As a Nashville native, Preston grew up around professional music. His mom was a former publicist to Miranda Lambert, the Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, George Strait and Travis Tritt, and his dad was a road manager for country artist Collin Raye. In 2014, Preston won the Youth Division at the 2015 Nashville Blues Challenge and had the opportunity to perform at the International Blues Festival in Memphis. When Preston isn't performing with his duo Smith and James, he works at his mom's wedding venue business and helps her with anything she needs.