The yearning, the grit, the poetic lyrics—it’s all there for Preston Lydotes. The singer-songwriter-producer-arranger has incorporated many elements of his favorite artists into his work, from Coldplay to Phoebe Bridgers. Still, he has managed to carve out his own space since he started independently releasing music in 2022. Lately, Preston’s releases have been centered around his upcoming sophomore EP, with singles like “Wrong,” “The Fallout,” and “The Critic in Me” being the first from the project. He continues to familiarize fans with the EP through the release of its fourth single, “5 to 9.”
With “5 to 9,” Preston pushes back on the monotonous “work life” routine. The single will become everyone’s favorite after-work treat, as the rollicking melodies, anthemic choruses, and Preston’s folk-rock timbre make it an exciting listen. He speaks for those out there who feel the strain of continuously clocking in and out with lyrics like, “Well it’s 9 to 5 / And 5 to 9 / Killing myself thinking I’ll survive / Staying up late to get a taste of life.” Still, his optimism shines through. He believes, “Soon enough, my time will come,” which can encourage anyone out there to keep going.
After working various jobs as a student attending the Berklee College of Music, Preston definitely identifies with the single. Along with pursuing a double major and minor, he has navigated a few different jobs. Whether it was pouring coffee, serving ice cream, or teaching, Preston paid his dues. With “5 to 9,” he puts everything into perspective, reminding listeners that work is important, but it is also important to form healthy routines outside of the job.
You can listen to “5 to 9” here.
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