We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Parker Hastings. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Parker below.
Parker, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I continuously look for things to keep me inspired. Whether that’s hearing good songs written by great songwriters, listening to my favorite artist’s music, going and seeing some well respected songwriters live, or even listening to interviews of some of my heroes; it all inspires me to keep perfecting my craft and gift I’ve graciously been given.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an artist, musician, and entertainer who performs music for audiences across the country, and hopefully one day across the world! I sing and play everything from my own original music, to covers you know and love, and I enjoy taking older music and making it my own and bringing a new, fresh sound to it.
In July I released a brand new, all-original album entitled “Kentucky Sunshine” dedicated to my Kentucky roots that now call Nashville home too. No matter where I go, Kentucky will always be a part of who I am, and I’m proud to be from there. This album talks a lot about that, the transitions from Kentucky to Tennessee, and gives a unique sound to country and bluegrass music. It’s is available everywhere you listen to music and physical copies of the album are available on my website!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Determination – this a quality that is never ending that I am instilled with. I am driven to reach my goals and am continually working to achieve and reach those goals, willing to do what it takes to make them happen.
2. Listening – I feel like I have always been able to listen to others, whether I am just observing, receiving feedback, or looking for advice, I typically always remember what people say mainly because I remember how it made me feel.
3. Respect – I think having respect for others is important, especially being in the music industry. It is and feels so competitive, but it is such a tight knit community that in some ways, everyone is on the same team and willing to help one another. In the similar light of respect, I believe having respect for yourself is almost just as/ if not more important and believing in yourself.
My advice for those beginning their journey, and advice even for my future self reading this… do not give up on what you love to do! It takes time and doesn’t happen overnight, but persistence, dedication, and a little bit of patience will benefit you in the long run.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Everything!!! To answer that question more directly, I am so thankful for my parents. They surrounded me at an early age with music, and all types of music, that I believe has led me to where I am now. Growing up they made sure I had the tools I needed to succeed, but it was always up to me to make it happen. Even still today they are so supportive of what I do, and continue to encourage me to be my very best. I’m not sure what I would do without them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parkerhastingsmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/parkerhastings?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/parkerhastingsmusic/
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/c/ParkerHastings
Image Credits
Ron Wade Kathy Wade
