An Inspired Chat with Parker Hastings

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Parker Hastings. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Parker, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am actively chasing my dream on a daily basis. I often hear people say “oh I’m living the dream…” with a bit of a sarcastic tone, but I genuinely feel like I am living the dream. Each day, hone my craft as a musician, refine my songwriting, and figure out how I can better share my music and what I do with more people. It seems, like many songwriters, I’m constantly chasing the next song, but that endless pursuit is what keeps me inspired. The minute I decide to “stop,” everything else would too, and that realization fuels me to keep moving forward, planning ahead, and setting new goals for myself. With anything I think it’s important to acknowledge the steps you had to take to get to the point you’re currently at, but for me it’s ‘how can I make this even better and push myself even farther along?’

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Parker Hastings and I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I say that with the most sincere authenticity because I get to do what I love every single day, which is entertain others through the gift of music I have been blessed with. From an early age I knew music would be a big part of my life, but the more exciting part of that early realization has been to see just exactly how that has blossomed over the course of the last decade. At just six years old I worked hard learning to play the guitar, but had no idea what it would turn in to. It wasn’t until around the age of eleven or twelve that I realized having the opportunity to be on a stage or in a room full of people with a guitar in my hands is where I am the most fulfilled. I believe this is a gift I’ve been blessed with. Having the ability to play, sing, and tell stories through music creates a connection with the listener that can make a lasting impact on them. No matter the language spoken, stage of life, or culture, I realize more and more how music serves as a universal language throughout the world and speaks to people in a way that nothing else can. My mission as an artist is to build a career around creating authentic, lasting connections with people, and doing so through the music I play.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Without a doubt, my parents have been the ones to teach me the most about work. Both my mom and dad have dedicated their lives to serving others and have both been successful in their careers. Through their example, I continue to see the value in commitment and purpose. They always told me that if you put your mind to something and only desire to be the best at what you do, you can and will achieve anything. To me, our success shouldn’t be defined by money or number of social media followers, but more so about setting clear, attainable goals and following those goals with determination and consistency. Without setting specific goals for ourself, it’s can be very easy to drift, but with them, you can make the most of your time to stay focused on making progress towards your aspirations.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self to always stay true to who you are. When I was around 11 years old, I met a man named Adrian Hughes, who taught me how to play Travis-style, or “thumbpicking,” and helped show me how to work my thumb around on the guitar. During those years, he gave me one of the greatest pieces of advice that has stuck with me ever since: “Parker always needs to be Parker.” In other words, never waste time trying to be someone else — just be yourself. That simple truth has been at the forefront of my mind ever since the day he shared that with me.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. Life can already be challenging enough—why would I want to spend my time and energy trying to be multiple versions of myself? What you see from me is what you get. I’ve always believed that being genuine resonates far more deeply than any persona or “personality” ever could. It might work for others, but I’ve found that for what I’m trying to accomplish and achieve, the person you see on stage or online is the same person you’d meet offstage. I’m someone who loves music and what I do, and I try my best to make people feel something real. Staying true to who I am keeps me grounded and reminds me why I started doing this in the first place.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Honestly, every single day – yes! What I do still doesn’t feel like work to me. The hours can be challenging sometimes, and like anything it can come with a price. There’s always a new challenge or skill to master, but I still get excited knowing I get to make music for a living. Every time I pick up my guitar or step on stage, there’s a spark ignited and a feeling that can be hard to put into words. It’s hard not to be fired up when you’re doing what you love, and I’m always looking forward to the next opportunity I get to do exactly that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://parkerhastingsmusic.com/
• Instagram: @parkerhastings
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parkerhastingsmusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParkerHastings

Image Credits
Craig Hunter Ross, JK Photo productions, Ron Wade,