We don’t know exactly what we were doing at 15 years old, but it most certainly wasn’t grabbing attention from the likes of Kid Laroi, Skrillex and Justin Bieber. Yet already steadfast in his sound and tenacious in ambition, Prentiss has come all guns blazing onto our playlists with his charming new track, “cardigan” — his latest release following his debut EP, “hey prentiss”.
Candid in lyricism, upbeat in tempo yet harrowing in tone, “cardigan” instantly takes listeners on a ride through every emotion before reaching a climax with an expanse of euphoric tones that tickle your subconscious. Innocent yet painfully introspective, “cardigan” can be played anywhere at any time — but with a little word of warning, it is near impossible to get its catching tune out of your head afterwards.
With “cardigan” also marking the first drop of Prentiss’s debut album, we couldn’t help but chat with the Jackson-native artist about his experience within the industry so far, how he deals with external pressures and his riveting plans for summer.
To stream his new single and for the full interview, head below now…
Hey Prentiss, how are you? How has this past year been for you?
Good, I’m chillin. This year has been wild but a lot of fun.
Let’s start at the beginning, how did you first get into music?
My brother Wilson showed me songs on his iPod when I was 4, and I’ve been a fan since! I started making music for friends at school when I was editing videos and making gaming compilations. That’s what started my desire to create.
How does it feel to have caught the attention of various celebs and icons at such a young age?
It’s wild, actually. I didn’t expect it when I was making the songs in my room. But I’m glad it reached other people and artists.
Being so young and starting your career, did you feel any pressure?
Yeah there’s pressure, but I’m learning to deal with it in my own way. Trying to not let anything negative get the best of me.
Talk us through the production process from your latest single “cardigan”.
It was my first session with Ljay Currie and Jean Baptiste. I wanted to make something r&b leaning and fun. They made the fire beat and then we got to work on the melodies for it.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
Inspiration. I know I’m younger, I just hope my music inspires someone.
Who inspires you?
I take inspiration from a bunch of different stuff like my friends music, eWop, Grateful Dead t’s, or nature. My inspiration is all over the place.
What are you most excited for in this career?
Having the opportunity to be able to create and play shows. I really love making music and then performing it.
What’s next for you?
Lollapalooza in July & releasing my album. Maybe a house in Costa Rica with a farm on it. I’ve been searching on Zillow.
