Is Parker McCollum a much-needed refresher for the Nashville scene, or what?
The Texas native has been absolutely on a race to the top over the past few years and certainly seems like a solid bet for one of the next big acts in all of country music.
With 2 Number Ones and an ACM New Male Artist of the Year award, you may believe that the pressure is building as he goes to take that next step that will really launch him into orbit.
But according to the man himself, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
On a recent episode of his podcast, Theo Von asked Parker exactly that and his answer was what we need to hear more of in mainstream country music today.
“The awards are cool, I watched the award shows as a kid so it’s cool to be on them… and I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse but I just don’t a shit, I really don’t.”
A-freaking-men, brother.
He went on to say…
“I just want to be as successful doing this with as much integrity and respect as I possibly can. Trying to do it the hard way, you know?
I started from the very, very, very bottom in my pick up truck, got a van, got a trailer, got a nicer van, got a tour bus, then signed a record deal… Did it the long hard way, the way I wanted to do it.
So the awards are great, man. The number one songs? Great. The double platinum song? Awesome. But that’s not what makes me feel successful. They’re just little bonuses, I guess.”
What a great way to look at it.
Listen, of course artists want hit songs and some trophies to put on the wall. Hell, even we reference those wins when describing artists as they add a bit of context and flavor to a person’s backstory.
But is that the reason an artist should get into the business? Hell no, and those that get into for reasons like that tend to flame out pretty damn quick.
Safe to say, Parker ain’t going anywhere anytime soon.
I just saw him in Raleigh a few weeks ago and I highly recommend getting to a show ASAP. Hell of a time.
This part of the podcast starts around the 24:30 mark, but I recommend the whole thing. Two absolute first ballot life hall of famers in the making.
Plus, who can resist a wild, partying, Koe Wetzel story?
Also, be sure to check out Parker’s recent appearance on the Whiskey Riff Raff Podcast.
