Jeremy Parsons brand of Country is a wonderful infusion of classic and new school styles rolled into one to create a meaningful and heartfelt songwriting approach.
The latest single "Things To Come" is quite a story and Parsons is quite the storyteller and does so with some soul attached while he paints a picture with his words.
The song has all the elements of Country right down to some beautifully performed slide guitar but the it also has a modern twist to it while acoustic guitars drive its rhythm and harmonious choruses sway your attention and at times pulls on your heart strings.
Pinning his own staples on Country music is what Parsons does best. You can easily hear this from his previous singles released this year. "Good Ole Days" is like listening to a memory.
The artists releases date back to 2017 on Spotify and there is plenty to check out and it's literally all worth a go as Parsons writes and performs with a seasoned feel.
We wanted to have a chat with him about the new single, and what's coming up for him.
RAG: Okay let's start with "Things To Come"/ This track has a heavy Country overtone and some really soothing feeling melodies. Even a touch of 50's style songwriting in there. Where did this song come from?
Jeremy: We all have those crucial crossroads points in our lives, a moment in which you have to look at what you've got and realistically decide what's next and what's for the best. "Things To Come" is about the journey that got me there, a rollercoaster ride of drugs and alcohol, a search for the correct answers for myself. Was it that my life was over, or was it that something greater was about to begin. That was my choice to make, and I chose the latter. I walked that path until it almost killed me, and then with the help of the ones I love the most, I made a shift. I quit drinking because it was destroying me, my friendships, and all I had worked to achieve. There were plenty of good times and travels there, but I had more to do, and I was finally ready to face myself and get back on track. This is a song for the future and comes with the knowledge that we are in control of our own lives, and we should look forward to that, no matter how rough it gets. Here's to you, to now, and to all the Things To Come.
RAG: You've been releasing a string of singles throughout 2020. Will you be releasing an album next year?
Jeremy: Absolutely and I couldn't be more excited about it. It's called "Things To Come," and it comes out on January 8th, 2021. This Lp is the best sounding product I've ever made, and I can't wait for everyone to be able to listen to it in its entirety.
RAG: How did this all start for you?
Jeremy: I was seventeen years old and looking for a new hobby that would hopefully keep me out of trouble. There was a guitar lying around the house, so I picked it up to see if that would do the trick, and it did. I became utterly consumed with practicing and singing, which led me to write and sing my stuff. My dad was very supportive, and with his emotional support, I found my way to a writers' night where I would become hooked on the feeling of enjoying the performance. I haven't stopped since.
RAG: I'm hearing a great variety of styles here. Can you name a few artists that really inspired and influenced you?
Jeremy: I grew up listening to traditional country and the sounds of the state of Texas. A lot of Hank Williams Sr., Bob Wills, and George Strait. As I got older, I gravitated towards other genres, including many Americana and Singer-Songwriters like Guy Clark, the Randy Rogers Band, Jack Ingram, and some other outside Texas acts and legends like John Prine and Jason Isbell.
RAG: What's next for you as an artist?
Jeremy: I have a new record set for release on January 8th, 2021. Other than that, it's all about focusing on getting back out there in an ever-changing world and industry, doing more shows, and releasing more singles from this new Lp. I'm always excited about the future and new creation!
RAG: Did you used to perform live? Do you think you'll be focusing on that again when the time comes?
Jeremy: Performing live is one of my favorite parts of the job, and I can't wait to get back to it when all is safe, and it makes sense. I have missed traveling and meeting new people so much, but this has been a wonderful time for self-reflection and focusing on other forms of growth.
RAG: How do you record your songs? Do you think of a melody first? Or is it lyrics?
Jeremy: It's a bit of both, but usually, I get the melody and lyrics simultaneously. From there, I have to figure out where it is on the guitar then start structuring it all together. The recording process is entirely different for me. I focus on the vocal delivery so wholly by putting myself in the emotional space from where the song was inspired. It's important to me to make sure I always convey the right emotion. You can't let the music down.
RAG: What kind of advice would you give to other indie artists just trying to be heard out there?
Jeremy: Just keep going. If you're doing it for the right reasons, it will always be worth its weight in emotional gold. It's not easy, and like life, I don't think it's supposed to be. It should be full of victories, whether little or big. Just have fun, never forget why you started doing this in the first place, and embrace that feeling. There are many people out there who never find their happiness, be glad you have yours.
RAG: Is your music an outlet for you?
Jeremy: It is and my main outlet at that. I can honestly say I probably wouldn't still be around if I didn't have music. Either that or I would be an extremely toxic person. I always laugh that I can take so long to talk and reach a point, but when it comes to music and writing, I'm able to get right to it.
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans?
Jeremy: I couldn't do this without y'all, seriously! This life would be impossible. It's always the most incredible and overwhelmingly good feeling in the world, knowing that people out there are connecting with and connecting themselves to your art. I vow to continue through this life and career with the utmost artistic integrity. Thanks for continuing to believing in me.