Parker Ferrell 'Love Runs Through' Interview
TULSA OKLAHOMA’S PARKER FERRELL TO RELEASE LOVE RUNS THROUGH (JUNE 16, 2023)
The Album, Co-Produced By Ferrell And Jared Tyler, Reflects The Spiritual Nature Of Daily Life With A Stellar Tulsa-Centric Band
Though only 36 years of age, American singer-songwriter, Parker Ferrell has been in the music business for over 20 years. Raised in a musical family, he began playing guitar at the age of 12. In 2006 his high school band was voted Oklahoma’s best band by Tulsa World and went on to record an album at The Church Studio with Tulsa’s legendary, Steve Ripley (Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, J.J. Cale). Ripley became a mentor to Ferrell and helped to launch him into a life of music.
Over the course of his musical career, Ferrell has worked as a session guitarist, writer, composer, singer, and band leader, and has added Luthier to his list of accomplishments. He has worked and played with notable musicians such as The Wailers, Tommy Emmanuel, Ben Rector, Peter Rowan, Zach Winters, and many more.
In 2022 he began working on his first solo album, Love Runs Through, co-produced with noted Tulsa musician, Jared Tyler (Emmylou Harris, Wilco, Malcolm Holcombe). There are influences of rock, jazz, and world music on the album, which is primarily singer-songwriter-oriented. Ferrell received a grant from the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Art, and Culture for the completion of the project, due for release on June 16th, 2023.
What inspired the title?
Love runs through is a line in one of my songs. The full line says love runs through everything. It is a song about life, children being born, being in love, and also the mundane parts of life. I realized that this love is a creative force that runs through every detail of life and binds it all together.
Where did you record this album?
Blue Alleluia studio and Ripley Farm Studio.
What is your favorite track? Why?
I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite. Musically and lyrically “The Wright Flyer” might be the one that I am most proud of. “Love Runs Through” is probably the one that I think captured the essence of what I was trying to
convey most precisely. I love the tone of “To Deserve you” and as a tribute to my kids it really moves me and fathers like me.
What is your favorite line from the album?
It is difficult to pick a favorite line. It might be “I insist on Living while I’m Living” from the Wright Flyer or from Lauren Kimberly “Your dad gave me a picture of you spinning in a pirouette, in a yellow tutu with a matching hair barrette and if we stay together till our hair is thin and grey, I’ll always have that picture and I’ll always see you that way”
Who helped make this album what it is?
I wrote all the songs and music, of course, the musicians on the album are all incredible and each one of them added their own style and embellishments. I couldn’t have done this with our Jared Tyler. He’s a musician that I’ve always admired and a wonderful producer. he knocked it out of the park with this project. My wife Lauren and my kids were the inspiration for many of the songs. I have an incredible support group of friends and
family and the Tulsa music scene and the fans really got me to a point in my career where I was able to accomplish a project like this. Also, the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Art and Culture was instrumental in this project by awarding me the Play Tulsa Music grant which funded part of the album.
If you could remix any song and feature any artist, what song would it be and who would you feature on it?
It would have to be “The Wright Flyer” with Sting and the London Philharmonic
What's your dream?
My dream is to tour nationally for large audiences. I prefer live performances to session work because it is the bond with the audience and the atmosphere that you create that makes music special.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream?
I have gotten where I am today by working really hard and never quitting. When I think about when I was just starting out I was obsessed with playing the guitar and always trying to get better. Because I was so determined to be excellent at my craft I think that naturally attracted other people who were also in the pursuit of being excellent at their craft. If I have had any success it is because of those relationships. Also of course I would be nowhere without the support of my family, friends, and fans.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parker.ferrell.music/
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Website: https://www.parkerferrellmusic.com/
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