Parker McKay
Nashville-based singer/songwriter Parker McKay released her new single “Pity Party” on March 20th.
Co-written with Mike Miller and Maddy Simmen, the uplifting new record is about not letting people drag you into feeling sorry for them.
“Pity Party” was premiered on American Songwriter on March 19th.
The pop-country artist has opened for major artists such as Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow and The Band Perry. Parker was a part of CMT’s Artist Discovery Program last year, who premiered her music video for her single “Lately”.
“Pity Party” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Rachel Deeb
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I’m a northeastern girl who’s been singing since before she could talk. I’ve lived in Nashville for 5 years and am a singer-songwriter living outside of the genre lines.
"Pity Party" is your new single. What's the inspiration behind this record?
This title came to mind and I thought it could be so much fun to write. I was correct. I started thinking of how to spin it and it turned into a story about not letting people drag you into feeling sorry for them when they are in the wrong. We don’t have time for that.
When did you start working on this song? Could you please describe us the songwriting/production process? Who helped you create it?
Mike Miller and Maddy Simmen wrote this with me and it was a magical session. Mike is a sensational piano player and he started playing a full Jazz BOP and we put a groove to it and just took off!
What do you like the most about this song?
I’m a groove junkie so I really just love how it feels most of all. I also think it has some of my favorite melodies I’ve written. It’s playful from beginning to end but with a lot of punch and edge.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
This pic was taken in a bathtub on the set of the upcoming music video. I wanted it to be simple but colorful. Rachel Deeb is a star behind the camera.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this single?
HAPPY. We need it now more than ever. I also want people to remember that it’s not their job to make people who mistreat them feel better once they realize they were in the wrong. Empathy is important but you don’t have to let someone walk all over you.
What is your proudest career moment to date?
Me in 5 years: “winning my first Grammy”. See you then.
What does music make you feel?
Everything. I’m a heavily emotional person so music can either bump me up to the highest high or make me cry as hard as I can.
As a human being, what do you want to accomplish?
A ton. Helping people is very important to me. I volunteer a lot and am very active politically and in my community. Life is really hard for a lot of people out there and I care a lot about helping to correct the systems that are resources.
What are your thoughts on today's current situation around the world? How are you holding up?
It changes by the day. I’m hopeful. It seems like a lot of people are doing their part to keep the rate of infection down but there are far too many people, including the president, who are handling this horribly.
What message do you want to give to people around the world?
Stay inside, spread joy in any way you can and remember that you are not alone. We will get through this if we work together and do our part. It’s a beautiful world and it is so worth saving.
Connect with Parker: