Kat Harlton
Platinum-selling band, Parmalee recently released their highly anticipated new album, For You via Stoney Creek Records/BBR Music Group.
For You is latest chapter in the southern hitmakers’ journey in expanding the boundaries of Country music. Produced by David Fanning, the album mixes a contemporary sound with classic ingredients and is filled with larger-than-life Pop hooks, southern storytelling, and the amplified attitude of Rock ‘n Roll. Primarily written by Parmalee lead singer Matt Thomas, For You draws from personal experiences to speak directly to the heart of their fans, honing in on that connection to make for their most harmonious project yet.
The 13-track album includes the multi-national, Platinum-certified smash of a collaboration with TrailerTrap creator, Blanco Brown, “Just the Way” which topped the charts in the US and Canada this year and has garnered more than 300 million on-demand streams.
Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (bass), and life-long friend Josh McSwain, 2016 ACM “New Vocal Duo/Group of the Year” nominee, Parmalee is one of Country music’s most successful acts: the Platinum-selling band of brothers is one of only four groups since 2001 to earn three consecutive Top 10 singles from a debut Country album. Since their debut at Country radio, Parmalee has earned nearly 500 million on-demand streams. Heralded as “Country Music’s Breakout Stars” by MSN Entertainment, Parmalee has supported Brad Paisley and Jake Owen on national tours while finding time to perform on NBC’s TODAY show, The Late Late Show, FOX & Friends All American Summer Concert Series, MLB Central’s Studio 21, The Queen Latifah Show, and more.
We had the opportunity to chat with Matt Thomas about the inspiration behind their latest album, working with Blanco Brown, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your latest album?
Matt: We did a lot of writing over the past couple of years and ended up with a stack of songs that we all really loved! A lot of this album was inspired by the connection and positivity that we saw with our single “Just the Way”. We wanted to continue that energy and vibe, so we picked out the songs that we thought our fans would love the most! It’s for them.
Kat: What song off the new album would you say you are most proud of, and why?
Matt: “For You” is one I’m proud of. We are all writers on it, and it embodies our band and our sound at its core. This one was written specifically for the fans so we can all sing along together.
Kat: Did you learn anything about yourself while creating this album?
Matt: Absolutely! I learned to listen more objectively, whether in the writing room, listening to song pitches, or just tossing around ideas. I also learned to focus on the keys and registers of where my voice sits best.
Kat: You are no stranger to success in Canada with your recent track “Just The Way” hitting the number 1 spot on the Canadian Mediabase Country Charts and being certified Platinum! How does getting that recognition make you feel?
Matt: It’s the most amazing feeling ever! To have that song provide so much positivity not only to us, but to the whole world during a pandemic is truly a blessing.
Kat: What was it like collaborating with Platinum-certified TrailerTrap creator, Blanco Brown?
Matt: Blanco is great! We’ve been friends and have been working with him even before “The Git Up”. We knew we wanted to record a song together so when “Just the Way” came up we knew it was the one.
Kat: Do you have any advice for emerging artists? Is there anything you wish someone had told you?
Matt: Show up and put in the hours, write as many songs and play as many shows as you can. If you’re into Country, make the move to Nashville. I wish someone would’ve told me to study the art of song writing and to learn my voice better.
Kat: What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Matt: Hitting the road and seeing the fans!
For more on Parmalee visit: https://www.parmaleemusic.com/