It’s Valentine’s Day. You’re panicking because you forgot to get that special something you’ve been meaning to buy for your girl/guy. What do you do? Well, it’s still the morning and he’s/she’s probably still sleeping. So instead of worrying yourself, take a deep breath. Press play below and read up on some advice from HS87 singer, Preston Harris. The San Diego artist is signed to Hit-Boy’s label and is about to help you get your groove on, on this special day between you and your loved one. He’s worked with Teddy Riley and written for Zendaya, but his solo work is bound to strike just the right chord if you’re in love, or are looking to fall in love sooner than later. Hit-Boy produced this new EP while Preston sings of the pure, powerful kind of love that often gets lost in Pop songs or club bangers.
We spoke with Preston on working with Hit-Boy, his new EP, and his best/worst Valentine’s Day to date. Pro tip, ladies: send him plenty of candy if you want to get on his good side. Check out his EP below and read our interview below that.
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Did you meet Hit-Boy through HazeBanga (HS87 producer)?
Around 2011-12, Haze and I were creating together in San Diego in a production group called “Special Order.” At that point in my life I was in a musical/life transition. On-and-off writing and stressing, trying to be good whether under romantic or traumatic pressure. Haa! One day HazeBanga called and offered an opportunity to come to LA. He had already been up with Hit-Boy, and saw fit to keep me in mind. I met Hit-Boy at the House Of Hit in the Valley. Hit’s the coolest, he gon’ say “You know the way you sing, we could really F the game up.” So our friendship began. Honestly, in a lot of ways you could say that Haze has been very integral in changing the course of my life. In which I am very grateful.
Hit-Boy said your album is something that the world needs right now. What would you like to say about your album?
I think what we always need is love. My EP gives that, A LOT of that. Even in “Hummingbird,” it describes the conflicts I have with a common, broken perspective on love and relationships and what we expect from each other within them. My hope is that this EP along with all of my music speaks straight to the heart and helps to encourage all the positive potential in love. It’s a bunch of cool love jams.
While other rappers are busy rapping about taking other guys’ girls and bragging about taking down multiple women while being in a relationship, you focus on maintaining a loyal relationship to one girl. Are you trying to provide balance in the music industry or that’s simply a principle you believe in and want to share with the world?
There are many different walks of life and path routes that we all take individually. For me at least I KNOW that there is a beautiful bond in being committed to one person. When it’s real, when you keep it real with that person, a lot of factors that cause and validate “insecurity” die off. Trust is valued, communication is strong and thorough, options for another don’t even have the chance to materialize. Women look good, alllllllll around the world, but never as good as the one that’s been true to you, honors and protects you, loves you, sacrifices for and with you – understands you and allows you to freely be yourself. That is what I wish to showcase with all of my music and all of my life. Security in love, respect in love because its real and its real enough to save lives… and relationships.
What was it like working with Hit-Boy on this EP? Did you both have equal input on the final product and sound?
Its very easy working with Hit-Boy because there are no limits. At the House Of Hit we are all about the vibe and groove. It’s crazy. I feel so at home making music with him and everybody at HS87 for that matter. Hit-Boy makes all of the beats I feel like I’ve been dreaming about for years. I usually like to work by myself, but since creating with Hit-Boy, Haze, Preach and the rest of the family, we just catch vibes and go!
What’s the ideal setting for your fans to listen to this EP?
ANYWHERE! EVERYWHERE! But especially wherever food is involved!
What was the purpose of the interlude? A moment to reflect on love and relationships?
Purely… Its one of my favorites! I chose to sing cheerful melodies over a cool bass melody that my dear friend Anessa Al-Musawwir laid, just to stick with the “upbeat” theme of the whole project, then it takes a turn into something wiiiiiild where all of the vocals and bass come back in reverse. Honestly, it’s a break in-between concepts, the song before is called “TRACE” — a very poetic description of service if you understand what I’m saying. I had to put the interlude there to change the atmosphere and prepare the mind for the very encouraging “Lift Your Head.”
What was your best/worst Valentine’s Day?
All of them have been my worst… I’ve learned much over the years haha. My best Valentine’s Day had to be either in 5th Grade where my crush gave me this Valentine’s card with all of these hearts, smiles and the MOST CANDY or a couple years back when I did a Valentine’s Day Show in San Diego at the Onyx Lounge and had everybody hugged up. You see, me and the V-Day have this ongoing love-hate relationship. Still hopeful for the right one.
What advice can you give guys and girls who are planning for Valentine’s Day?
Honestly, enjoy each other. Wherever you go, whatever you do. Release your expectations and enjoy the person that brings you joy. Really appreciate the time spent and the efforts of their sentiments. Doing that first makes wherever you go and whatever you do even MORE enjoyable. Finally, make sure you set the mood with “Love Crazy” while you’re together.
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day, if you don’t mind?
Well, if I’m not doing a show that night, I’ll be in the studio. I could step out a little bit.
Do you have plans for the next project already?
I got some things lined up, yes. We’ve been making tons of songs. You can definitely expect A LOT more cool love jams, a project from Preach and a full-length that I’m very excited about!
Bryan Hahn is all about that Nerd Rope though. He’s on Twitter (@notupstate).
