We recently had the chance to connect with Will Parker and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Will , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the clear winner in this question BY FAR!
What good is it to be the smartest in the room if your character doesn’t speak volumes? The reality is, most of the big opportunities in your life show up because of conversations people have about you in rooms that you are not in. I think integrity will take you further than talent or intelligence, or energy ever could. I want to be that person that people can bet on to always do the right thing. Especially when I think nobody is looking.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Will Parker (artist name Willl.Parkr) and I find myself in a place of loving creativity. Not only for the sake of the enjoyment I get from working my artistic muscles but also, and maybe more importantly, inspiring others to be creative in a world that seems to push most into the same cookie cutter mold.
I am an artist, producer, tracking and mixing engineer, and creative director. I am originally from Atlanta GA, graduated college in D.C. (from Howard University) and now live in Dallas, TX. I work at the premiere studio in Dallas called “Luminous Sound Studio’s” and have had the privilege of being connected with some of the top professionals in the industry.
We have put out 3 projects in 3 consecutive years (one EP and two albums) on all major platforms and have thrown multiple promotional events for each project.
Outside of the art of music I also preach and teach at a local church I attend named City Church International from time to time.
My focus is, and will continue to be about, putting out excellent music, visuals, and content as long as the Lord allows me to. Trying to push my creative envelopes with every new opportunity that comes my way.
One thing that sets me apart as an artist is the way I admire the art around me. The whole world is this gigantic art gallery that is full of inspiration. What allows artist to be incredible at their craft, I think, is how open they are to being impacted by other means of art. A family playing together in the park, seeing that kiss of a couple who has been reunited, the beauty of friends coming together during hard times to console each other. Its everywhere. Once you see how extravagant it all really is, it seems the inspiration will bleed through your respective means and have impact.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I had a very unhealthy self esteem for a big portion of my life. My childhood was plagued by thoughts of “its amazing if someone else does it but it’s never good enough if I do” which bled into every area of my life. Becoming an artist has forced me to crucify that framework of thinking. If you don’t believe what you are doing is good then how can you expect others to? There is no way to make impactful, high level product if you look at yourself as less than others, especially in the music business.
You put yourself on the line in a way that is incredibly vulnerable on a consistent basis. To go into these high pressured situations and assume that you are less than is handicapping you before the game even starts at best.
I no longer feel that way about my art or my decisions. There is a constant battle with that “good enough” mindset but thank God we aren’t where we used to be.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Hopefully my answer doesn’t come off as obnoxious or over confident but when it comes to music? No.. Not once.
I love what I get to do everyday. The process, the grind, the bumps and bruises, the successes, the having to figure things out. It’s all such a blessing to do. I really didn’t pick music but it found me and gave me an invitation to go on an adventure. After saying yes, there was never a thought of “giving up”. It has always been from that day (almost 9 years ago) “As long as I can, I will keep doing this.”
Giving up feels like betrayal to myself and all those who have supported me.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I pretty confident that my friends would say that I care deeply about getting everything out of any moment I’m in. I hate not being where my feet are. Being on my phone or daydreaming when I’m with people or working on things or even just being by myself.
I try to get everything I can out of life that, and you make that impossible if your mind is always somewhere else.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WHAT I GET TO DO!!! Working at Luminous Sound Studios has put me in an environment that has made me better at every facet of creativity. The studio life is demanding and full of pressure and beautiful all at the same time.
I love engineering and capturing the best sound possible. I love making music and putting on events. I love working on a song for days (sometimes weeks) at a time until it feels just right. I honestly don’t know what else I would be doing if it weren’t this to some capacity. Even on the hardest days, I take a second to breathe and look around at the room I’m in and say “there was a day when I prayed so hard to be here.” I really am so thankful for what I get to do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @willl.parkr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM04SmC6KucnnY1ZtTtg6lQ
Image Credits
Baile Grace
Juan Estrada
Mix With The Masters
