Jeremy Parsons is an up-and-coming country artist from Texas, producing amazing little country ditties such as his recent release, Tickin’. I wanted to find out more about him after listening to the track – you can also check the song out at the end of this interview!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a track titled Tickin’, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
Yes, and thank y’all so much for that! This song is very special to me. It’s the new chapter of my music brought to life by myself during the crazy time we all call the pandemic and the mastermind of my best friend, Dustin Martin. We started working on some songs because we had the time, and it has evolved into this project, and I couldn’t be more excited. The breakdown of the track is as follows. We have those moments when we sit down and look where we are. Sometimes followed by that is the thought, “is this where I thought I’d be?” or “is this where I should be in my life?” The pandemic embodied this moment for me.
I was lucky enough to be so devoted to my craft and to have that as my clear focus, but it did leave me wondering, “what if I didn’t?” I pondered where I would have been mentally and emotionally if not for that. It abundantly clarified how precious our time is and what the focus should be on. I’m lucky to have this creative outlet and to have found my path in this life. That’s all I want for anyone else. I want them to be happy with their choices for themselves and their life. It’s a journey for us all; we have the time to take it and should not take it for granted.
How has the reception been for Tickin’, and where can it be purchased?
The reception has been very incredible. The audience so far seems very broad in both taste and location. I’m delighted to see it being received in such a way, as this is such a new leap for me musically, and that makes it all the more exciting. You can purchase the song via iTunes and all other digital outlets. Just search for Jeremy Parsons Tickin‘, and it’ll take you where you need to go.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
In the nearest future! We are actually in the mixing process of the second single as we speak. I’m very excited about this next one as well. If you like Tickin’, you’re going to flip over the single that is up next. You’ll hear me say that a lot with this project.
Are there any plans to release an EP or album?
So Tickin’ is the lead single for an EP entitled Life. There will be two more singles that come out before the release of the EP, and after that, you can expect two more EPs with plenty more singles in front of them.
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
The pandemic put a wrench in my live appearances for sure. But where that was lacking, I was able to focus on new releases and the writing and production of new material. It was also an excellent mental health break as I am known to work myself to the brink sometimes.
Your music has quite a traditional country/Americana sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
It’s safe and comfortable to say that my biggest influences are Tom Petty, John Prine and Hank Williams Sr. It’s taken a while to figure out who I always come back to over the years, and those are the top 3. I’m currently listening to Harry Styles’ newest project, podcasts and classical music. When recording and working on new material, I often can’t overload myself with too much outside stimulus as far as other people’s writing and singing goes.
How do you compose your songs? What’s the process like?
With me, there are a couple of ways the song comes to life. Most of the time, the song idea finds me with a melody, and I find it on the guitar and pull the rest of the song out. Sometimes I find a tune, and the words will come when they hear it. That’s how Tickin’ came about. Usually, I will finish the song on the spot, but sometimes you need to get up, walk away from it, and come back later to do it justice. There’s no need to put that pressure on the art. It’ll be ready when it’s ready.
You’re based in San Antonio, Texas. What is the local music scene like?
The local music scene in Texas, in general, is fantastic. I can stay booked every weekend of the year if I want to be. I find San Antonio to be more of a different scene, and I am still trying to find my place. I don’t play with a band at all, so that closes me off from a few places already, but there are a lot of places around here that are good to me, like Sam’s Burger Joint and Alamo Beer Company. I love this city, and it will always be my home.
Do you have any UK tour dates lined up?
It’s been almost ten years since I’ve been back, and that’s too long. At the moment, I do not, but I plan on attempting to do something about this very soon. I was maybe looking at something up for later in the summer of 2023, but I will keep you posted.
Any last words for the fans?
Thank y’all so much for being and staying in my corner. I love y’all, and I mean that. I couldn’t do this without y’all. Please keep in touch and see me at a show if I’m ever nearby. I would love to meet y’all and thank you in person. Stay tuned for all this new music, and I hope you’re as excited as I am!
– Jeremy Parsons
jeremypars…smusic.com