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Remember musician Jeremy Parsons?
We have had the pleasure of interviewing Jeremy Parsons before and we are lucky to get to talk to the frequent chart-topper again and see how much he has achieved and evolved since, as a crafter and a practitioner of music. We catch him after the release of his new single Life Worth Dyin’ For, a preview of which you can hear right here.
Jeremy Parsons is best known for his captivating performances and honest lyrics. His lyrics have been described as “keenly perceptive and meaningful.” Parsons’ songs have been featured on the Roots Music Report, IndieWorld Report, and Hits You Love Pop Charts, as well as National Radio Hits and New Music Weekly. His videos have also been selected for numerous film festivals, such as the Jersey Shore Film Festival, Munich Music Video Awards, Rome Music Video Awards, and others.
While we will be asking the same question, there is something magical and inspiring about the way an artist views the same things from the new perspective allowed to him by the constant practice of his art and the artistic emancipation that undoubtedly follows.
Jeremy Parsons and his music
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
Jeremy Parsons [JP]: One thing I can say without a doubt is my voice. It stands out as my own, so people have told me. It’s always one of the most flattering things people tell me. It’s nice when they say they like the songs and my writing, but having a unique voice carries it further as they listen and are willing to listen and notice. Other than that, I let the art lead me to what’s next—usually, the creation process guides by itself, so the sounds change from project to project. I don’t know how unique that is, though it could be everyone’s creative flow.
1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
JP: My experiences have shaped me and my music. Whether it was listening to a song on the radio, my Dad telling me a story, or someone I loved hurting me deeply. That’s what shapes it all; if I had to immediately pick a writer or artist that stands out as an apparent influence, though not always center stage throughout my childhood, I would say Hank Williams Sr. I think he was the first artist that struck me long before I ever considered doing this myself. The biggest supporter of my entire life and my career is my father. He’s been in my corner since day one and was always nice enough to help nurture my craft and provide significant, honest feedback.
1 In Music: When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
JP: I realized later than most. I was seventeen when I started writing, but it wasn’t until I was about eighteen that I went out and played my first show. It was a writer’s night at Rolling Oaks Sports Bar hosted by Larry Mofle, a constantly supportive friend and fellow artist. I didn’t expect anyone to care or even like it, but everyone was excellent. It made me want to keep going, and I haven’t stopped since.
Jeremy Parsons’ inspirations
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
Jeremy Parsons [JP]: I listen to all kinds, to be honest. I have been browsing through a lot of Americana lately. I’ve felt in the spirit to see where everyone is creatively around the genre. I gravitate back towards Tom Petty, John Prine, and Jason Isbell quite a bit.
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
JP: Easily Weird Al Yankovich. The man perfectly rewrites other people’s songs and sometimes makes them better than the original. He may not be undervalued. He did have a movie, after all. I respect what he does, and it would be amazing to see him play the Super Bowl half-time one year. He’s done so many versions of so many songs it would be amazing.
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
JP: I like to listen to an audiobook and go somewhere else before my shows, especially if I have to drive a long way to get there. I usually do vocal warmups occasionally in the car, too. I don’t have any exact ritual, though. I’m so at home playing shows and setting up at this point that it feels natural.
Jeremy Parsons, inspiring us
[Music is] a tough gig and made for those passionate about the craft and creating art
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) that you are passionate about?
Jeremy Parsons [JP]: I enjoy traveling and exploring areas when I can. One of the other benefits of this job is that it often takes me places I may have never been, and I can find exciting spots before my shows or go off somewhere cool if I have a down day. It’s always a joy finding a new restaurant or a park to sit at and be for a little while.
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
JP: I have consistently been able to do this as my full-time job for thirteen years. I think the goal is to keep growing, even if it’s step by step. Progress is progress, and moving forward is that for me. Whether that’s changing my sound slightly, not continuing to do the same thing every time, or booking more shows. That is a success, and I feel fulfilled in every accomplishment.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
JP:
Don’t throw yourself into this industry or lifestyle unless you know yourself because it will find a way to bury who you are, and you might have to dig yourself back out.
I was lucky enough to have a firm understanding of who I was in many important ways when I started, so I consider myself one of the lucky ones, but I have seen this industry take and use your dreams against you, and some people never come back from that. It’s unfortunate and authentic, and your previously asked question of success should be analyzed on your way into the entertainment arena and met with rational expectations. It’s a tough gig and made for those passionate about the craft and creating art.
What is next for Jeremy Parsons?
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
Jeremy Parsons [JP]: I just had a new song released on August 18th, “Life Worth Dyin’ For.” It’s the third single off an EP entitled Life, set to come out one single at a time. More music will be coming soon, but for now, “Life Worth Dyin’ For” is doing well, and I’m grateful for its reception and so overjoyed that everyone loves the track as much as we loved making it and sending it out to the world.
1 In Music: Thank you so much for this interview, Jeremy. Last but by no means least, where do we find your music?
JP: You can find my music anywhere under Jeremy Parsons, and I would appreciate you going and spinning and sharing the new single “Life Worth Dyin’ For.” My name and the song title are all you need. Let me know what you think.