Presley Puig Makes a Strong Introduction Ahead of Forthcoming New Project

When we stumbled onto “Sober” by Presley Puig online, it didn’t take long to get us hooked. A lush steel intro and the opening “I’ve almost forgotten what he’s like when he’s sober” was a pretty strong indication that we were in store for a great tear in your beer tune, and Puig didn’t disappoint.

After enjoying “Sober” so much, naturally we wanted to hear more from Puig, and what we found put the Missouri native on our radar as one of the great rising traditional country and bluegrass-inspired artists to watch. And good news for us, she’s got a full album worth of tunes and more on the way early in 2022.

As she prepares to release her new project next year, we chatted with Puig about her early start in music, many of the songs she’s released, what listeners can expect from her new project, her plans for next year and more!

Pro Country: Who were some of your early musical influences that have helped shape your sound?

Presley Puig: I am a huge fan of bluegrass, and I feel like I draw a lot of my inspirations from people such as Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless, etc; people that really rode the line of country and bluegrass. That has always been what my musical goal was: be bluegrass enough to be considered bluegrass and country enough to be considered country.

PC: Your bio mentions that you began playing guitar and singing professionally at just 10 years-old. What was it about music that connected with you so early in your life?

PP: My parents have always encouraged me to sing and play since I was young. Once I got old enough to tell them that I had a passion for it and wanted to learn more, they helped me every step of the way. So from about age 10 and on, I tried to learn as much as I could. I fully stand behind the fact that if it hadn’t been for my parents, I might have never have discovered my love, not just for music, but for playing it.

PC: At what point did that early interest in music and performing translate into wanting to/realizing you could pursue it as a career?

PP: Once you’re in front of people and doing something you’re passionate about, for me, it changed from a hobby to something I wanted to do forever. It was a dream of mine since I was young, and what better job than doing something that you love? I guess I just always had it in my mind that music was what I wanted to do, and I’ve never really questioned that.

PC: What emotions were you feeling as you were preparing to release your debut single, “Like The Rain,” in May of 2019?

PP: I was extremely nervous. I did a radio release with that song and was listening in live during the first time It was played. I was scared wondering how people would react to it, and I was so happy with the positive response, and it seems to be the favorite on my album. I think the production of that song leans classic/modern county, so that’s why I wanted to release it first. But this song holds a lot of emotions for me; it was the end to a project my team and I had worked extremely hard on.

PC: Though each of the songs you’ve released so far deals with heartache or love lost in some way, “I Hope It Hurts” offers a uniquely cheeky, sassy tone not found on your other three releases. Is it at all important to write from a different perspective in that way and to offer a different look at a heartbreak?

PP: “I Hope It Hurts” was actually the first song I ever wrote. It started off as a joke and then I thought that it actually would make a good song. I was thinking about the ultimate betrayal in a relationship, the idea of losing your best friend and your boyfriend through a decision they both made would be horrible. I just channeled the idea and built the song around the feelings I would have If i was in that same position. This one is my favorite on the album, I just love the story line and how it illiterates the fact that what goes around comes around.

PC: “Sober” is our favorite song you have released so far, and leans very heavily into a traditional country sound and is rich with steel guitar. Can you talk about the inspiration behind the song?

PP: I had a friend who I used to play music with and he was constantly drinking because of his ex-girlfriend, and it got the point where I couldn’t even remember a time when he was not drunk or slightly buzzed. He got help and is a totally different person now in those regards, but that’s where I got the inspiration for writing the song. I feel like some people use drinking as a way of coping with things, and losing someone he loved was his reason.

PC: You released your newest single, “If Wishing Only Made It So,” in March of this year, which was written by David Stewart. Can you tell us what drew you to record the song?

PP: David is an amazing songwriter and has made most of his name in the bluegrass world. I’m working with him on a few more songs on my next album, and those will have more of a bluegrass influence than the songs I’ve already released. Long story short, I just loved the song and the message with it, and really wanted to record it when he pitched it to me.

PC: You’ve mentioned that you have an album that is available. What is the best way for people to hear the album?

PP: I sell them myself, so any form of communication with me is how I sell them! People can message me on Facebook or Instagram.

PC: Your bio mentions more music that you have recorded and are yet to release. What information can you give about any forthcoming releases? What can listeners expect to hear?

PP: I’m working on a project right now and hope to have it done by the beginning of next year. I’m projecting end of January-February. I’m recording a few originals and a few that David wrote as well. Not sure on a release date, but I’ll keep everyone up to date on Facebook before then!

PC: Your bio also mentions that your new album was recorded in Nashville. What was the experience like of recording in Nashville and having the city’s players on your songs?

PP: I loved working in Nashville. My producer, Mike Schrimpf, has been a huge help since the beginning, and he is a huge reason why musically, the songs sound the way they do. We work really well together, and he is who will be working on my upcoming music as well.

PC: Of the things you can control, what are your plans for the rest of 2021 and going into 2022?

PP: I am a junior in college as well as trying to pursue music. I’ve got a pretty tight show schedule, so between this and next year, I hope to graduate and continue to grow with my band and new music!

PC: Is there anything you’d like to add?

PP: I want to thank you for playing my music and reaching out for this interview.

I try to stay active on social media, so that’s always the best way to get in contact with me!

My music page is Officialpresleymusic

And on tiktok: officiallypresley