Jeremy Parsons grew up soaking in the sounds of Texas Music in the dance-halls of the Lone Star State. Over the past decade, he has played all over the US and in Europe, including numerous venues in Texas. Jeremy captivates the crowd with his genuine personality, unique humour, and heartfelt love of his occupation.
Can you tell us about yourself? Where you’re from and what you’ve been up to over the past few years?
I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. Got started writing and singing down there and cut my teeth in the Texas Honky-Tonks. I made the big move to Nashville in 2009 when I was 21 and have been gigging in the downtown bars, touring, and playing everywhere I possibly can ever since. In my time here I’ve had the pleasure of getting to play alongside Opry legends and open up for some of my heroes. I’ve also been focusing on and nurturing my songwriting. It’s been fun feeling and watching it evolve from a hobby to something I feel I need and get to do as a form of therapy. My record “Things I Need To Say” is, in my opinion, my greatest example of this to date.
How would you describe your music?
It’s Americana through and through. There’s a couple songs every now and then that could slide into the realm of Country and Alt. Country but Americana has my heart.
Can you tell us a little bit about your influences?
My biggest influences are Hank Williams Sr., Jason Isbell and Ryan Adams. They all three understand/understood that the emotional delivery of a song is so important. I have always, and will always be moved and inspired by their lyrics and performance.
What are you currently promoting?
My full-length record “Things I Need To Say.” It’s my favourite thing that I’ve ever made. It’s filled with songs dealing with personal struggle and enlightenment about love, loss, and life in general. I hope to get it out to as many ears as possible in hopes they might find a song or a line that might help them just as writing it helped me.
Have you got a particular song you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of, one that might define you?
The one song that stands out to me as definitive is the title track of the record “Things I Need To Say.” It’s important to me as an artist to write and sing with a purpose. I feel “Things I Need To Say” gets that message and statement across perfectly. Everyone’s got things they need and want to say and everyone needs an outlet. I’m lucky to have and be able to do this.
What are you currently listening to?
I am currently listening to Chris Stapleton’s “From A Room Volume:1.” It’s my favourite thing I’ve heard him do as an artist and I can’t wait for more. He’s an overly talented and inspiring individual.
And your favourite album of all time, the one you couldn’t do without?
My favourite album of all time is Ryan Adams’ “Heartbreaker.” It’s an absolute masterpiece of a record in my book and probably one the most inspirational things I’ve ever listened to. It’s something I listen to and say “I hope I can make a record like this someday.” I don’t know who I’d be as an artist today if I hadn’t heard it.
What are your hopes for your future career?
My hopes are to keep making music and share it with as many people as I possibly can. I would like to get out on the road more and connect with more people as well. That’s one of my favourite parts of what we get to do as artists. We’re nothing without the people who wanna listen and that connection and bond is irreplaceable.
If money were no object what would be your dream project?
If money weren’t an object I would love to record an album somewhere overseas. I think the travel alone would be inspirational and also being in a completely different place would create a different kind of energy and sound. It’s always fun to experiment with things like that. Take yourself out of your so called element and reintroduce yourself somewhere new for creative purposes. It seems like it would be fun and a great learning and growing experience.
What’s the best thing about being a musician?
The best thing about being a musician I would say is all the people you get to meet and all the stories you get to hear and be a part of. It’s a very unique industry full of very unique people and it’s always interesting. There’s never a dull moment and I’ve never been one to complain about that. I love what I get to do very much.
And the worst?
The worst part about being a musician is that it takes a lot of time, money, and a lot of struggle in general. A lot of people don’t and can’t understand it’s a lifestyle and path you choose to take based on an overwhelming desire and passion. I do believe it’s all necessary though and I’ve learned a lot from it, but it’s something people forget about when they’re just thinking about being a superstar. It’s all about staying focused and working hard.
Finally, have you anything you’d like to say to the readers of Americana UK?
Thanks so much for loving Americana Music and supporting and nurturing the genre. I don’t think you could go to a better source for keeping up with it all. Let’s keep listening to, making, and inspiring great music! I hope I get to see y’all down the road someday and play every single song on my “Things I Need To Say” record for you. Thanks so much!
