Rick Parnell A few questions get answered by Canadian singer-songwriter-guitarist Rick Parnell... Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself, and your musical associates. Rick: I am a Canadian singer-songwriter living in British Columbia, Canada. One Eye Open showcases my songwriting talents with the support of gifted musician and producer Graham Ronne. LB: How did you start out making music? Rick: I've been listening to music and singing along all my life. For years I played guitar as a hobby, doing the occasional charity gig or family function. In 2006, a friend who had started writing his own material challenged me to write a song for an upcoming gig. The response from everyone who heard that first effort encouraged me to write more. LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now? Rick: I listened to everything growing up, but I was always drawn to a good lyric. A huge Beatles fan, I gravitated towards John, and later George. I was into Dylan and Leonard Cohen. I would and still will listen to anything by Elvis Costello. Lyrical twists and a willingness to challenge musical conventions are integral to my approach to music as a result of these influences. LB: Tell us about your latest release. Rick: One Eye Open is an EP released to showcase my songwriting. The project was initiated by Graham Ronne, from whom I'd asked help to produce some professional demos. He was impressed enough with the output of the initial sessions to suggest we go straight to an EP, though keeping it fairly bare bones so that it had the feel of a performance or a well done demo. Because it is an experimental approach, we kept it to six songs, though there is sufficient material to do a full disk. The oldest of the songs is “One Eye Open”, which along with “One More Song”, was written in 2007. “Everybody's Wrong”, the song that first caught Graham's ear was penned in the fall of 2008, and continues to draw the greatest attention. LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows? Rick: I play regularly at a few local clubs, usually as a solo act, mixing my songs with several covers of artists I've been influenced by. Whenever possible, I perform with a lead guitarist to round out the sound. This can either be Graham or my son Hart. Recently, I performed a 40 minute set at a charity event with both of my sons providing backup, and have performed on rare occasions with a full four piece band. LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy? Rick: Music allows me to communicate ideas and emotions that I would not likely express any other way. I love an audience, and get a real rush when I see in a face or two that connection of energy between my mind and theirs. Recording extends the reach, and somehow legitimizes the art. LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music? Rick: One Eye Open is available on iTunes, CD Baby and there are other links to samples and full previews through the official website. LB: Thanks Rick. www.rickparnell.ca www.myspace.com/eyeopen www.itunes.com/rickparnell