Hailing from the Gold Coast of Australia, Parker Sounds is a pop-rock band drawing influence from The Killers, Jack Johnson and Red Hot Chilli Peppers (to name but a few). We had a chance to chat with vocalist and guitarist Alick Kilsby about their new single ‘Prison Cell’, discovering new music and much more!
Why did you choose to enter the music industry?
I decided I’ve always been passionate about music. I had been writing music and doing pub gigs for a long time and I wanted to find a way that I could sing and write songs full-time. I wanted it to become my career! That goal is closer than ever.
What can you tell us about your release ‘Prison Cell’?
‘Prison Cell’ is really about the mental prison we all spend time in at some point in our lives. A place to question our choices and how they impact who we are as individuals.
What was the recording and writing process like?
The writing process was pretty smooth actually. Recording-wise, this track actually went through two producers. The first one laid down the track structure and components, and the other producer, Josh who plays keys in the band, really refined the production and brought that spice and detail you hear, especially toward the end of the track in the final chorus.
What do you hope people take from the single?
I hope they enjoy the tune and maybe look a bit more inward and think about whether their actions are in alignment with their aims and goals. I often find a lot of people end up staying comfortable in a position or place they’ve always known without questioning whether that is the best place for them to be.
Which is more challenging for you – melody or lyrics?
For me, the melody always inspires the lyrics. If I had to choose, I’d guess lyrics. The melody will usually provoke the emotion to come up with the lyrics. From there we all get together as a band and nut out the different instrumental elements of a song before taking it to the studio.
Describe your music in three words.
Infectious pop-rock.
What do you think is the best way to discover new music?
I’d say the easiest way may not be the best way to find music you really enjoy. For example, it’s easy to find songs that are similar styles to the ones you play on Spotify because the algorithms are really good. I often find music that isn’t even the genres I normally listen to through friends recommendations or going to shows and seeing new bands. Real-life connections like that help to create a relationship with the music too, which I feel streaming services can never replace.
What does the future hold for Parker Sounds?
Our plan is to keep releasing singles for the rest of the year and then bring an album of work out towards early 2021. We also have a few shows we’re practising for which hopefully, once restrictions life here in Australia, we’ll be doing more of.
What advice do you have for any person planning to become a musician?
My advice would be to be as consistent as possible. Don’t worry about copying other people when you’re first starting out; it’s totally okay to learn from other people’s work. Once you are comfortable writing your own stuff, do your own thing and don’t try to conform to any one style because it’s popular. Your music should be something people haven’t heard before, something they never knew they wanted until they hear it.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Sure. I’d just say don’t let anyone dissuade you from doing the things you really want to do. It’s important to do what you want. It’s your life and you only have one to live so take advantage of that fact.
Leave a Reply