[Friday Feature] Jason Parker: Interview + New Single 'This Is My Year'

17 Sep

KATIE BROWN - 17 SEP 2021

Appropriately timed to drop during the first month of spring (that delicious yet tempestuous season of new beginnings) is Wellington-based artist Jason Parker’s crisp and uplifting pop anthem “This Is My Year”. Following on from “You Rescued Me”, the former Popstars contestant’s debut single released earlier this year, “This Is My Year” is a track that speaks to turning away from our fears to welcome in the hope of a brighter future - and a future that can be reached out for and claimed. As Jason says, “I wrote it as a secret promise to myself, that things will be better and brighter days are coming. I think it resonates now more than ever. As the world returns to a new normal I hope “This Is My Year” inspires people to follow their dreams, or at least dance their demons away for a moment.”

Refreshing and full of heart, the summery number was produced by Alvyn Tan, and is complemented by cover artwork from New Zealand artist Ruby Jones, whose work has been featured on the cover of Times Magazine.

Jason’s Popstars experience saw him open up his original songs to a broader audience for the first time, paving the way for a musical career that is sure to be a glowing one if the calibre of these first two singles in anything to go by. Gifted with an incredible voice, the charismatic artist has a knack for an irresistible pop melody, and these two attributes play out effortlessly in “This Is My Year”, where Alvyn’s light-hearted production allows Jason the space to inhabit his lyrics and musical world in a uniquely colourful way, bringing the track to life while remaining true to its (super danceable!) message of hope.

Alongside his music, Jason is a hairdresser by day with an inimitable flare for style, and also runs “cute pop culture pod” Kick Ons, hosted by himself and Stephanie Moore, in which the pair muse over everything from Lorde’s Solar Power to the power of hitting your 30s, with many an artist interview scattered between.

Keeping up momentum alongside these other strings to his bow, next up for Jason is the release of his debut EP How To Be Lonely, and to help with funding for this he has just completed a successful Boosted campaign, raising over $5500 to help bring it to glorious life.

We think he’s on the cusp of something special, and we had a chat with him about it all - listen to “This Is My Year” and read more below!

Find Jason on Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

KATIE: SO IT’S BEEN A LIFELONG DREAM OF YOURS TO BE MAKING AND RELEASING MUSIC, AND YOU RECENTLY KICK-STARTED THIS JOURNEY AND TOOK PART IN POPSTARS. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE IT WAS TIME?

Jason: Basically, I entered Popstars with the dream of becoming 2021’s Joe Cotton.

To be honest I didn’t even realise it was an original songwriting competition when I signed up. I’d been writing songs in secret, the panel was actually some of the first people to get to listen. Having Kimbra tell me a song I wrote was cool, I mean wow. That gave me confidence that maybe I actually do have something worth sharing. Being kicked out so early lit the real fire though. I got home and was like, I need to figure out how to do this, I can’t let this opportunity go to waste.

WHAT HAS YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY LOOKED LIKE UP UNTIL NOW?

Music was a really massive part of my time at school. I would organise talent quests, perform in musicals, and was basically raised on Kelly Clarkson and Celine Dion. Everyone knew that I was the kid that sang. Then I went and studied musical theatre at uni. After leaving I tried auditioning for shows but it never really happened for me, so I just stopped. Popstars kinda bought the passion back. It's a really amazing feeling to try again! And with my own creations is chefs kiss.

WHAT WAS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR POPSTARS EXPERIENCE?

After I got eliminated, the mentors all came down to have an off-camera chat with everyone who was being sent home. Nathan King came up to me and told me that he thought I had popstar energy and was really sad to see me go. The huge Zed fan kid in me is like OMG what is life?! He then said that when I got home, I needed to find a producer, and the rest will come. That advice made something click for me, and I'm really grateful he took the time to hit me up after he crushed my Popstar dreams haha

FOLLOWING ON FROM THAT, HOW DID IT FEEL TO RELEASE YOUR VERY FIRST SINGLE, “YOU RESCUED ME”, IN MAY THIS YEAR?

So damn good! I've spent too many nights wishing to wake up and be a recording artist. And now it's happening! It's absolutely wild and gorgeous. I couldn’t be more grateful. It just feels so right to me. I wrote You Rescued Me to say thanks to my Mum. So to have it be the first track is really special. I wouldn’t be here without her support.

