Ones To Watch: Parson James

Sometimes, all it takes is a VOICE for you to get hooked on a song and Parson James‘ is the latest voice I’m hooked on. The instant I heard “Stole The Show” by Norwegian DJ/producer/remixer KYGO, I was drawn to this unknown voice adding SO much heart and soul to a dance track. When I saw that Parson James listed as the credit, I had to know more. Who was this man and where can I hear more of him? Well, we’re in luck because he’s just signed with RCA Records. Check out the video for “Stole The Show” below and listen to this guy sing.

[youtube=https://youtu.be/BgfcToAjfdc

Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of music out there showing Parson James the solo artist, but with his recent major label signing I suspect that will all change in the coming months. In addition to the track with KYGO, there’s another featured spot on American DJ/producer Audien‘s March 2015 track, “Insomnia.” You can also scour YouTube as I did and watch some in-studio sessions of Parson James singing “Stole The Show” live. For a special treat, check out James’ and KYGO covering Tove Lo‘s hit-single “Habits (Stay High)” live in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.

[youtube=https://youtu.be/op6LO-LCUZc]

Parson James comes to us from South Carolina, where he grew up in the church, singing gospel music. Now, with a record deal secured, the 21 year-old singer/songwriter can channel his passion for storytelling and music into original material, taking inspiration from his gospel background and dabbling in soul and pop music. Another source of inspiration in James’ music-his past. Growing up the American south, his mother had him when she was only 16 years old, which in and of itself brought with it judgment from society, nevermind his mixed racial heritage. But as is the case for many artists, from great pain comes beautiful art. According the to the press release, “attributing his southern hometown church hymns as some of his earliest memories and influences, his beautiful heartfelt lyrics are as gut-wrenching as they are inspiring.” Moving to New York City at the age of 17 (just one year older than his mother was when she had him), Parson James got to work on making his dreams come true. It was the only thing he could think of to escape the painful memories of past and push on towards acceptance, both internally and from society. It sounds to me like Parson James is well on his way to achieving both.

“Stole The Show” is a breakthrough moment for Parson James, both as a vocalist and as a songwriter. Making his big LIVE debut this April at Coachella, where he joined KYGO on stage to sing “Stole The Show,” the video for the song has amassed over 8 million + views on YouTube, over 100 million global streams on Spotify (peaking at No. 6 on the Global Chart) and reaching No. 12 and the US chart on Spotify. On the pop charts, “Stole The Show” has hit No. 1 in both Norway and Sweden and top 10 in Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, and Slovakia. Here in America, the song (thus far) peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. If what I have heard so far (which isn’t more than any of you) is any indication, Parson James is primed to be a star and most definitely deserving of that ‘One to Watch’ title. Stay tuned for new music and some live dates.

Check Out Parson James Online: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud