10 Questions With Presley Haile

With a sound rooted in honest storytelling and a voice that carries the weight of her Texas upbringing, Presley Haile is quickly carving out a space of her own in the Americana scene.

Hailing from Hamilton and now based in Central Texas, the singer/songwriter/guitarist has spent the past few years refining her craft through heartfelt releases like “Mountain Daughter” and “Lone Star State of Mind,” while sharing stages with the likes of Randy Rogers Band and Ty Myers.

Now, she’s released her latest project, Off To Find A Sunny Day—a five-track EP that captures her restless spirit, deep connection to nature, and search for peace. Ahead of the release, Presley sat down with us to talk about the stories behind the songs, her Texas roots, and what it means to finally play AMERICANAFEST.

Your new EP Off To Find A Sunny Day paints such vivid pictures — what story or theme ties these five songs together for you?

Each of these songs carries a thread of longing — for greener pastures, open air, solitude, growth, and a deeper sense of peace. As a whole, this EP reflects the full landscape of my journey so far: where I’ve been, where I’m headed, and where I find myself right now.

You’ve said you’re inspired by artists like John Prine and Patty Griffin — how have their influences shaped this new project?

I can’t say this project was directly influenced by any one artist. That’s not to say these songs didn’t draw inspiration in their own way during the writing process — they certainly did. But I’ve never been one to try and write like my heroes. I could never figure out how to. Their work means too much to me, and I know I couldn’t do it justice. I try to focus on telling my own story the best way I know how.

The title track, “Sunny Day,” kicks off the EP. Why did you choose this song to open the collection, and what does it represent?

“Sunny Day” is about my tendency to run when things get hard — my struggle to stay put and tend to my own grass, even when it feels easier to leave. That restlessness shows up in the songs that follow, each one reflecting some part of that habit. In many ways, “Sunny Day” felt like the right way to set the tone for the entire EP.

“Mountain Daughter” really resonated with listeners when it first dropped. What was going through your mind when you wrote it?

I started writing “Mountain Daughter” while visiting Colorado with my partner, Nick Brumley, and our friend, Michael Madewell. It was my first time experiencing Colorado as an adult — the first time I truly felt immersed in its beauty. I wanted to capture a special moment I shared with Nick, and later, we finished the song together. This one will always hold a special place in my heart — not just because of the memory, but because I got to create it with the love of my life. Knowing it resonates with others makes it all the more meaningful.

“Dog in the Cold” is such an intriguing title — can you share the story behind that track?

Nick and I were in the middle of our move from East Texas to Central Texas, and to say it was challenging would be an understatement. It was our first move together as a couple, and life felt especially chaotic at the time. I started writing this song as a way to work through that “stuck” feeling I couldn’t shake. I reached out to my friends Race Ricketts and Erica Hamilton to help me finish it, and I’m so glad they were up for it — their contributions brought the song to life in a way I couldn’t have done on my own.

When people listen to your EP for the first time, what do you hope they take away from it?

It may sound cliché, but I truly hope these songs bring a sense of comfort and belonging to whoever needs it. I’ve felt like an odd duck for most of my life, and music was the first thing that ever made me feel like I had a real purpose. I know I’m not alone in that feeling, I know my experiences aren’t entirely unique, and I hope these songs find the folks who could benefit from someone who’s been there too.

You’re heading out on the road with artists like Flatland Cavalry and Kelsey Waldon — how does it feel to be sharing your music with new audiences across the country?

I feel unbelievably fortunate — and honestly, a little undeserving. I’ve looked up to these artists for nearly my entire career, so getting to share a bill with them is an honor I can hardly put into words. I’m a very lucky woman, and I try not to take a second of it for granted.

You’ll also be performing at AMERICANAFEST this year — what does it mean to be part of such a celebrated event in the Americana community?

Another honor I feel incredibly grateful for. I’ve been jonesing to attend Americana fest for going on six years now, and to be performing there in September is surreal.

You grew up in Hamilton, Texas and later moved to East Texas — how have your roots influenced your songwriting and sound?

I grew up spending a lot of time at my grandparents’ place, running around the countryside with my brother and seven cousins. My love for nature — and for my family — has always shaped the way I write. But it wasn’t until I moved to East Texas that I was truly introduced to the heart of songwriting. Nick would to take me over to Shreveport, where I met some of the most inspiring songwriters I’ve ever come across. Those folks turned me on to Townes Van Zandt, Blaze Foley, Guy Clark, Willis Alan Ramsey, and so many others. The way I approached writing, and the kind of artist I wanted to be, completely shifted. That’s when I really began to find my voice.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about — whether it’s on the road, in the studio, or just in life?

I love the road, and I pray that never changes. I’m excited for the new places, stages, and faces ahead. I’m excited to keep moving forward, seeing what life has to offer with each mile.