Today, we are interviewing Jeremy Parsons, a full-time Singer/Songwriter from San Antonio, TX. He lived in Nashville for 10 years, has played in Europe and all over the United States. He recently returned to TX and has been working on getting a steadier and more long-term band together as well as playing acoustic shows all over the Lone Star State. He has two full-length records out and just finished recording his third to be released sometime in the nearest future.
1. How did you get into what you do right now? Please tell us more about your journey?
I’ve always been a big fan of music, but it wasn’t until I was 17 that I picked up the guitar. I had gotten burnt out on sports and the recreational activities my friends were taking part in and found myself a new hobby. I got really into picking and playing, and it wasn’t long after that I got inspired to start writing my own stuff. From there on it was music, music, music. A few years later, I made the big move to Nashville, where I would be based out of for 10 years. I traveled to Norway, got a cut on a Grammy-nominated bluegrass record, made two records of my own, had a publishing deal, and made friends with some of my heroes. I did all I could possibly do in that town except sell my soul to a label. After that, I decided to come back home to keep the dream alive. Since then, I have been consistently touring all over TX and having a blast!
2. Who are your role models?
My Dad is first and foremost because he’s always stayed true to himself and never changed who that was for anyone. The easiest thing in the world to be is yourself once you can figure out who that is. That being said, I really like and respect other people who come off that way to me. Jason Isbell and John Prine are two more great examples.
3. What inspires you?
People and the world, in general, inspire me on a daily basis. Both the good and the bad sides. Reality can be sweet, and it can also bite, but it is reality, and I choose to accept it for what it is and break it down. I love it and hate it, and it inspires me always.
4. Please tell us about your latest music release?
My latest music release was my last single off my record “Things I Need To Say” called “Makin’ Things Up As I Go.” This whole record was about not beating around the bush about how heavy and difficult life can get sometimes. “Makin’ Things Up As I Go” was the most light-hearted spin on this record as far as that goes. I needed to write something that said how I felt but didn’t come down too hard or heavy on the listener. Something that was true but also something that you could smile and sing along to, and so this song came to life. It’s one of my favorites, and I was very glad I was able to write something like this amidst a lot of loss and tragedy. It really brought the whole record together and has been one of my most spun tracks to date.
5. What’s your most memorable experience?
One of my most memorable experiences was the first time I got to meet and hang out with Little Jimmy Dickens. I was backstage at the Grand Ole Opry hanging out with my buddies, The Grascals, who were playing that night. Then one of them said, “Hold on to that guitar for a second Jeremy, I’ll be right back.” When he came back into the room, he was escorting Little Jimmy in, and I was floored. I had been a big fan of his personality and music for years. They sat him down in a chair and said, “play that song you played for us earlier,” so I did. On the car ride home, The Grascals told me they were going to cut that song because Little Jimmy said they’d be stupid if they didn’t. So, I got to meet Little Jimmy Dickens and also got my first and only cut I would get in Nashville in one night. I’ll never forget that moment.
6. Which social media channels work best for promoting your work? What exactly do you do on the social media channel that makes it work for you?
My favorite social media outlet is Instagram, specifically because it is so simple and easy to use. You can put all the info people need in the picture, and everything else can just be if they choose to read it or want to. It also has a great live platform, which I have only recently started to use. Facebook is my second choice overall, but probably where I use the live feature the most these days.
7. What’s your greatest fear?
Losing my voice forever.
8. Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?
The music industry. It’s ever-changing, and stuff varies on its importance. I probably would’ve saved a lot of money over the years and taken to jumpstarting everything differently, but you live, and you learn.
9. What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
My success in my mind is defined by what I’m doing, not by what I’ve done. I’m successful as long as I can put food on the table, gas in the tank, shows on my calendar, and original music on a record. My strategy is just to keep on working hard and constantly staying on the ball to keep it rolling.
10. What keeps you going when things get tough?
Love. I love what I do, I love that I get to do it, and I won’t ever stop. I am a passionate human being, and I think that’s what keeps everything afloat.
11. Any message for our readers.
Find something you love to do, and don’t ever stop.
12. How can people connect with you?
They can find me at jeremyparsonsmusic.com or on Instagram or Facebook at Jeremy Parsons Music. I am very accessible anywhere throughout social media and am usually pretty good about responding in a timely manner.