When introduced to US based Folk-Rock Singer/Songwriter, Presley Duyck, you are instantly drawn into a world of creativity and imagination.. a world where storytelling and melodies allow you to vividly picture the image that Presley is portraying through her music.
Presley Duyck grew up surrounded by folk and classic rock inspirations such as Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac and was in awe of this music that was leaving her captivated.
Over the years, Presley has merged the sense of modern and timeless to create the recognisable sound that you hear in her music today.
‘Juliet’ is a story of young, forbidden love and while initial inspirations did not come from the story of Romeo and Juliet, the track does conjure up a modern day sense of the timeless Shakespeare story.
As you begin listen to the track you will encounter the stunning acoustic sounds of the guitar playing.. almost as if you were in the room and Presley was playing to you. As the gorgeously smooth vocals of Presley begin, there is a familiarity reminiscent of a somewhat Stevie Nicks style.
You can listen to ‘Juliet’ below:
Tell us a little about your background
I’ve always said that everything I do is because of my sister and for my younger sister, Chloe.
She passed away when I was very young, and my first instinct to comfort her in the hospital was to sing to her since I couldn’t hold her.
I made up songs on the way to her funeral. I’ve always turned to music to process my emotions.
I started doing musical theatre when I was about eleven years old, and have been performing ever since.
It had always been a dream to write my own music, and quarantine helped that dream come to life.
Since all shows were cancelled, that meant a lot more time in my room, and a desperate desire to create.
I finally started writing, and wrote furiously every day.
That’s really what got me through these tough times, and I honestly didn’t know if I would share my originals with anyone.
And, now here we are!
What does having a life in music mean to you?
A life in music means getting to live the life I’ve dreamt of since I was teeny tiny.
There has never been a moment where I have questioned wanting to make music – it’s probably one of the most constant things in my life.
For me, music is the ultimate way to connect with other people, and even yourself.
I always say I feel really big feelings, and sometimes it’s hard to sift through all the different emotions I am feeling.
Music has always helped me with that, and to feel less alone in my experiences.
When I get to create music, I get to share my experiences with the world and hopefully help other people the same way music has been there for me.
What is it that makes you, you when you’re not in the public eye?
I’m really pretty lowkey!
I love being around people and being social, but I also find myself spending a lot of time alone being an introvert. I’m often at a local coffee shop (I have a big coffee addiction), or going on a drive blasting music.
I am a big family person and like to watch Harry Potter movies with my little brother.
I’m also very into health and taking care of myself, so you can find me meditating or doing yoga in my bedroom-turned-studio.
And, I’m a student! I take tons of classes, and try to soak up as much music knowledge as I can!
You have released your new single ‘Juliet’.. tell us about what inspired you to create this song.
I just had this line pop into my head of “Juliet, come get your man”, and I just kept hearing it over and over.
I thought it was a cool line, so I ran to my keyboard and just started telling the story that I saw in my head.
I do come from a musical theatre background, so I do love to tell stories and create worlds with my imagination.
How does the story of Romeo and Juliet connect with you and what motivated you want to share this within your song?
What’s so funny is when I wrote this, I wasn’t even thinking about Romeo and Juliet!
Then, after looking at the song, I saw the resemblance.
Besides Romeo and Juliet just being a classic love story (and I am a hopeless romantic, I have a pisces venus for all you astrology people out there), I think a lot of us know that feeling of being head over heels in love with someone that isn’t “approved of” by either friends or family.
I’ve been in the situation where I’ve had people in my ear intervening in my relationship, and it’s hard not to be swayed.
I’ve been in Juliet’s situation – lost, confused, in love, and can’t decide if she should stay or go be with him.
What is your creative process like when you are creating your music?
It’s never really just one formula – sometimes I am fiddling around on a keyboard and start singing whatever I feel over the chords, or sometimes I hear a lyric in my head and start scribbling lines.
I really like to start with lyric intention first, so I don’t get lost in the song or forget what I am trying to say.
Lyrics are super important to me, but I also think it’s important to recognize when to relax about the cerebral parts and just focus on the feeling and the groove.
Was there anyone else involved in the writing, recording or producing process?
Yes! My favorite collaborator is my wonderful producer, Chris Garcia.
From the moment we first started working together, he understood my vision and knew exactly the type of vibes I was going for.
Not only is he a music producing genius, he is so much fun to work with.
Working in the studio with him is one of my greatest experiences in life so far.
I can’t wait to be back in the studio making music with him again!
If all the stars aligned, where would you ultimately like to get to with your music?
I would like to be in the position where I can support myself and my family by making music I love.
It’s not about the fame, it’s about getting to create for a living.
If I can keep releasing music, tour, and do what I love for the rest of my life while getting to support my family, I will be forever happy.
I cannot think of a more content life.
Do you have any plans lined up for future releases?
I have several songs ready to go that you should be on the lookout for!
A new single should be coming very soon, and it might be one of my favorites…
From your experience, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
I would tell aspiring musicians to really soul search and find who you are, what makes you the most authentic version of you.
The music that is most genuine and most you is the most interesting, so don’t try to be someone else, or who you think you’re supposed to be.
Where can people find your music?
You can find me on all streaming platforms by searching Presley Duyck – listener’s choice!
My website is great place to find me, (http://www.presleyduyckmusic.com), and I am super active on my Instagram so follow me there! – https://www.instagram.com/presley.duyck
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.