We’re lucky that Nate Parrish took some time to tell us about himself and his music! Check out Soul Surgery! Let’s see what he has to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
After years being in several bands but never fronting any of them, I decided when I started a solo project I would just use my name, nothing fancy, just simply approaching the project as a songwriter. This way when I’m 100 yrs old and I want to play folk music, I can keep the name.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I started playing guitar at 18, so a little late in comparison to most of my friends, and after a few months I was writing songs and joined a punk band. My first show was opening up for The Huntingtons (One of my favorite bands!) so I thought, wow, that was easy, we already made it!
We broke up after that show. I went on to play solo acoustic shows because being in a band was and is difficult.
While punk and hardcore was my main influence (outside of yacht rock, not a joke) I found myself in bands playing great music, touring and making albums but never quite scratching that itch of having my own project.
In summer 2019, I decided that it was time. I got myself the most basic home recording set up and what you hear now is the result.
How would you describe your sound?
It’s always kind of ironic when you label your own sounds, especially if its punk, punk being more of an attitude and ethos than a sound…but ya it’s punk. I really just strive to write simple melodic songs that have some depth and give a sense of hope. It sounds corny, but I want to write beautiful music.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
I’d say my main influences are Face to Face, Social Distortion and Hot Water Music but with a touch of early 2000’s emo.
What’s the last song you listened to?
As I’m writing this, I’m actually listening to demos for my next album, but that doesn’t count, the last song I listened to was G.M Vincent and I from Comeback Kid
What’s your source for hearing new music?
I have a few friends who send me music constantly, which I usually ignore and listen to about 4 months later. Besides that I’d say Spotify algorithm.
Who is your dream producer?
I would love to work with Trever Keith of Face to Face or John Feldmann, I think those guys have a great sense of melody and how to write succinct pop songs.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
It’s always been a dream of mine to collar with Mike Ness, but if that actually happened I’d probably just sit there quietly out of intimidation. I also really love Bruce Hornsby (told you I love yacht rock). Also, if I could get John Lyon (Rotten) to do guest vocals on a track I would ascend into the heavens.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
Music was a big part of my upbringing. We were always singing, making up songs and listening to The Cars, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac and Johnny Cash. I think music has an amazing ability to communicate a message or thought in a more effective and memorable way, and as a dude who has a lot on his mind, this is my lifeblood.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
My most consistent process starts with a guitar riff first, usually a melody line played over some chords. Then I go through my endless pages of notes, phrases or song titles and see what fits. From here it could take 10 min to 10 months to find the write combination of instrumental and concept. Honestly, a lot of writing happens in the car and shower.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
Mostly through instagram at this point, but the easiest way is through my website nateparrish.com, basically just connects you to all the things, Spotify, social media, youtube etc.
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQeNz_0-b5Omr6nZ2sJzs1A
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thenateparrish/?hl=en
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NateParrish4
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Y0R9yjEJFiiAlu4Lnyoqs?si=AlrA-wCFSsaioYbPMLLQdw
What’s next for you?
I’m currently in the demo process for album #3. I’m working with a co producer this time around which will be a nice change up to the recording process.
Bio:
Nate Parrish is a rare and vanishing breed of musician: the type whose punk rock sensibilities still apply both to the music he releases and to the way he makes it.
“Punk is different from other genres because it’s not necessarily a genre, it’s a mindset, it’s an attitude,” the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist muses. “I’ve always loved that it was always just as about the message as it was about the musicality.”
It’s that marriage of music and message that informed Nate Parrish’s debut solo album, a group of cultural commentary tracks collected under the title I’m A Wreck. Now, he’s following it up with the next stage through Soul Surgery, digging even deeper into that ethos. He shares, “Punk has also been counter culture by nature, a rejection to the status quo, a rejection of following anything blindly. That has also always appealed to me. I hope my music can inspire the listener to question what they hear, challenge what needs to change and find hope at its source.”
Listeners got their first taste of that fresh challenge with “Religion of Relevance,” a summer of 2021 single that identifies our unexpected and often-denied cultural idols. The societal commentary continues on “Attention Junkies,” an uncomfortable look at the way our souls have been trained to operate.
However, beyond just looking outward, Soul Surgery takes an unflinching look inward as well. “God Knows” uncovers Nate’s own process of digging his way out of a spiritually abusive culture: “You’re Adding pages to a finished book / Keep Building gates around our neighborhood / You’re turning faith into a pyramid scheme / You stay on top, put grace on lock and keep the key.”
“This album also contains some of my most personal and introspective lyrics,” Nate reflects. “The funny thing about the first album is that it was never really planned out as an album. The original plan was to just release singles for a while, but it kind of morphed into an album. This time around I approached it as a complete thought, a more cohesive collection of songs centered around the idea of Soul Surgery.”
That first album, I’m A Wreck, propelled Nate Parrish to surprise underground success— setting listener expectations for the second record high. In addition to strong reviews and some chart momentum, the track “HOPE” left a particular impact on listeners through the challenges of 2020 and 2021.
And if listeners glean a little hope from his music along the way? To Nate’s mind, that’s the best possible use of the power of punk. “I hope as many people as possible can hear my songs and be challenged to pursue truth, empowered to live by faith and be encouraged that they are not alone,” he concludes.
Soul Surgery in now available through all major digital retailers. You can find Nate Parrish on Spotify and Apple Music, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
