Hi Amanda, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?

I’ve always loved country music and have been performing apparently since I was in the crib! At 18 months old, my caregiver told my mom she heard me singing “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” by Patsy Cline and later that day, she realized it was on one of my nursery rhyme tapes. 

In elementary school, I had a band with my friends, which was a lot of fun. I later auditioned for and was accepted into Canterbury High School, an arts school in Ottawa. This meant that I was travelling for about 4 hours a day but it was fun to do what I love. From there, I joined the music/singer songwriter stream at Carleton University, but was drawn to Nashville and moved there earlier this year. Since moving to Nashville, I’ve been working on my music career, but I also completed the last semester of my degree program online and graduated in June. 

What was the first country album you bought?

Growing up, I was more likely to listen to individual songs more than any particular album. I grew up listening to Taylor Swift when she was getting started in country music and I remember listening to songs like “Teardrops on My Guitar” over and over when my twin brother and I were driving to music lessons in Ottawa on Saturdays. 

What made you decide to become a country musician?

The country genre seemed to fit the stories and songs that I wanted to write best. You could also say that it runs in the family, so to speak. My parents and grandma always listened to Shania Twain, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, so country was a natural fit for me.

What is the background story behind your latest single “Driving in the Dark?”

The story comes from the first time I went to Nashville for songwriting. I was driving down with my twin brother, Thomas. He started talking about how he loved to drive on the open highway at night and into the sunrise. The song started from there. While writing it with Jason Matthews and Phil Barton, they helped turn it into a song about the excitement you feel when you start a new relationship. The demo tape then went to Jason Barry from Barrytone Studios back in Canada and he worked his magic to make it into the song it is today.

Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019?

“Driving in the Dark” was released to Canadian radio on September 30^th. I was also part of the Wild West Songwriters Festival a few weeks ago in South Dakota, which was an incredible time. 

Right now, I’m touring back in Canada before returning to Nashville. I’m really excited! 

Where are some of your favorite venues or events to play at?

One of my favorite spots to play is back in Canada at a restaurant and bar near the Rideau Lakes in Ontario called CCs On The Rideau. It’s a cute little spot and I usually play outside on the patio as the boats go up and down the Rideau Canal. The crowd is always really welcoming. In September, I also played a Diamonds in the Rough showcase during Canadian Country Music Week in Calgary, which was also a blast. 

In Nashville, I’ve played at The Bluebird Café, which I loved, and I also enjoy playing on the SongBird Tour Bus. 

What is your recording process like when creating new music?

Jason Barry – my producer on “Driving in the Dark” – is one of my favorite people! He makes the recording process an positive experience and gets the best song out of me. He has a really good heart and always makes me feel comfortable and we have a lot of laughs. In the recording booth, I can undo any buckles or buttons to get the best sound. Jason always asks what I’m hearing already for the song and what instruments should be included. He takes it from there and when I get a song back from him, it feels like Christmas morning!

What is one of your favorite quotes?

One of my favorite quotes is “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.” Sometimes we need a reminder (myself included) that when we judge others, it’s because of our own insecurities and setbacks. If you’re going to look down on somebody, you better be helping them up. Life is short. We’re all struggling in our own way and we’re all getting older together and nobody deserves negative energy in their life. You’re not doing yourself any favors by bringing people down.

