Presley Tennant: CMA Fest 2025, Country Music Cruise & Rising Country Star

On this episode of Heart of the Gulch, host Tony Mendoza welcomes back rising country artist Presley Tennant during CMA Fest 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Following her first appearance on Heart of the Gulch, Presley Tennant returns to catch fans up on one of the busiest and most exciting chapters of her career. The California native has continued building momentum through new music, national performances, and an ever-growing fanbase, establishing herself as one of country music's most promising independent artists.

In this interview, Presley shares what it was like experiencing CMA Fest 2025, from meeting fans at Fan Fair X to performing throughout downtown Nashville during country music's biggest week. She reflects on how much her career has grown since her first appearance on the show and why connecting with fans face-to-face remains one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist.

Tony and Presley also dive into her latest music, her evolving sound, and the creative process behind writing songs that continue to connect with listeners. She discusses finding confidence as both a songwriter and performer while balancing life on the road with the constant evolution of her artistry.

The conversation also explores her upcoming appearance on the 2026 Country Music Cruise, performing for audiences across the country, and how every opportunity continues to shape the next chapter of her career. Presley shares why authenticity, hard work, and building genuine relationships with fans remain at the center of everything she does.

From her roots in California to establishing herself in Nashville, Presley Tennant continues to prove she's one of country music's rising stars with a bright future ahead.

If you love female country artists, independent country music, Nashville singer-songwriters, California country artists, CMA Fest, Country Music Cruise, emerging country stars, and authentic artist conversations, this interview is one you won't want to miss.

About Tony Mendoza

Tony Mendoza is a Nashville-based media personality, television host, executive producer, journalist, podcast host, and digital strategist best known as the creator and host of Heart of the Gulch. Through hundreds of in-depth interviews with country music artists, entertainers, and industry leaders, Tony has become known for spotlighting the stories behind country music's biggest stars while discovering the next generation of Nashville talent.

His work spans major events including CMA Fest, Country Radio Seminar (CRS), AmericanaFest, and exclusive Nashville studio sessions. As founder of Heart of the Gulch, Tony leads every aspect of production—from interviewing and storytelling to video production, editing, SEO strategy, and digital publishing—helping build one of Nashville's fastest-growing independent country music media platforms.

Passionate about showcasing the full spectrum of country music, Tony also highlights independent artists, female country musicians, Latino voices in country music, and the emerging talent shaping the future of Nashville.

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