Today we’d like to introduce you to Preston D Barnes.
Hi Preston D, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first started at 15yrs old when I was gifted a keyboard for Xmas off my parents. I took to it like duck to water and never looked back. I briefly went to music college but very quickly decided to join the British Army where I stayed for 22 years.
During my last 13 months in the British Army I auditioned for ‘The Voice UK’ and was successful. I managed to get down to the finals (last 26 people) before I exited the show and used it as a platform for future musical projects.
I soon became signed to Sonic Boom Records and released my first single ‘Add a Little You’ in 2022 which hit NO1 and stayed in the top 10 for 11 days…
I’ve since released a further 11 singles and had 5 NO1’s and the rest on the top 10…
I’ve been nominated for several awards, including a BCMA award for best newcomer + song of the year as well as a UK Country Radio award and a nomination for the Texas International Music Awards in 2024.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s not been easy, it’s dog eat dog sometimes and with more and more country artists coming through, it’s sometimes difficult to gain constant exposure through festival slots and live music events but we are doing it, we’re doing it well and look forward to the future
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think I’ve already answered this question but my main job as a professional career has been witching the British Army where I served in several roles..
1. Professional Musician (initially)
2. Chemical, Biological, Radialogical, Nuclear warfare instructor
3. British Army Physical Training Instructor
4. Drum Major Duties
5. Phase 2 Training Instructor
6. British Army National Recruiter
7. Commendation for Outstanding Service
8. Served in Iraq in 2003 for the invasion
9. Travelled to over 37 countries
To name a few
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m actually extremely hard of hearing and have to wear hearing aids due to Military Service
It’s difficult at times especially with live music where you need your ears for everything that’s happening around you
I also have just built my own home studio which now producing music from… Gamechanger for us as a band.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prestondbarnes.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/prestondbarnesofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prestondbarnescountry
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/preston_dbarnes
