We recently connected with Greg Parrish and have shared our conversation below.

Greg, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

I truly believe that the kindest thing someone did for me and my career was just giving me a chance. The local American Legion post in my hometown opened their doors for my first band to practice in. They later asked us to play a dance for them. That really kind of kick started everything for me.

Greg, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina. I graduated from Northwestern High School and was in the the choral group as well as the All-State Chorus. I was also a starter on the varsity football team. After high school. I began playing in various groups including a bluegrass gospel group and a country/variety band. I started out playing bass and acoustic guitar as I learned more about the dynamics of playing in a band. As my coinfidence began to grow, I stepped into the spotlight and began singing lead. Though I enjoy many genres of music, I fell in love with country music at a very young age. I have really devoted my focus to performing country music and bringing an energetic and crowd interactive live show.

I feel that my shows are different from many others because many have said they didn’t know what to expect next. I enjoy taking requests and many times accept the challenge of trying a new song on the spot.

I have surrounded myself with an amazing team of musicians that have become like a family. In December 2021, we released our first independent single, “Make Her Miss Me Through This Radio.”. In the months following, we were nominated to enter the Carolina’s Artist Showdown through the Carolina Country Music Association. We won the month of February and the advanced on to March, which we won as well.

I was signed to Iron Gate Records-Nashville, an independent label in July 2022. Through the label, I released my follow up single , “Sweet Ride” in October of 2022 , and “Be That Fire” in January 2023. All of these are available on a streaming platforms. We are currently working on our new studio project to be released summer of 2023,

In January 2023, I won the “Male Artist of the Year”, as well as “Enterainer of the Year” at the Carolina country Music Awards that was held at the House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach, SC.

IU have opened for and shared the stage with many artist including Shenandoah, Parmalee, The Davisson Brothers Band, Travis Denning, Chase Matthew, and several others. I have performed in the Carolina Country Music Festival in both 2022 and 2023 in Myrtle Beach, SC, as well as the SC Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame in Greenville, SC.

A special thank you to my sponsors: B&B Distributors, Monarch Roofing (Myrtle Beach), VL Poured Walls (David Schueller) , and Barfield Grading.

My family has been a huge source of inspiration to me,  My wife Shannon, and 2 boys, Kyle and Jackson.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my opinion, the easiest way to support an artist is to simply, show up at a performance.. Sharing a post or an event on social for an artist to help get the word out helps the artist tremendously. Though, we as the artist may not see every time someone shares it, we it appreciate each and every time. I personally do not consider anyone a fan, I call them a new friend. Without them, we do not have an audience or a job.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being given a platform to help make a difference for others. I have met so many amazing people through my music and at my shows. We have devoted ourselves to helping with many different causes such as the 24 Foundation for cancer survivors and the Area 11 Special Olympics for our special athletes. We play occasional benefit shows and use the proceeds from our merchandise sales to help these organizations because it stays local and helps someone in need.

Contact Info:

• Website: gregparrishmusic.com
• Instagram: gregparrishmusic
• Facebook: gregparrishmusic
• Youtube: gregparrishmusic

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Max Watson, CCR Digital Julie Culler