“THIS IS MY YEAR” IS SUCH A GREAT TRACK – IT’S ALMOST LIKE YOU’RE STAKING A CLAIM AND SINGING YOUR DREAMS INTO BEING. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

Aw thanks, glad you like it. I wrote it as a promise to myself that things are gonna be really great one day and to keep going. I was feeling quite lost really. I had just moved back in with my Mum after living overseas and had no clue what I was up to. Total quarter-life crisis. So now that things are on track the message feels really right.

I dream of being a full-time artist who tours the world, watching people come together to sing my songs with their friends. I dream of going to a club and my song comes on and everyone around is living their dance floor dreams. I dream that a camp, queer pop obsessive can write songs forever and never need to look back. And maybe I’d like to own a dog too.

WHERE DO YOUR INSPIRATIONS COME FROM WHEN YOU’RE WRITING? WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS?

Honestly, if I ever find out where it's all coming from I'll let you know. I write all my songs acapella because I don’t know how to play instruments...yet! Basically, I just sing a small melody and lyrics together and if it feels good I’ll add the next line. Sometimes it starts with a chorus sometimes a verse but the main thing is it has to be memorable and catchy enough for me to keep working on otherwise my brain just forgets. The topics usually end up exploring things that are on my mind that I might not get to express otherwise.

YOU HAVE YOUR DEBUT EP ‘HOW TO BE LONELY’ IN THE WORKS TOO – WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM IT?

I love the word debut makes me feel like a debutante at her coming-out party.

How To Be Lonely is 5 tracks all written by me and produced by Alvyn Tan. It explores different aspects of being lonely. Sometimes self-inflicted other times overcome. But really it’s about learning to be comfortable with it. The songs will hopefully make people wanna sing at the top of their lungs and leave their hearts on the dance floor. And smile. Pop music makes me smile.

YOU HOST A CUTE AND FANTASTIC PODCAST CALLED KICK ONS. WHEN DID YOU START THIS AND WHAT’S THE VIBE BEEN?

The tag line is - The pop culture after party for people who want more. My co-host Steph and I started it during the 2020 lockdown. We wanted to start recording the conversations we were having and share them with whoever wanted to join. The vibes have been so cute. We’ve been able to connect with so many cool people since launching. If you’re reading this and thinking about starting a podcast this is your sign to do it!

IMPORTANTLY - HAS LORDE NOTICED YOU YET?

Omg, thank you so much for asking. Not yet, but like it's gotta happen soon. James Corden then Cover of Vogue then Kick Ons pod, it just makes sense.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE IN YOUR LIFE?

I work full time as a hairdresser so my day is filled with learning scandalous secrets that people can only share in a salon.

Outside of the salon (sometimes in the salon TBH) I am recording ideas on voice notes for new songs or working on demos for the EP. Organising art for singles and I'm planning a music video for This Is My Year at the moment too which is fun. I'm also recording and editing podcasts. Watching whatever season of Ru Pauls Drag Race is out and listening to music. I always tell people my headphones are my boyfriend.

YOU HAVE AMAZING STYLE. WHO ARE YOUR ICONS?

Blush thanks. Obvi Lady Gaga. Adam Lambert was really huge in my style evolution. I think Lil Nas X is killing it too.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 2021 STYLE TIPS?

Raid your friend's wardrobe, you’ll feel brand new. And wear sunscreen.

YOU’RE HOSTING THE DINNER PARTY OF YOUR DREAMS, AND YOU HAVE SIX SEATS FREE – YOU’RE A HOT TICKET ITEM, SO THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER IN TERMS OF INVITEES. WHO’S COMING?

Carly Rae Jepsen

Matt Rodgers/Bowen Yang (they come as a pair)

Troye Sivan

Katy Perry

Jessie Ware

Kacey Musgraves - everyone please go and watch the Star-crossed Film she just released its heaven.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITES TO LISTEN TO CURRENTLY?

Griffs new single One Night is fire.

Ben Platts new Album Reverie was a lockdown blessing

I'm here for Solar Power.

Carly Raes Emotion is always it for me.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU THINK WE ALL NEED TO HEAR AT THE MOMENT?

My Mum and Oprah live by, everything happens for a reason. If you’re not feeling the day be kind to yourself and know that Oprah says it's for a reason and you will be ok.

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