1.    Hi Amanda, can you tell me a little bit about you before you became a country musician?I have been writing songs since I was nine years old, but I was making them up long before that! Music was always the end goal, but I have always been fascinated with how the body works, so in college, I majored in Exercise and Sport Sciences: athletic training. I have always been “cursed and blessed” with well-roundness, so music and athletics have both been a big part of my life.
2.    What was one of the first country album you ever bought?I’m not 100% sure, but the first few albums I remember really impacting me, that I wore out, would be:- Tanya Tucker’s “Greatest Country Hits”,- The Judds “Greatest Hits”- Travis Tritt “Country Club”- Charlie Daniels & Hank Williams Jr. albums
3.    What is the background story behind your brand new single “Throw A Lil’ Gas?”My co-writer, Steve Goodie, and I got together to write, and I had just gotten my first electric guitar, my Elvis pink Squire. Typically, we write comedy songs, but when Steve started playing “Rosie”, “Throw A Lil Gas” just came pouring out as a cool, passionate song.
4.    Is there anything else coming up with your music in 2019?In addition to new videos and gigs, I’m working to build up my fan site on Patreon, where fans can access exclusive material and feel they are really on this journey with me.
5.    How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words? Southern Rock n Soul
6.    What are some of your favorite venues or events to play at? Anywhere my band and I get to play is amazing. The Almost Angels band, a sibling trio, and I have been playing together for over 8 years. When we are playing, whether in a club or festival or house party, it’s almost impossible for everyone in the room to not have a blast!
7.    What do you hope your listeners and fans take away from your new song?I hope “Throw A Lil Gas” sparks passion in folks, whether in their careers or love lives. If we all dig deep to enjoy and experience life, this would be a happier world!
8.    What is one of your favorite quotes?“If only each day were like a Bible bath; hot, sensual, fully exposed, and at the end, all the dirt were washed away.” ~me
9.    Is there anything else you would like to share? I would love to share the advice that life is too short to not follow your dreams and go after what makes you feel alive!

1. Hello Charles, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?
I have been playing many different styles of music over the years. Rock bands and tribute bands mostly. I have a Kiss Tribute, a Beatles Tribute, Beach Boys / Jimmy Buffett Tribute, and an 80’s Tribute. Whatever it takes to keep working as a musician. It seemed that the songs I was writing fit more in the Country & Americana market, so I have sort of gone over to the other side. Country is my new place now. 

2. What was the first country concert you ever attended?
With such a hectic touring schedule, I don’t get much of a chance to see other bands.  I did get to see Alan Jackson a couple years ago. Also, Chris Stapleton with Marty Stuart – great show. 

3. What is the background story behind your latest single “Love Is Us?”
It was around Valentine’s Day last year when I came up with this “Love Is Us” idea. I wanted to pay homage to Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” since I had heard it so much growing up, so I used the characters of Tommy & Gina to kick off the song. Not that it has much more to do with the Bon Jovi song other than the idea that no matter where you are or what you have, as long as you have each other, that’s all you will ever really need. 

4. Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019?
We just started recording a new single that will come out just before the new year. It’s a topic I have never covered before, but it has a great message to it. I’ll be sending it to you as soon as it’s done.  

5. Where are some of your favorite venues or events to play at?
We’ve played so many places over the years. The best places are where the people are having a good time and totally into what we are doing. It doesn’t matter to me if there are 40 people or 4,000. I’d rather play to a crowd that is enjoying what we are doing. We always do two festivals every year which are Spring Fest & Sunfest in Ocean City, Maryland. Huge, very responsive crowds. 

6. If you could sing a duet with any singer or group who would it be and why?
Paul McCartney! I play the John Lennon character in my Beatles Tribute band. I can’t imagine how cool it would be to sing Beatle songs with the real Paul! 

7. What is your recording process like when creating new music?
Recording is such a journey for us. I’m in Baltimore, so I go into the studio with the guys in my band here and lay down the drums, bass, guitar and lead vocal. Then I send it to Nashville where I get my friend Brent Mason to put guitar tracks and solos on. After that, it goes to Florida where I have my Engineer/Producer add keyboards, back-up vocals, and any orchestration. After the edits, mixing, and mastering are done it comes back to me. ProTools and the Internet are a wonderful invention. Saves a lot on airline tickets! 

8. What is one of your favorite quotes?
Jim Valvano’s “never give up”. In this business everyone will tell you what you can’t do. It’s a good thing I don’t listen to anyone. 

9.  Is there anything else you would like to share?
I always ask the fans or people that may happen to hear my music or any new music – just give it a listen! If you don’t like it at least you gave it a try.  Growing up, there was such great music that we found by picking up an album cover that looked cool. I found some of the best artists and inspirations doing this. Everyone needs a chance to be heard. You can always hear me at www.charlesparkermusic.com