We recently connected with Parker Kay and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Parker, thanks for joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Having mentors.

What a life-changing investment that has been for me.

For most of my time in college, I was mentored by a close friend, Trevor Okoren. He’s a super-talented producer, mixer, and songwriter. After listening to the batch of my current songs in 2020, he said “Dude, your choruses kinda suck.” Or at least that’s what I heard. My ego was hurt, but I knew he was right. I hunkered down and six months later I needed to start working on my verse writing because my hooks had surpassed them. Trevor also helped push me to explore sonically as a producer and not just stick with the status quo.

In 2022, I spent several months tutoring under songwriter, Jess Hoover. Wow, what a time that was. Looking back, I feel like I didn’t even know how to write a song before working with her. She helped me become vulnerable enough with myself so that I could truly express my identity and emotion in my music.

I also want to mention producer and mixer, Moritz Braun, who I’ve benefited from immensely while we’ve worked on a project together. I’m very excited for everyone to hear it!

I’ve seen a significant uptick in my skill and output each time I’ve had a mentorship. They’ve been brutally honest at times and I’ve had to learn to put my ego aside for the art. I’ve needed mentors to hear the things I’m missing and help reveal the big picture of the art I’m creating. Having those people in my life has been such a blessing to me.

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?

Hi! I’m Parker. I’m a Canadian recording artist/songwriter/producer living in LA. I’ve been in the music industry since I was 12 where I was a finalist on the Canadian TV show, The Next Star. I subsequently was a finalist on the spin-off show, The Next Star: SuperGroup at the age of 14 with a band that was formed on the show.

I grew up the youngest child in a very musical home. I wrote my first song when I was 5 (hopefully it never sees the light of day), and spent the summers as a kid cooped up in my bedroom writing songs and fantasizing about being a global pop star. My time on The Next Star gave me hope that my dreams could actually happen. I spent the rest of my teenage years writing and doing some music projects but started taking it more seriously when I left home for college.

I spent my nights in college getting into production and that was another big step for me. Being a “one-stop-shop” musician is something I’ve started taking pride in since becoming a producer. After graduating, I moved to LA and am currently working on two EPs set to release in 2024. I haven’t released any music since my sophomore year in college so I’m really excited for everyone to hear the culmination of my (metaphorical) blood, sweat, and tears over the past few years.

Right now, the music I’m making is in the Pop/R&B vein, however, I think my versatility and hunger to push boundaries is what sets me apart from other artists making pop music right now. But hey, I’ll let the music speak for itself.

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

Just making cool music and art. The feeling of making something I’m stoked on and listening to it in the car over and over feels so good. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Then when you’re able to see what you make in the studio translate well on stage, it just takes it to a whole other level.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time earlier this year when I realized I was leaving too many big-picture decision questions about my career up to other people. I wasn’t in the driver’s seat. Of course, I want well-intentioned feedback from those I trust, but my art and musical identity need to be coming from me and not anyone else. I’ve learned more than ever this year the importance of getting the right people in my circle – people who are invested and help, but ultimately don’t try and sway me to be inauthentic.

Contact Info:

• Website: parkerkayofficial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsparkerkay/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parkerkaymusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsparkerkay
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy5PiQOsPriGYl5HhVGa8Yg
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsparkerkay

Image Credits
Nicole Ditt, Kevin Schmidt, Andrew Valdivia