching and Mentoring experience. It’s something that’s always interested me and coincidentally I was offered a place at a UK Prison after I left the Forces but I chose Music as my first choice and thankfully I did. Saying that, if music wasn’t a choice, I would definitely be pursuing a Career in a uniformed job and most likely in the Prison Service.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
I love to keep fit! I used to be a Physical Training Instructor in the Army and also have Civilian Personal Training Qualifications too, so this has always been a part of my daily routine. I generally run 4-5 miles every time I go out which really helps reduce the stresses of any situation, helps with Mental Health and helps to make you feel great.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Oh this is so EASY! Sandra Bullock used to be all over my bedroom walls as a kid and when she starred in Demolition Man alongside Sylvester Stallone, that sealed the deal that she was the ultimate Female Hollywood star. I did used to think I would bump into her in Burnley (where I grew up) but that never happened.
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
I don’t really follow any sports that involve teams BUT I do follow Boxing a lot. I used to box for an Army Team and have loved it ever since. Ricky Hatton has to be my favourite UK Fighter of all time and I absolutely will meet him one day, hopefully.
What is the last movie that you watched?
Oh, now this is an amazing film! And dare I say it, better than the original. TOP GUN Maverick was so good, I actually thought about taking flying lessons as soon as I came out of the cinema.
What is the last album you listened to?
Chris Stapleton – Startin’ Over. A fantastic songwriter and vocalist who has taken the Country Music Scene by storm over the last few years. A total inspiration for me.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Journey – Greatest Hits. Why do I hear you ask? Well, I think the musicianship and the vocal range and harmonies are outstanding and have given me so much to think about while writing my own music over the years. It’s also a great album to go running with too.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
This is way too hard to answer, there’s so many to choose from so I’ll be diplomatic and say:: Every song has its strengths but only some will live with you forever.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
This definitely has to be SEOUL in South Korea. What an amazing place with lots of cultural differences that leave you gobsmacked and speechless. If you guys haven’t been, put it on your bucket list.
What is your favorite meal?
My favourite Go-To meal has to be cheese and beans on toast. Fast and easy to make and really hits the spot.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Carrie Underwood is without a doubt the ultimate Duet Partner. Easy as that.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
In an ideal world, and if I ever got the chance, it would have to be Brad Paisley. What an incredible musician and always seems to have so much fun on stage too. Why wouldn’t I want to go on tour with him!
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
My ultimate Career goal is to be recognised for releasing quality music that people can relate to. I think that music is an international language that can create memories for people in so many different ways. If my songs can do that for people that choose to listen to my music, then that would make me really really happy.