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