INTERVIEW: Folk Pop from Jeremy Parks

Jeremy Parks’ path into music doesn’t follow a straight line, and that’s exactly what gives it meaningful context. Based in Atlanta, he first stepped into the scene as the frontman of a band, building his talents within a collective before that chapter came to a close. What followed wasn’t a continuation, but a pause; he moved into teaching, becoming a high school literature educator, trading stages for classrooms while carrying something unfinished beneath the surface.

That distance from music didn’t dull the connection, if anything, it added to it. Returning as a solo artist, Jeremy Parks now uses songwriting as both an expression and as a way of understanding. It’s a process, a means of working through the noise of personal experience and the wider world. His perspective is based in the idea that everyone carries something and that those stories deserve to be told as they are.

Last year, that philosophy began to take shape with his debut single “Wayward Man,” followed by his sophomore outing “Lay Down Your Crown.” Now, with his third single titled “Love Through the Rear View (Amy),” Jeremy Parks presents a track that revolves around a personal connection, reflecting on someone who’s significantly shaped his understanding of love and life. It’s a song informed by memory and perspective, looking back while still carrying the emotional impact of the present.

There’s no attempt to universalise the experience artificially, the song instead invites listeners into something specific, trusting that the honesty within it will connect on its own terms. That sense of openness is carried through both the lyrics and the arrangement, which focuses on melody and emotional pacing, allowing the reflective writing to sit at the forefront. Opened by the soft plucks of clean guitar notes and warm piano plinks, a delicate folk scene arrives as Jeremy’s hushed vocals enter to stitch gentle melodies into the tender musical fabric.

With intricate layering, his vocals float above the developing arrangement as the rustle of pattering drums adds a laid back energy. Flowing with graceful rhythmic sway, the chorus arrives with memorable melodic leads to cast an enchanting folk pop listening experience that’s timeless, original and utterly charming all at once. Capturing a balance between melancholic aesthetic and subtly uplifting tone, it’s a truly delightful musical moment that’s impossible not to love.

Taking on songwriting, production and performance, Jeremy shaped the song from the ground up, while at the same time, collaboration played a key role in bringing the final version to life. Working with Niel Brooks on mixing, mastering and bass, as well as Dillon Napier on drums, each contribution feels aligned with the central vision. As his solo journey continues, Jeremy Parks continues to steadily go from strength to strength and is sure to win over new fans across the indie folk music sphere.

We caught up with Jeremy Parks to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Love Through the Rear View (Amy)” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Jeremy Parks below.

Hey Jeremy, how’s things?

Things are going really well overall. I’ve really enjoyed this solo adventure of self-recording and getting these songs out there. I was the singer/songwriter in an indie-rock band years ago, and after we split, I just continued to write and record. I’ve got more songs than I know what to do with, and I’m really looking forward to continuing this new journey.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I can remember being a little kid playing in the pasture beside my childhood home and just making up melodies and songs about things like butterflies and frogs. I didn’t start playing guitar until I was about 19 or so, but as I reflect on my life, I guess music-making has been with me since I was playing in the pasture way back when.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Ryan Adams earlier stuff will always mean a lot to me. There were a lot of influences, but I think he was probably THE songwriter who made me want to dip my toe into the songwriting waters. I do think that “August and Everything After” by the Counting Crows is one of the most complete albums ever made, and it has been a go-to for me throughout my songwriting journey.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

As far as the sounds and movements in my songs, I seem to find a lot of that in nature. Sitting out in the woods or on my front porch watching the trees move in the wind tends to stir things up. The same with the change of the seasons. Lyrically, I think about people I’ve known, or things I’ve experienced. One go-to for this is just looking at old polaroids and letting myself feel every inch of that particular moment in time…I think doing this helps me create kinds these little vignettes about my story, other people’s stories, and just the journey of being alive.

What was your highlight of 2025?

My highlight of 2025 would have to simply be releasing music for the first time ever as a solo artist. It was such a huge step for me (it’s been a long time coming), and it’s been quite freeing to do so.

What do you love about the Atlanta music scene?

One thing I like about the Atlanta scene is its diversity. There are so many kinds of sounds floating in the air in and around Atlanta. There’s a little bit of something for everyone.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

This is a great question and one I’ve never thought of before. I guess I’d have to say either driving solo on a windy, mountainous road, or maybe even just sitting in a cozy sunroom or covered porch sipping your favorite beverage of choice.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

Well, I was in an indie-rock band for years (years ago). Our sound was, as we called it, “modern vintage.” We were at times more in the indie-modern rock vein, while at other times we sounded more like classic rock. From there, I moved into an almost pure Americana/roots sound as a solo artist, to where I am now, which is more (I think) in the indie folk/pop vein.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

There’s quite a few, but Phil Collins really stands out. I think he was and is a songwriting master, and it would be a thrill to sit down with him and just talk about one of my songs, or even to create together.

How did you find making your new single “Love Through the Rear View (Amy)”?

I wrote the song in early 2026, but I’ve had the idea on my mind for a while. The process was pretty natural and relatively quick, all things considered. I recorded it at home and then enlisted help from my pals Dillon Napier (drummer) and Niel Brooks (bass and mixing/mastering engineer). They took on these roles remotely.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

The song is about a woman named “Amy,” a woman I’ve known for a long time, a woman who has been through hell and back but still loves people in a way I could only dream of. I wish we could all love like her. The way she loves is kind of a mystery, and in many ways the song is me exploring that mystery.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve really been enjoying Sam Fender’s stuff. What a sound! It makes me feel reflective, hopeful, and grievous, all at the same time. One of the best songwriters I’ve heard in a good while from the mainstream vein.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I hope people can listen to my music and feel a sense of relatability, that I’ve been where they are. I’d also hope that maybe they can say “this song makes me feel like that time I was _____________”, or even “I can’t quite put a finger on how it does it, but this song makes me think and feel something I haven’t felt in a while.” The latter is a dream, for sure.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

“Music for the Morning After” by Pete Yorn is also an important album to me. I discovered it years and years ago, and it’s always stuck with me. I had the opportunity to see him perform in Atlanta years ago, and it was definitely one of the most memorable concert experiences of my life.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

If it could be anyone past or present, I’d probably have to say: 1.) The Who (in their glory days). 2.) Florence and the Machine. And probably 3.) Tracy Chapman (what a sound) or even a soul artist like Sam Cooke. All headlining at a festival on a cliff overlooking the Irish sea.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Yes, I would have to say to just go for it. The fear of never releasing your music is far worse than actually releasing your music. There’s also something so cathartic and purifying about creating and releasing and then sharing that experience with others. It’s all so organic and relational, which is what we’re built for. I think there’s likely an audience for most nearly every artist…you’ve just got to find your folks. I’m still finding mine and (hopefully) I always will be.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

I’ve got several singles coming down the line from now through the summer months, and then my plan is to release my first solo EP sometime in the late fall months. From there, we’ll see. Maybe live shows, maybe an album, or maybe something else. Just taking it one song at a time. 😊

Listen to Love Through the Rear View (Amy) below