John Preston salutes endurance and perseverance with his new single Be Real — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Taken from the American singer-songwriter’s new album God Magik, Be Real is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of hardship, strength and overcoming life’s toughest obstacles. The song is a tribute to Ariana Roberts, a friend of Preston and the wife of producer 5ilas. In March 2022, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. In response, 5ilas started creating tracks and sent them to Preston, who began to create an album dedicated to helping people who are suffering.
“Our families were devastated when we heard the news of Ariana’s cancer,” Preston says. “I felt useless and had no idea what I could do to help my best friend and his family. The album concept was created to find a way to make a difference and this song was my message to my friends to keep fighting.
“As it’s been with all of my work, I poured my heart into this song that is about endurance and perseverance. There is so much power in love and that is exactly what Be Real is saying. People all over the world deal with this struggle, and with this song and entire album we want them to have a place to go, to feel, to love, to fight, and most importantly know they are not alone.”
Be Real is a prime example of the positive and impactful music Preston has previously created. Since 2014, when Preston arrived on the music scene, the full-time firefighter and Marine Corps veteran has been using his platform to advocate against suicide and open up the conversation surrounding mental health. He is also the founder of 22 And You, a movement to save the lives of first responders and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. His music focuses on making positive impacts in the world. All his proceeds from Be Real will go to the Bay Area Cancer Connection.
Check out Be Real and a behind-the-scenes video above, listen to God Magik below, and meet John Preston at his website, Facebook and Instagram.
