About Jeremy Parsons
Why country music ?
~ Country music has always been a big part of my life. It was always my dads favorite music and I believe I fell in love with it through enjoying my time with him. He took me to see Hank Williams jr when I was
one and we would go to concerts at least once a year from George Strait to George Jones and Merle Haggard too. So to answer the question I guess it’s simply because country music has always been there. It’s pretty
much like family at this point.
If everything would be possible (waking the dead included), which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ What an amazing but also tough question. Thinking about it I’d have to
go with Emmylou Harris and Hank Williams sr. Her beautiful soothing
voice mixed with his amazing vibrato would probably make for a very
awesome combination.
What song you ever recorded means the most to you and why?
~ To date the song I’ve recorded that means the most is the title track
off my new record “things I need to say.” It’s one of my favorite
songs I’ve ever written and it came at a time when I really needed to
get those exact words out and into my music. It was musical therapy.
Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ It would be the ultimate honor and privilege to have John Prine write a
song for me. He is one of if not the greatest songwriters that has ever
lived in my opinion. I’ve always loved what he has to say and the way
he has always said it.
What is the one thing that readers/fans would be surprised to know about
you?
~ They would probably be surprised to know that I like to involve myself
in all styles and genres of music including hip-hop. I’ve gotten to
write with a few folks when they’ve come to town and have even had the
pleasure of singing on a few tracks as well. It’s always fun to step
out of what you consider the norm and what might be your comfort zone
sometimes to expand your musical horizons.
Give us one country song you never want to hear on radio anymore and tell us why.
~ I could live without hearing Luke Combs’ “Hurricane.” I don’t
really quite understand why certain songs are becoming as popular as
they are. I look for the substance in material, or what I consider
substance I guess, and latch on and connect to and with it. There’s a
lot of songs out these days, this one included, that don’t really do
that for me.
What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would? (Please provide your answer as well.)
~ My favorite questions are those that give advice to up and comers and
insight to people outside of the industry. An example is “What would
you say is the most important thing to focus on when starting out as an
artist?” To which I would reply “Finding your voice and defining your
sound.” I feel this is important because there are so many people out
there trying to do the same thing you are. The easiest thing for you to
be is the thing they can never be, yourself.
Describe the ultimate recording studio (not the technique but the facilities)
~ My ultimate recording studio is wherever my friends and I can write and
record music together. One of my favorite things to do is split and
share this dream with all my buddies. It doesn’t need to be fancy we
just need to have all of our gear and plenty of space to create.
Johnny or June ?
~ This is a tough one as they are both legends and all around amazing. I
would have to go with johnny though as he was the first out of the two
that I remember hearing. I feel like the majority remember “Folsom
Prison Blues” the most but I can distinctly remember hearing “One
Piece at a Time” and thinking it was one of the coolest songs ever.
definitely a standout musical moment for me.
Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves.
~ I can’t say that I’ve ever been nervous before going on stage. Some
people get inside their own head and it creates anxiety but I’ve
always been more excited than anxious. I know when I go out on stage
I’m going to be shaky for a couple songs because my energy level is so
high. After that you’re warm and acclimated, It’s always been fun
and I look forward to new stages and new crowds always. There’s no
feeling that compares to the rush of a great live show.
What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ The most memorable day for me without a doubt was when I got to open for
George Jones in Houston, tx november 21, 2008. He had alway been a
legend in my eyes and I was getting to open for him. It was and is the
highlight of my career. I will forever cherish and never forget that
moment. I decided to make the move to Nashville shortly after that show.
It was one of the first times I ever remember taking myself seriously as
an artist.
