Parson James

Singer-songwriter Parson James, the genre-blending vocalist behind Kygo’s multi-platinum global smash “Stole The Show”, has released new single Love Right Here with British singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé and Grammy award winning musician Troy Miller (Amy Winehouse, Calvin Harris, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man).

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memory is probably being in the barber shop in my hometown. Someone was singing and I was wearing the like barber robe and my mom says I immediately jumped up as if the robe was a part of a costume and started belting some operatic sounding thing. Drama from the jump lol.

 

When did you begin songwriting?

I started writing stories when I was a kid because it was a great place for me to escape. I loved to envision bigger worlds and grander things. So that started really young. I think I wrote my first song song when I was 12. It was called “waiting” and it had a full spoken word usher like intro. I was talking about a girl I liked who kept me waiting lol. Too much. When I moved to NYC though around age 17/18 I was doing a lot of covers at open mics and I quickly realized how much talent was within that city and that the only way to stand out was to start telling my own story. So within that first year of nyc I began to decide how to tell my story and it kind of started there.

 

You have your new single ‘Love Right Here’ out now. What was inspiration/story behind the song?

Love right here is a song that is a reminder to pay attention to what you have within and right in front of you. The idea was started with JP Cooper and Troy Miller and one day while working with Troy on my own I just dived in on it. I have been in one too many situationships where I completely get lost within the human. I’ve had situationships also with bad habits and friendships that cause me to forget what I have within me and I think that’s because the hardest love that I’ve yet to conquer completely is self love. So this is a reminder.

 

Where did you record the track and who produced it?

I recorded with Troy Miller and he also produced it! In London. Emeli and I got to fully record right in front of each other also as if we were just singing a live show in each others face. It was genuinely incredible.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Sitting on the couch with emeli, connecting like 12-13 years after I met her as an unsigned artist who adored her. That was it. That was enough. She’s such a light and inspiration and the whole day is wrapped up in a big ol bow for me. That and just hearing the background singers absolutely lace the song with magic in real time. It was a special day.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

U87 was used on my voice and I’m pretty sure on Emeli’s too! Troy is a master of live piano. Some incredible additional vocals that have completely made this song.

 

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

Happiest – I think funny enough is a song called “sad song” which is hilarious. I was just in such a good place after leaving something toxic and the world was my oyster at that time. Career was peaking I was in my element and not afraid to be a bit sassy lol.

Angriest – it’s tough because I don’t hold too much anger. It’s always just reflection of the situation and me to trying to make the most sense of how we all got here. Sinner Like You my first single is a pretty brutal letter to those who punished me for my sexuality though. While also being genuinely content that I refused to withstand that any longer, lovingly. Lol

 

How did the collaboration with Emeli Sande and Troy Miller arise?

I had worked with Troy a few times and he’s an incredible musician and writer/producer. We did love right here and then ultimately bc he had worked with Emeli before and we had talked about female voices he was able to hit her up and then she and I got to work on it together with him!

 

Was it a difficult song to write?

It came together really quickly. I think where I was at in life, paired with where Troy and JP had gotten to with it. It all came naturally.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2026/2027?

Many many. Lots lots.

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

Cheraw South Carolina.

Wal Mart
Heartache
Dizzy Gillespie
Southern hospitality
Trauma

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026/2027?

I am genuinely so excited to finally have gigs on the books. 😭.

 

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

Having my truth resonate
Providing a safe space within my craft for any and everyone who has needed it.

 

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

I am a slut for a NORD; sorry not sorry.

 

How do you look after your voice?

Water is your best friend. Acidic food and drink are not. Steam is a great tool; nebulizers are even better. Warming up is essential.
In saying that I have to CONSTANTLY be on myself to keep this in order. Some times are easier and more consistent than others.

 

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

Amy, Johnny Cash, Selena, Mariah, Bill Withers, Leon Bridges, Hozier, Chris Stapleton

What makes Parson James happy and what makes you unhappy?

I’m happy when I am fulfilling my purpose.

I’m unhappy when I’m putting my time into the wrong people places and things.
I’m also unhappy that Dolly Parton is not longer with us. But that is a different story.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Edge Entertainment

Parson James, Emeli Sandé and Troy Miller new single ‘Love Right Here’ is out now.

Listen Here: https://bfan.link/love-right-here

Official Website: https://www.iamparsonjames.com/