Ones To Watch: John J Presley

Hailing from the West Midlands but now residing in Brighton, John J Presley’s genre-bending sound forms a spellbinding hybrid of electric blues and classic songwriting, which sits closely besides the likes of Jack White and Mark Lanegan. Releasing his EP ‘White Ink’ to acclaim in 2015, this year has seen Presley unleash the sublime singles ‘True Love Waits’ and ‘Rise And Fall’ ahead of the release of his debut album ‘As The Night Draws In’ on 25th January 2019.

As The Night Draws In sees Presley draw deeper than ever before in his songwriting and arranging - sweeping orchestral lines coupled with menacing drones and experimental flourishes, conjuring up his more evocative side. The roots of his sound though remain in the blues, and his distinctly unique guitar tone, which has already gained him an army of fans, is still very much intact.

Speaking on the new record, Presley says: “This album is a collection of workings from the last ten years. I wanted the body of work to show all sides of the music I make – not all riffs but some moments of clarity and tenderness too. It's a reflection of frustrations and anxieties but also seeing a glimmer of light. A light to hold on to most certainly. It’s the deepest and broadest body of work I’ve done to date”.

Watch the moody video for ‘Rise and Fall’ right here:

John J Presley and his band play the following upcoming shows:

JANUARY 2019
Rockaway Beach Festival, Butlin’s Bognor Regis – Sat 12th
London Borderline – Sat 26th (w/ Blood Red Shoes) – SOLD OUT
Manchester Soup Kitchen – Wed 30th (w/ Blood Red Shoes)
Glasgow Stereo – Thu 31st (w/ Blood Red Shoes)

You can find out more about John J Presley by visiting his official website or following him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.