Daily Inspiration: Meet Presley Duyck

Today we’d like to introduce you to Presley Duyck. 

Hi Presley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been singing my entire life, well, since I was at least three years old. My sister passed away from a congenital heart defect, and at that age, the only way I knew how to handle the grief while also wanting to take care of my sister/family was by singing. I sang to Chloe in the NICU and made-up lengthy songs on the way to her funeral. Then, my family started a nonprofit organization to raise money for heart defect research. My parents took me all over town to see local musicians play, looking for entertainment for their charity events and fundraisers. So, I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by live music, amazing musicians, and a whole lot of singing. Then, the musical theatre bug bit me when I was 11, and I have been doing musical theatre educationally and professionally ever since. When the pandemic hit, the shows that I had lined up were abruptly shut down, all auditions were cancelled, and theatre would be gone for about two years. I found myself missing the artistic outlet I had leaned on during life’s hard times and I needed to find another outlet. At that point, I started songwriting, and once I started, I couldn’t stop! And, here we are today! I’m so happy to be releasing music that I wrote, and still performing as an actress in various theatre productions across DFW! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While I am very grateful for the people who have uplifted, supported, and encouraged me, it has not been a smooth road by any means. Being an artist is a very vulnerable job, and true vulnerability, while maybe liberating, can be very difficult. People can be horrible. That’s all I’ll say. But people can be really beautiful, too. I think learning to surround yourself with the right people is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned. When I mention the right people, I’m not talking about “YES” people. I mean surrounding yourself with people who truly believe in you. I’m talking about people who won’t jump at the chance to tear you down. I am so lucky that I really have some of the most supportive people in my life. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently have five singles that have been released and are available on all streaming platforms under my name, Presley Duyck! I wrote these songs entirely on my own and getting to bring them to life with an amazing producer and incredible musicians just makes me feel like I need to pinch myself to make sure it’s real. My music is definitely blurry when it comes to genre – there’s some folk, some rock, some pop, but I always say it falls under the umbrella of indie-pop. I try to stay authentic to each song’s identity and existence as well as my own, so each song is a stand-alone in its own way. It’s been interesting to marry my love of storytelling with my love of music. I write from the heart and only from the heart. I’ve been told that this comes across in my music and lyrics and I feel like that’s the best compliment. 

As an actress, I’ve had the most wonderful time performing alongside some of the most talented performers and musicians in the metroplex. I’ve also been so lucky to work with the some of the best directors, music directors, and choreographers. I love the Dallas Theatre community with my whole heart and the talent here is incredible. Most recently, I had the opportunity to perform in the Regional Premiere of Kinky Boots at Uptown Players as well as play Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! at the historic Majestic Theatre with Lyric Stage. I’m slated to star in a short film written by a local filmmaker later this month and I hope to continue performing around the metroplex. I don’t take any of it for granted and every time I’m on stage I’m just filled with gratitude. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love the Headspace app, it’s a meditation app that has tools for dealing with anxiety, insomnia, and really anything you could think of. I tend to have a hard time getting my brain to stop racing at times and there’s certainly a lot of stress as a singer/songwriter/performer. This app always helps me kind of refresh and calm my brain so that I can do the best job possible. I think it’s important to care for one’s mental health in any profession, but being an artist requires so much vulnerability and the chance of rejection often feels like it’s just waiting for you at every corner. I am really intentional and try to work on my mental health just as much as my physical health. 

Contact Info:

• Website: presleyduyck.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/presley.duyck

Image Credits
Courtney Bliss Photography
Jamie Brogdon Photography