At the corner of a Pentecostal Church revival, mixed in with the blues and a rock ‘n’ roll growl is where you’ll find the music of Parker Millsap. Nominated Americana Music Association 2014 Emerging Artist of the Year, his early career found him playing on the famed Austin City Limits Stage. His song “Truck Stop Gospel” was soon featured on NPR. As his career matured, so did his songs adding a blend of folk on his latest album Wilderness Within You. The title song features Gillian Welch and is one of 13 sharply crafted songs that we’re sure you will enjoy.
There’s a wilderness within you, there’s a seed inside your soul
Parker Millsap, from the song “Wilderness Within You”
There’s a wilderness within you, and it’s out of your control
Where did you grow up and where do you call home now?
I grew up in Purcell, Oklahoma. I moved to Nashville about 9 years ago.
How have the life experiences of where you lived affected your songwriting or the songs you choose to record?
I think growing up in a small town has its advantages, from a creative perspective. Isolation often fosters colorful results (think of the birds of paradise, or Appalachian music). I think the slower pace of rural life allows you to be observant in a different way than in a city. On the other hand, living in Nashville and seeing the abundance of world-class players here has driven me to become more musically adept and adventurous.
What artists/songwriters have impacted or influenced your work the most?
I would say my top 5 are probably Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan, Mississippi John Hurt, Tom Waits and Ella Fitzgerald.
Look at the way that the light is stretching
Parker Millsap, from the song “Running on Time”
Over the Earth like a blanket of gold
Every day it’s another lesson
Learning the way that a life can unfold
And it’s running on time
Running on time
When you perform, what do you hope is your audience’s biggest takeaway?
I hope they feel loved.
Tell me a little bit about your latest project?
My newest record is called ‘Wilderness Within You’. A lot of it is about my (and our) relationship with the millions of other species we share the earth with. Stylistically, it’s all over the map…solo acoustic stuff, full band rock and roll, drum machine pop, scuzzy synths.
What was different or unique about your approach to this last project as compared to previous ones?
Lyrically, I feel like this is mostly new ground for me: trying to find ways to put natural systems to a tune. I didn’t do any rehearsals with the band before going into the studio this time, and I let the producer (Ryan McFadden) pick the players, both firsts for me. I wanted to lean into spontaneity and trust.
Was there ever a time you felt like you wanted to quit making music? Tell us a little bit about your answer.
I’ve never considered quitting making music, but I have considered quitting the entertainment business. The whole thing can feel shallow in the face of the problems we face, and touring can be an extreme way to live, but the truth is, I’m wholly unqualified to do anything else, and the idea of “clocking in” just doesn’t appeal to me, though the consistent paycheck sounds alright.
What is your funniest or favorite “on the road” story when touring?
There are far too many to pick one, but running into Dr. John and his posse of young women on the 2am streets of New York City was pretty incredible.
Who or what keeps you grounded the most?
My wife Meg. The knowledge that all things are one thing.
What advice would you give artists just starting out?
Write more songs. Play more shows. Remember that music is an ancient human tradition that is rooted in community, and that the music business is not music.
Listen to Parker Millsap’s songs and other Artists You Should Know here.
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