We recently connected with Preston Gunderson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Preston thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Recently, my new album “Fall” was released and it was such an important record for me. Having a 6+ year relationship end, it really helped me process a lot of complex emotions that weren’t super easy on my own. Not only did it help me process the loss, it helped keep me engaged with my songwriting process and work more collaboratively with others, too. That is always the most fun, being in the studio with your friends/band mates/producers trying new ideas and hearing your songs by the end of the process.

From that album came a plethora of music videos, merch, and a new website. Not to mention so many meaningful and creative friendships with immensely GOOD and talented people.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m the son of an iron ore miner and a touring musician mother, growing up on the “Iron Range” in Northern Minnesota.

I started performing at a super young age, but started to take it seriously around the age of 15. I would play out in bars, and write songs all along the way until I recorded my first album in high-school.

I have since made 6 records, played 1000+ shows and have been on a couple TV shows, first “The Voice” then “American Idol.” Neither of the reality shows really worked out but I continued to play 100 to 150 shows a year. From cover shows, holidays shows, corporate events, weddings, to now focusing more on my original music.

The thing I’m most proud of is all the sacrifices I’ve made to keep my dreams alive, and how much time and energy I’ve devoted to my craft to be a full-time musician. Obviously, that couldn’t happen without an incredible support system and that starts with my family, friends, and of course my fans. I’ve grown immensely over the years not only as a songwriter and artist but as a person and I owe that to so many people.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

To me it is feeling a deeper connection with others, realizing that my story and experiences can be told with honesty and authenticity. So many of the obstacles and hardships we face as human beings are shared. Meaning that we are rarely alone in what we’ve experienced, good or bad. When we see and understand that humanity in one another it brings us closer together and we’re able to break down the walls between us real or imaginary.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

A goal for me would be to tour more. I’ve been on two national self booked tours, and 3 national holiday show tours. While those were fun, it left more to be desired around making a name for myself and MY music. I would love to play national circuits as an opener for a larger touring act to showcase who I am, my music, and potentially grow my fan base.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.prestongunderson.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/prestongunderson
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/prestongundersonmusic
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/prestogundersonmusic
• Other: https://linktr.ee/prestongunderson

Image Credits
Dan Branovan Jared Fessler