NewSong is proud to introduce 2019 finalist Parker Ainsworth! The singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, CA will join his fellow finalists onstage at Isis Music Hall on Saturday Nov. 23 for the final competition.
Parker’s song “Running for so long” was recently featured in the film The Peanut Butter Falcon (video below). His blend of Western folk and soul music earned him the Grand Prize at NewSong’s 6th Annual LEAF Competition in 2018.
We asked Parker about his musical inspiration, songwriting process and what music news he has coming up in the Q&A below.
What are your most significant musical/artistic inspirations?
Too many to name, really. I grew up on blues and country (Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, BB King, Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, the classics); lots of old rock (Stones, Beatles, specifically George Harrison and John Lennon made a huge impression on me); and Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, of course, made an impact. Then I got deep into hip hop, house music and drum ‘n’ bass (Aphex Twin, Project Blowed, Tribe called Quest, Beastie Boys, Metalheads, Danny Tenaglia — pretty all over the place). Beck definitely blew my mind, and Nirvana as well. Lately, I’ve really enjoyed the older Staples singers recordings and a band called Tinariwen.
What is your songwriting process like?
Every song is different. Sometimes words come first; other times, it’s just a melody, or chord changes that evoke a feeling. The most important process for me these days is one of being present for the spark and not analyzing it until it’s become a fire. I’ve lost many potentially good ideas by judging them too early. Now I’m trying to be more curious and playful with things.
What was your reaction to being named a NewSong finalist?
I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity.
What music news would you like to share with readers?
The Peanut Butter Falcon, a gorgeously human film that I wrote a song for earlier this year is out now. I’m also playing a show at a The Troubadour in LA opening for an artist named Desi Valentine on Dec. 10. This will be my first time to play that venue, which is a legendary home for music in Los Angeles.
For more information on attending the NewSong Competition event, please visit our Facebook event page. Buy tickets here.
There are so many talented artists who are part of the NewSong family — it can sometimes be difficult to keep up! That’s why each week, we compile a list of new releases, shows, and videos from past NewSong artists who we think deserve your attention.
Parker Ainsworth— “Running for So Long (House A Home)” ft. in indie film The Peanut Butter Falcon
2018 LEAF winner, Parker Ainsworth, performs the lead single from the motion picture The Peanut Butter Falcon, starring Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson and Zack Gottsagen. In theaters this August.
From producer Butch Walker: ““When my good friend Tyler Nilson told me about The Peanut Butter Falcon, and played me the song his friend Parker Ainsworth co-wrote for the film, ‘Running For So Long (House a Home)’, I was very excited and couldn’t wait to start recording. I suggested to bring Paris Jackson on board for some accompaniment – she has been a family friend for many years and she had just recently done some backing vocals on a record of my own. Everyone involved thought that she was perfect for the song and her vocals gave it a very special note, just like I feel the movie is.”
Wilder Adkins— “Forever Yours” from new album, In This Pilgrim Way
Wilder Adkins, 2016 NewSong Grand Prize Winner, recently released a lovely new album titled, In This Pilgrim Way. We love the video, and we hope you give the album a listen on your preferred music platform. Vinyl records are available via the artist’s bandcamp page.
From Adkins: “I actually started working on this album after losing my job right before getting married. I was feeling pretty down and frustrated, made all the worse by being in a time of transition and stress. I began making plans to record some of these old three-quarter hymns of comfort as a way of ministering to myself, but also sharing it with other who might need comforting. I’m already looking ahead to so many projects, but I’m glad to finally be able to put this album out into the world. Hopefully it will be a comfort to those who need it.”
Alexa Rose— Title track for album Medicine for Living out now
From Alexa Rose via Wide Open Country: “This song is about a love that is failing and that moment when something is about to come to an end. That moment should still be appreciated and enjoyed because it’s still part of love,” Rose says in a press release. “I was trying to reason with myself about something that I had no control over. Medicine for Living is about realizing that all we can do is be loving and reach for love and that in itself can be healing.”
Alex Wong— forthcoming solo album to be released on Tone Tree music label
Alex Wong, a 2018 NewSong Competition finalist, recently announced plans to release his next solo album with the Nashville-based label, Tone Tree. The first single from the album, “Show Yourself,” comes out this Friday, August 16. Find it on your favorite music platform and follow Alex Wong on Instagram (@alexwongsounds) for updates.
Submissions for 2019 NewSong Singer Songwriting Competition are open!
This year’s grand prize winner will receive an all-expense paid six-song EP, recorded and mixed at Asheville, NC’s Echo Mountain Recording Studios and released on the NewSong Recordings label.
The grand prize winner will also receive a performance showcase at the esteemed 2019 ASCAP Music Café at the Sundance Film Festival (January 23 – February 3, 2020) in Park City, Utah, and a be booked for a paid, featured main stage performance at this summer’s Arts Brookfield Summer Plaza Series in New York City.