MCA Nashville’s rising star Parker McCollum has released a new track titled “Young Man’s Blues” today. Written by Parker along with frequent collaborator Randy Montana, the nostalgic song finds Parker reminiscing on the pain that comes from growing up and spending less time in your hometown. Parker has also released an official music video for the song which can be viewed HERE.
“When I started this song, it just kind of fell out of me,” shares Parker. “I’ve been on the edge of growing up and wanting to stay a kid for quite some time now. This song was bound to happen at some point. Young man’s blues was the best way I could describe what is constantly on my mind these days. Taking it to Randy Montana to finish it off was just luck on my part. He literally pulled the second verse out of me. He always seems to know exactly where I am going with a song before I do. This is the most honest I’ve been with myself in a song since ‘Pretty Heart’ and I’m so happy with the way it turned out.”
Parker’s debut single, “Pretty Heart,” continues to climb the country airplay charts having recently cracked the Top 20. Billboard says the tune, “showcases McCollum’s ability at writing and releasing unique story songs that leave a lasting mark on the listener” while MusicRow adds, “‘Pretty Heart’ is further evidence of his authentic sound.” “Pretty Heart” is averaging almost 4 Million streams a week adding to Parker’s overall career total of 350 Million streams.
A native of Austin, Texas, Parker has made a strong impression on critics and fans alike. American Songwriter notes, “he teeters on the edge of next-level superstardom, taking cues from rule breakers like Chris Stapleton and Kacey Musgraves.” Earlier this year, Parker released the special track “Like A Cowboy” (co-written by Chris Stapleton and Al Anderson) which marked Parker’s first outside cut. Parker spoke to Billboard about the unique connection he felt to the song as it reminded him of his grandfather and his upbringing.
Parker has been named a SiriusXM Highway Finds Artist and has previously been selected as an Artist to Watch by CMT, Rolling Stone, SiriusXM, MusicRow and Sounds Like Nashville. A singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and dedicated road warrior, Parker began building a following in 2015 with his album The Limestone Kid. The track “Meet You in The Middle” became a hit on Texas’ regional radio chart — no small feat for an independent, 22-year-old musician — but it was the album’s widely-acclaimed follow-up, Probably Wrong, that helped Parker find national success. Compared to John Mayer and Jason Isbell by Rolling Stone, Parker supported the album with a string of sold-out shows, bringing record-breaking crowds to venues like San Angelo’s RiverStage and two sold-out night at Billy Bob’s along the way. Born in Conroe, TX, the 27-year-old entrepreneurially-spirited artist bridges the gap between Texas’ homegrown music scene and Nashville’s country-industry headquarters.
