Parker Millsap is back on tour, and this time with a new approach with his band. During the pandemic, Millsap released his newest album ‘Be Here Instead‘ however the band didn’t get many opportunities to play it live. Currently on tour Millsap and his band got to put together 10-12 rehearsals in the weeks leading up to tour.
“It feels really great to finally get to play. And I really love the songs.” Millsap said. “And I believe in them. So yeah, I’m just grateful for the opportunity to play and for people.”
Accompanied by a great band Parker Millsap is appearing at New York City’s, Bowery Ballroom on Saturday night. When asked about the atmosphere of this tour Parker said, “The people who are coming out are like really big fans,” Millsap said. “like I’ve never had as many people singing along as I’ve had. It feels really really awesome. And everybody who comes out like you said is so excited to be there.”
Although, his tour is coming to a close it is an experience you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets at parkermillsap.com.
On his tour, Millsap is promoting his recently released album ‘Be Here Instead.’ The album is a bit different than records of Millsap’s past. For one, he wrote the album with the music first and the lyrics came after. And secondly, rather than the lyrics focused on characters and stories Millsap created, ‘Be Here Instead‘ consists of lyrics from his own experiences.
When asked what it has been like sharing and performing songs from personal experience Millsap had great insight.
Parker Millsap
“The only times I felt weird about singing a song is when I’m worried that I won’t be understood. Because I have some character driven songs and stuff like some people there are people who don’t listen to the verses and only listen to the choruses. And if you’re one of those people And then like some of my songs might mean something to you that I don’t intend and especially the more character driven songs specifically things involving you know religion and Jesus and stuff.” Millsap said, “Some people think that’s my whole bag is like yeah, Jesus, but that’s not really not really what I’m going for these songs. Because these are just straight up about my personal experience, I feel confident that these words that I’m singing are mine to sing and I am hopefully not going to be misunderstood. So yeah, I feel great about singing these songs and they’re fun melodies to sing. I feel like I know how to write a song now and I’m confident in my ability to write a melody. Yeah, and so far it’s worked.”
This record by Parker Millsap is one of his best collections of music to date. Which is a compliment considering his other albums and work has been nominated for the Americana Music Associations, album of the year.
Check out our full conversation on the latest episode of The Road Trip Playlists Podcast.
We talk about how playing in his church choir in his youth helped lead him to his music career, how often you can eat country fried steak in Oklahoma, and his latest album ‘Be Hear Instead.’
Follow more of Parker on his website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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