Jeremy Parsons: “Rock is an attitude just as much as it is a sound”

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Jeremy Parsons grew up soaking in the sounds of Texas music in the dancehalls of the Lone Star State. Jeremy was always a fan of music, but it wasn’t until his later high school years that he discovered his knack for it. Driven by his passion, he taught himself to play the guitar and began to write and perform music. Over the past decade, Jeremy has played all over the U.S. and in Europe, including numerous venues in Texas. Pulling from the example of Texas performance artists, Jeremy loves to interact with his audience. He captivates the crowd with his genuine personality, unique humor, and heart-felt love of his occupation.

Jeremy’s videos have been selected for the Monkey Bread Tree Festival, NCCC Film Festival, Jersey Shore Film Festival, and the Indie Best Films Festival.  His last 2 singles were both in the Top 30 of the Roots Music Report’s Americana singles chart, simultaneously.  Jeremy took time out from his busy writing and performing schedule to answer a few questions:

Indie Music Pulse: Congrats on your album, “Things I Need to Say.” Tell us about the concept behind the songs:

Jeremy Parsons: Thanks so much! Conceptually it’s just as the title states. These are all things I needed to say. As we all know stuff happens in life that is unexpected and out of our control. It’s all a part of the ride. This album was written during one of those times in my life and probably the roughest patch I had and have been into date. My parents had recently gotten divorced after 48 years of marriage, my manager had passed away, and I was lost and in search of direction. In this time I turned to my friends, what was left of my family, and my first love music. I was able to work through it day by day and also write my way out of the darkness and made some progress facing and coping with my emotions in the process. I will forever have a very intimate bond with this record for all these reasons. I would even go as far to say that it and music saved me.

IPM: Is Rock Dead?  Why, or why not?

JP: I don’t think so at all. I believe  There’s a lot of Rockstars out there right now whether they have that specific sound someone is looking for or not. They’re rocking that attitude. It’s like Neil Young said, “Rock and roll can never die.”

IPM: What is the single biggest challenge facing music artists today?

JP: I feel like the biggest challenge is trying to remain relevant while also staying consistent and true to your sound. I feel like people get so caught up in the politics and focus of success that they sometimes end up sacrificing the integrity of the music that got them there in the first place. I don’t speak of everyone of course. There’s people who have remained so true to themselves and those are usually the ones who have the most longevity.

IPM: Tell us about a Jeremy Parsons live show.  What should fans expect?

JP: You can expect the songs to sound as close to the recordings as possible. That’s always been super important to me. I want people to hear what they came to hear. It would also be safe to assume that I’m going to talk to you and make you feel involved. I love people and I love connecting with a crowd. It’s part of why I love what I do so much. Last but not least you can expect some bad puns and dad jokes. I love a good bad joke.

IPM: What was the first album or single that you bought with your own money?

JP: It was most definitely George Strait’s “Carrying Your Love With Me” record that came out in 1996. I believe I bought it with money I had made doing chores for my grandma. I remember being super late for school because I couldn’t wait for the end of the day to go pick it up. I still go back and listen to it all the time.

IPM: Where in the world would you love to play, that you haven’t and why?

JP: There are so many great places out there. If I could possibly narrow it down to two I would say anywhere over in England and Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. I was able to go over to Norway a couple years ago and got to stop briefly in England and it was such a tease. I would love to go back and do some shows, see the sights, and build my fan base up so I could continue to go back. Red Rocks is right at the top of my bucket list though for sure. I feel like that is one of the coolest places in the world for anyone who performs to perform. A naturally perfect sounding stone amphitheater, how much more do you need?! The thought just seems amazing. It would be a dream come true.

IPM: Should musicians get involved in politics, including posting about their political beliefs? Why or why not?

JP: I think every musician or entertainer, in general, has a thing that they enjoy to share as far as opinion and beliefs go. Politics aren’t necessarily something I like to get into online and everything, but some people really enjoy it. I say go for it if that’s your thing.

IPM: Thanks for the fantastic conversation!  Where can our readers find out more info about you?

JP: Thank You! You can find out more about me at my website www.jeremyparsonsmusic.com. It’s got links to my store, tour dates, and all my socials. Y’all keep in touch with me!

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