We are delighted to welcome Phillip Michael Parsons to Divine Magazine. Phillip Michael Parsons is a singer-songwriter with Southern Maryland roots who has been quick to make waves as an up-and-coming artist to watch.
Hi Phillip, please tell us a little about you?
I’m 1 of 10 kids, dad worked for the Navy (department of defense) so I moved all over the US as a child. Worked for the department of defense as well before deciding to sell everything I owned to pursue my dream of playing music! Family is and always has been my #1 priority, and that’s the absolute most important thing I would want anybody to know about me.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Hardworking, stubborn and determined
We’re sure you have been asked this a million times, but how did you get in the industry?
I was definitely a late starter. I was always very fascinated with the thought of playing music but spent most of my younger years focusing on being there for my family through some very difficult years. 6 years ago life got a lot easier and for the first time in my life I was in a place to make some selfish decisions for myself. I decided to pick up a guitar after not having played one in 10+ years and started posting videos. Soon after I began playing acoustic shows where I became addicted to performing. I soon after was challenged to start writing music. I put out my first EP in 2016 where it climbed to #33 on the country music iTunes Charts and that’s when I decided to leave the government where I had worked for years, sell my boat, my truck and my house to pursue music.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Rockish, catchy and real.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
My mother was the one that was extremely musically inclined growing up, and she was the one that brought music to our home. Whether playing the piano, making us sing or playing music, my mother made music part of our childhood. I still remember my mother making up songs to help us memorize stuff for school.
Do you play any instrument?
I play the guitar!
Do you ever get nervous?
I used to, but it’s been years since I’ve felt nervous. There are still some bigger shows where I feel a hint of anxious for the show to start, but once it’s showtime it all goes away and becomes more of a rush of adrenaline!
Tell us about the success of your new single, “Bad Girl?”
Bad Girl was immediately added to the Apple Music Hot Tracks, which is huge for the success of a song! It’s also experienced 5k streams on Spotify in the first several days, which is a great start to getting the song on some larger Spotify playlists.
What’s the story behind the song?
This song was chosen because I had been asked so many times what my idea of the perfect woman is. As an artist, what better way to describe that than in a song?
Did you have plans/concerts planned and canceled because of COVID? If so, have you done any online concerts or interactions with your fans?
Yes, I had over 140 shows cancelled due to covid and have had to find unique ways to keep things going. We’ve played over 100 shows since covid finding ways to play socially distanced shows. I’ve always been very interactive with fans online, so nothing much has changed there.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
The biggest thing on my bucket list is a chance to do a tour with Dierks Bentley, who has always been my music idiot as well as inspiration.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
At the risk of sounding cliché, the absolute truth is that I love everything about this journey. I love the travel, the time in the tour van with my team, the writing and recording process. There are times that the business side of things during the week can become a little bit of a drag, but for the most part I love it all.
What’s next for Phillip Michael Parsons in 2021?
We are working on ramping up our tour schedule for the Spring now that restrictions are beginning to lift, as well as several new singles I have that I’m beyond excited to share!
What is your favorite song? And why?
My favorite song so far is Love Hate Town because it was written about my hometown in a way that I had always wanted to describe. It’s all very real and true stories, and that’s what has always excited me about country music…the chance to tell MY story.
Any loves other than music?
I love cruises, the beach, golfing, spending time in the desert and spending f time with my family!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would absolutely love to have met Johnny Cash or Ronald Reagan! I think it’s too close to a tie to decide.
Best advice ever given?
When someone finally convinced me that I can’t please everyone. Being an artist, you can’t be a slave to making everyone happy. When you are a slave to that, you end up never really being a polarizing figure. That one was hard for me to let go.
How’s a typical day in your life?
A typical day consists of a lot of business and behind the scenes type stuff. Planning social media, shows etc. as well as writing music/recording. A large part of my life is spent on the road, so there’s a ton of riding in the van and going from city to city performing.
Name one of your strengths?
Stage presence is by far my biggest strength.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
An outdoor country festival on a Spring day performing for an intent music listening crowd! Or I could go for a football Sunday chillin’ on my couch with my brothers!
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith has always got me screaming along when it comes on in the car!
What is your own definition of happiness?
When everything is good with the family and everyone is healthy. That’s my only necessity in life to be happy.
Do you support any charities?
I have always been very involved and supportive of some local charities in my hometown involving child cancer.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love a good salad! Many times I forget about salads, but when I do eat them, they’re AMAZING!
And your favorite cheat food?
Chipotle!
What would be a dealbreaker on a first date?
My biggest turn off would be a girl that’s too full of herself and comes across stuck up. That’s a goodbye for me!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself on some major tours, and multiple #1 hits in the next 5 years. That’s at least the goal I’m working towards in that time frame.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Pretty bold and a little bit of a limit pusher! I enjoy wearing some bold outfits at times. Fashion is definitely something I put a lot of thought into.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social media is something I enjoy. It’s such an amazing tool to stay in touch with thousands of amazing people that support me.
Where we can follow you?
It’s very simple! I’m Phillip Michael Parsons on all social media platforms!
Instagram/TikTok: PhillipMichaelParsons
Facebook: Phillip Michael Parsons
Twitter: Parsonspm
