Podcast Summary: "Ridin' into the Sunset: Celebrating Parmalee's New Horizons"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Takin' a Walk
- Host: Buzz Knight (iHeartPodcasts)
- Episode Title: Ridin' into the Sunset: Celebrating Parmalee's New Horizons
- Release Date: April 10, 2025
1. Introduction
In this episode of Takin' a Walk, host Buzz Knight sits down with the talented members of Parmalee—Matt Thomas, Scott Thomas, Barry Knox, and Josh McSwain—to celebrate their latest achievements and delve into the creative process behind their upcoming album, Fell in Love with a Cowgirl. Fresh off their fifth number one single with "Gonna Love You," Parmalee shares insights into their journey, resilience, and the evolution of their music.
2. Band's Origins
Parmalee's story begins in the early 2000s in Parmalee, North Carolina. Matt Thomas recounts the humble beginnings:
Matt Thomas (02:23): "We rented a little barn in the town of Parmalee, North Carolina, for 50 bucks a month and started writing songs and making noise. It was all about figuring out how to be a band."
The band consists of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, their cousin Barry Knox, and Josh McSwain. Growing up in a musically inclined family, they were immersed in various genres from a young age, which significantly influenced their sound.
3. Musical Influences
Parmalee's diverse musical background is a melting pot of genres. Matt Thomas elaborates on their eclectic influences:
Matt Thomas (04:21): "We were Southern soul guys, R&B soul, and anything in that vein. We grew up on MTV, loved rock and roll, and infused all these different influences into our country roots."
Barry Knox adds his bluegrass upbringing:
Barry Knox (04:12): "My dad was in a bluegrass band, so I was on that side of country music—the more mountain, hillbilly style stuff."
This blend of southern soul, R&B, rock, and bluegrass created a unique sound that set Parmalee apart in the country music scene.
4. Struggles and Resilience
The path to success was laden with challenges. Parmalee spent a decade grinding and performing in countless venues without securing a major record deal. Matt Thomas shares their relentless pursuit:
Matt Thomas (07:14): "We were on the verge always for 10 years, but we didn't give up. We just found the next light of hope to chase."
A pivotal moment came when a management connection almost fell through, but the band's resilience shone through. Scott Thomas narrates a harrowing incident that tested their strength:
Matt Thomas (10:14): "We had an attempted robbery at a practice show. Scott engaged the robbers and was shot three times. It was a miracle he survived."
5. Support from Family
Family played a crucial role in Parmalee's journey, especially during their darkest times. Matt Thomas highlights the unwavering support from their mother:
Matt Thomas (16:33): "My mom took a loan out on our house to help us pay back Rick Beato when we couldn't. She believed in us without ever questioning our music."
This financial and emotional support was instrumental in keeping the band afloat and focused on their dreams.
6. Creation of Fell in Love with a Cowgirl
Parmalee's new album, Fell in Love with a Cowgirl, represents their growth and creative exploration. Matt Thomas describes the album's development process:
Matt Thomas (18:35): "We knew it was time to start something new after 'Gonna Love You.' We aimed to create songs that resonate with our fans and fit our evolving sound."
The band employed a unique "sports bracket" method to select the best tracks, ensuring each song met their standards for radio play, live performance, and streaming.
7. Touring and Songwriting
Life on the road is both exhilarating and demanding. Matt Thomas discusses the challenges of songwriting while touring:
Matt Thomas (21:46): "Sometimes being on tour sparks cool ideas, but it's tough to sit down and focus with so many activities happening around us."
Despite the hectic schedule, touring with artists like Kane Brown provided Parmalee with inspiration and opportunities to refine their craft.
8. The Power of Music and Fan Connection
Parmalee emphasizes the therapeutic and unifying power of music. Reflecting on their experiences, Matt Thomas affirms:
Matt Thomas (14:17): "100%, absolutely. Music has a healing power that you just can't deny."
The band finds immense joy in connecting with their fans, witnessing the impact of their music firsthand during live performances.
Matt Thomas (24:48): "When you're on stage, everything else fades away. It's just about performing and that incredible connection with the crowd."
9. Conclusion
The episode wraps up with heartfelt gratitude from Buzz Knight to Parmalee for sharing their inspiring story. Parmalee's journey is a testament to perseverance, family support, and the unyielding passion for music. As they continue to ride into new horizons, their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere.
Buzz Knight (25:27): "Congratulations on the new music. It's truly special to hear your story and the joy you bring to so many with your music."
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Thomas (02:23): "We rented a little barn... and started writing songs and making noise."
- Matt Thomas (04:21): "We were Southern soul guys, R&B soul, and anything in that vein."
- Matt Thomas (07:14): "We were on the verge always for 10 years, but we didn't give up."
- Matt Thomas (10:14): "Scott engaged the robbers and was shot three times. It was a miracle he survived."
- Matt Thomas (16:33): "My mom took a loan out on our house to help us pay back Rick Beato."
- Matt Thomas (18:35): "We knew it was time to start something new after 'Gonna Love You.'"
- Matt Thomas (21:46): "Sometimes being on tour sparks cool ideas, but it's tough to sit down and focus."
- Matt Thomas (24:48): "When you're on stage, everything else fades away."
Listen to the Episode: To hear Parmalee's full story and celebrate their new album, Fell in Love with a Cowgirl, tune into Takin' a Walk on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.