Parker Barrow Talk New Music, July 2025 UK Tour And More

Nashville based, blues-infused Southern Rockers Parker Barrow return to the music scene with their long-awaited new single “Make It” and will tour the UK in July 2025. Co-founding member and drummer Dylan Turner chatted to us all about the single and more:

 

Who is in Parker Barrow, how did you meet and what do you play?

We’re a Nashville based Blues infused Southern Rock band. Megan and I met back in 2019 on an off night in Nashville and have been chasing this dream ever since. In 2023 we met our lead guitarist Alex Bender who’s been with us since that time, and just in the last several months we were lucky enough to fill out the rest of our band with Will Tipton on guitar, Bo Howard on bass and Eric Safka on keys.

What is your earliest musical memory?

I was lucky enough to grow up around a ton of live music on all different levels. From acoustic coffee shop sets to seeing the Allman Brothers and Black Crowes live in big venues. I don’t know if I have a first musical memory because it’s always been a part of my life. One of my fondest musical memories is jamming to Simple Man with my dad on my first little drum set around the age of five.

When did you begin songwriting?

Songwriting is just something that came out of necessity to be able to expand the live show. I’ve never really sat down and intended to be a songwriter. I just try to capture thoughts as they come and when you’re able to do that eventually the songs write themselves.

What is the story behind your band name?

Our band name comes from the infamous outlaw duo of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. We’ve always said that rather than being on the run from the police, we’re on the run to capture our rock ‘n’ roll dreams.

You have also released your new single ‘Make It’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

Make It was a fun song to write, it allowed us to show a more playful side of the band both lyrically and musically. The song is a sweet concoction of heavy drums, loud guitars and screaming vocals. The time changes give us room to balance the groove and high energy swing feel that are both so prominent in classic southern rock ‘n’ roll.

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

We recorded at Thermal Productions with our producer Stephen McKnight. Stephen produced our last album, and we were blessed to be able to collaborate with him again on this record.

Did you use any specific instruments/recording equipment to get a particular sound for the record?

Really just the basics for good ole rock ‘n’ roll: drums, guitars, bass, and of course a little cowbell!

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025?

We certainly do! Make It is the first single to be released from our next album that will be out later this year.

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

We wanted it to be fun. Megan had the idea of “love through the ages” so we tried to show how love always prevails since the beginning of time and will prevail long into the future. Our friend Keith Leman directed the video for us, and he’s worked with Keith Urban, Morgan Wade, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.

Which of your tracks hear you at you are a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

I don’t know if we’re ever angry in one of our tracks. I think there’s a lot of good and evil in our tracks, and the pursuit to balance the two in this life. I would hope the listener can find a bit of all the emotions in each of our tracks.

Was it a difficult song to write?

Make it was extremely easy to write. It all came together on the first try. Other than a few minor changes in the studio, it all really was right there in front of us the whole time.

Who designed the single artwork?

Megan and I worked up a concept of what we we’re looking for and we had an artist named Karlee Bloom bring it to life.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

That we have taken people on a journey and that they leave the show different than how they walked in

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

As long as it’s loud – we love it! We all have a good bit of gear that we cycle through out on the road, but it just depends on the mood. Favorites can change a lot out on the road.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

We’re all from all over but have found ourselves living in Nashville. We do spend most of our time on the road which feels more like home than anywhere right now, and I would use the words chaotic, overwhelming, fulfilling, and fever dream to describe life on the road.

 

How do you look after your voices?

Megan is cautious with her voice. She’ll do steam treatments; she drinks more water than anyone I’ve ever seen. Lots of hot tea and honey and avoids any irritants like alcohol or dairy. She does vocal rest some days too which is always interesting. It’s like playing charades for 24 hours!

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Man, that’s a tough question. I’ve always thought that the soundtrack for a movie is so important to bringing a story to life. There is so much great art out there!

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

The Black Crowes, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Bywater Call, The Georgia Thunderbolts, and Them Dirty Roses

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

We play four dates in the UK in July.

Dates include:

Thursday 17 July – Chester, The Live Rooms (with Xander and the Peace Pirates)

Friday 18 July – Nottingham, The Bodega (with Xander and the Peace Pirates)

Saturday 19 July – London, The Grace (with special guest Ashley Sherlock)

Sunday 20 July – Kent, Maid of Stone Festival

 

What makes Parker Barrow happy and what makes you unhappy?

We are generally happy people. We are blessed to travel all over with our best friends and our dog, Sadie Mae. We get to play our music to so many unique crowds and meet so many interesting people along the way. Even in the worst day it’s hard to be unhappy when you get to experience the blessing this life has to offer. We’re very thankful for all the ups and downs!