Jeremy Parsons Interview Part 1
by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International
Lamitschka: Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?
Parsons: I’m a person who writes music for people. I take life experiences and the lessons you learn from them and weave them into the art. Music has been my therapy since I first started doing it. It stems from the Traditional Country sound, which I grew up listening to, and my first record was even very traditional. I would describe it as Americana and Alternative Country by sound, but everyone has different opinions on that, and I appreciate them all, usually.
Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?
Parsons: The last year for me was and has been full of significant life changes. After living in Nashville for ten years, I moved back home to San Antonio, TX. Before that, I went on tour in Texas a lot last year and realized how much I missed my home state and playing shows there. After a couple of trips, it was undeniable that that was where I needed to be. I moved back in December, which worked because I had finished recording my third full-length project, out in January of 2021. That was the highlight of the year for me. This project is my favorite thing I’ve made so far, and I’m very excited for everyone to hear it.
Lamitschka: What is your latest CD and how’s it doing?
Parsons: My latest full-length project currently out is Things I Need To Say, and it did very well for me. So far, the most spins and traction I’ve gotten off of a record. I’m hoping the next one does even better. Based on all the attention I’ve gotten off just the single releases, I‘m very excited to see what happens next. The new project is titled Things To Come, and I’m excited for you all to hear it in its entirety when it comes out in early January 2021.
Lamitschka: How did you choose the title for the CD? Is there a story behind the name?
Parsons: I based the title of the Cd on the song of the same title. Choosing the title is something I always try to consider very carefully. With my last two projects, the designations have just been the natural choice for me, which has been excellent. I feel I can overthink things quite a bit, and it was cool to have this fall into place so well. It’s always nice when that happens with the creative process.
Lamitschka: Do you write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs for your CD?
Parsons: I do I write all the songs for and by myself.
Lamitschka: Please tell us about the songs on your album (influences, etc).
Parsons: The songs on my upcoming record are some of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. I picked them all based on what I enjoyed playing most at my live shows. The whole record is about processing and working through a complicated time in my life, struggling in an ever-changing industry, trying to sober up and stay away from alcohol, losing love, finding love, and learning to love oneself. I like writing about life. The harsh realities and the sweet spots as well.
Lamitschka: What is the difference between your last CD and your current one?
Parsons: Four years, a lot of growth as a writer and a singer, and a more polished feel on my version of an Americana/Alt. Country sound.
Lamitschka: Your current single is being played by radio. What do you feel is special about this song that makes people want to hear it?
Parsons: I think people can connect with it. It’s currently a very wayward time, and Lillian‘s a song about wayward souls finding each other. It’s natural, and it happens. We all have those moments in our lives. It’s part of our personal growth.
Lamitschka: What will your next single be?
Parsons: My next single will be Things To Come, the title track of the record. I wrote this song and immediately knew it had to be the title track and this project’s framework.
Lamitschka: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?
Parsons: I like songs in minor keys a lot. A lot of my more successful music has been in minor keys, most likely because I gravitate towards those so naturally that it comes across in the performance.