Jeremy Parsons Answers ‘Who Is Lillian?

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.

HELLO JEREMY PARSONS, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US! WHAT DREW YOU TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
I’ve always enjoyed music, but not as a participant until I was in high school. When I was seventeen, I searched for a new hobby and stumbled upon an old guitar sitting around the house. It was what I didn’t know I needed. I got instantly hooked right into playing every day soon after singing, then writing my songs to sing. I played out within a year and a half and enjoyed it, and I haven’t stopped since. It is my therapy and the thing I enjoy doing most in this world.

WHO ARE YOU INSPIRED BY?
I’m inspired by people who create and do things for the right reasons. I enjoy listening to artists who write with a purpose outside of themselves and use it for their therapy. Some of my current favorites are Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Brent Cobb, and always the late great Tom Petty

PLEASE EXPLAIN YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS
I like to let it all happen naturally. I live my life and let the song find me. I want to think that’s how it should be. Most of the time, I’ll get the lyrics accompanied by a melody, and other times I find a cool piece on the guitar and wait for the right words to show up and fill the void. It always takes some experience, and life is full of those. I don’t know how I would have worked through so many of the things I’ve worked through if I didn’t have music as an outlet.

WHAT’S AN AVERAGE DAY FOR YOU LIKE?
Coffee and breakfast are the most necessary starters. Depending on what day it is, I will analyze all that I need to do and start knocking it out, whether that be prepping to travel for shows or getting content ready for the week or promoting a new release. If it’s one of the more laid back days for me, I will try to find a cozy place and mindset in or outdoors and try to play some guitar and maybe write a little.

IS THERE A HIDDEN MEANING IN ANY OF YOUR MUSIC?
I always like to ask people what it means to them. Their story is still my favorite. I want to think I usually tell it how it is or how I see how it is for me. I have always appreciated the honesty and vulnerability of being a person and artist.

DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH OTHERS? WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
I enjoy the production process of collaboration the most. I don’t hate the co-writing process, but it’s never been my favorite, primarily writing for myself. Very necessary, though, and an excellent exercise for any writer. The production is essential for me. I don’t have the gear to pull it off myself right now either, not for the quality I like. I enjoy going in and having everyone there to help develop cool ideas that you can’t always get to on your own. It’s enjoyable, and you usually end up with the best version of your product.

PLEASE DISCUSS HOW YOU INTERACT WITH AND RESPOND TO FANS
I love them so much. If they have come and seen me more than twice, they are my friends, not my fans. I have always believed that, and I try to keep up with them as much as possible. They are essential to me and all who do anything along these lines. We couldn’t exist without them.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THIS LINE? YOUR LEAST FAVORITE? WHY?
I love most everything about this job, from travel to the creation in general. Even the business side of things can be exhilarating when something shifts forward even further, like when you get one of your songs cut. My least favorite part about this job is the soulless individuals you can encounter while trying to navigate the industry.

HAVE YOU DEALT WITH PERFORMANCE ANXIETY?
I can’t say I‘ve ever really had a problem with performance anxiety. I think it burns through me like clean energy. I enjoy what I do so much. I’m usually too grateful to be anxious most times. We all get nervous from time to time, but it’s usually just excitement and wanting to stay focused and make sure you give the crowd all you’ve got.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE PERFORMANCE VENUES
My two favorite places that I have played are Music Ranch Montana in Livingston and a few hotels in Norway. All the Norway shows were collectively great in my mind because I just thoroughly enjoyed that experience so much.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WANTING TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS?
Only pursue this career if you love it. It’s not always glamorous, and you might never be rich, but money isn’t everything, and if you do what you love to do, you’ll be rich in a way some never fully understand.

To know more about Jeremy Parsons visit: www.jeremyparsonsmusic.com and don’t forget to follow him on Facebook @jeremyparsonsmusic Instagram @jmpickinfool and Twitter @jmparsonsmusic