We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lincoln Parish. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lincoln below.
Lincoln, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I think first and foremost it depends on what an individual’s definition of success is. The range could vary greatly between each person as we all long and thirst for something different. For me personally “success” is waking up each day and getting to do the things I want to do and work with the people I want to work with and still have my bills paid. If I have each one of those things I consider it a success.. Freedom to do what you want to do, and be the true person you want to be.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I got my start playing guitar in church around the age of 12, and then started forming my own bands in and around the Bowling Green, Kentucky area. Which then lead to forming “Cage the Elephant” with Matt, Brad, Jared and Tich in the summer of 2005.. I was only 15 at the time but the rest of the guys were 7-10 years older than me. Thankfully to my parents they let me take the opportunity and run with it and for that I’m eternally grateful.. After lots of touring, several #1 singles and 3 albums I decided to part ways with the band to pursue my passion for producing music for up and coming artists… Currently, I am writing, producing, and mixing records full time and have been since I left the band back at the end of 2013.. I also do some consulting for other up and coming artist who are trying to find their way whilst also not getting scammed out of all their money.. I’d say I’m most proud of what I’m able to give back to the music and creative community. I feel my experience being in the players seat for many years and being on the other side of the glass so to speak has given me the ability to truly relate and understand where the artist is coming from and what might be going thru their mind while in the studio which can be a high pressure environment ( I try and make the process as laid back as possible) and I think you can hear that on records.. The energy of whatever is going on with someone always comes thru on the recording, at least in my experience..
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me personally the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing your art make it out into the world and how that can affect people.. It may sound cliche’ or cheesy but I truly believe that a song can change your life.. Whether you’re the creator or just the listener.. I also love that is probably the only thing that transcends language, religion, race, culture, it’s a really beautiful thing to me… I think we could use as much of that as possible now in a time where we’re all so disconnected..
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I’ve always jokingly referred to my time in Cage the Elephant as my “college years” but it’s really true.. If it had not been for my time and experience in that band I wouldn’t have learnt a quarter of what I know now.. Everything from working with amazing producers, engineers, mixers, observing what they were doing to achieve the sound we were hearing in our heads. Also meeting other artists who were also forced to perform at a very high level.. That kind of thing shows you what it really takes to make it in the music business and what it takes to continue to maintain a career. It’s a lot of hard work but I wouldn’t trade what I get to do everyday for anything… A music manager I was having a meeting with one time told me that “every record you make is your resume for the next one”.. That really stuck with me and I find it to be true.
Contact Info:
- Website: lincolnparishmusic.com
- Instagram: Lincolnparish90
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lincoln-parish-81244585/
Image Credits
Tammie Valer