Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Ben Parks
Introduction of the project
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I remember I would love to sit at my grandparent’s piano in my pajamas. They lived in Wetumpka, AL in this big white house, and there was this beautiful black upright piano in one of the rooms sitting on red carpet. I think there are photos of me wearing a pair of 101 Dalmations pajamas.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My mom put me in piano lessons at a very young age, around 5 years old. As I got older, my piano teacher realized that I liked to play by ear more than actually reading the sheet music. I could generally hear what sounded right better than I could read it. When I was around 11 or 12 my piano teacher entered me into a composition competition that I won. That was my first time having to write and create my own original music/score.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
‘Ecotone’ was a concept that came to me around 2020 or 2021? I’m not too sure. That period of time is blurry haha. But, I do remember that there was a lot going on for me personally at that time. I grew up in the Bible-belt in the US – Birmingham, AL – and so most of my musical upbringing surrounded Gospel music. But, it was in 2020 that I started coming out, writing non-Gospel music, and began processing a lot of my story. I heard a friend in an interview talk about the experience of being a queer Christian as being like an “ecotone.” An ecotone is an ecological term that represents a region between two very different and distinct biological communities. From there, I knew that this project was going to contain a lot of stories and feelings that I have experienced being a queer Christian. I also knew that I wanted it to be two different parts – ‘Ecotone, Pt. I’ and ‘Ecotone, Pt. II.’ Sonically and aesthetically I really wanted to make the two parts look, feel, and sound different, which is something I’m really proud of.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
It’s like if Phil Collins and Chappel Roan had some sort of lavender marriage and had me. Sad gay pop meets emo angsty rock 🙂
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I think operating from an abundance mindset. There is so much about the music industry and the internet that makes artists feel like we’re all in competition with one another and that we’re all fighting for a limited amount of resources. When I changed my mindset from one of scarcity to one of realizing I have everything I need to create – “abundance” – it really freed me up to make some of my favorite art. Obviously, this is a daily mindset I have to choose, and it’s not easy to embrace all the time.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Honestly, just my keyboard or guitar and voice memos app on my phone. Oh, and notes app. I do most of my writing with those 3 things. Once I have a song written, and I want to start the production process, I’ll throw some things into Garageband or Logic just to get something of a framework started. From there, I’ll usually team up with a producer/engineer to finish the song.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Hayley Williams is my all time favorite, and she’s indie now technically lol. But, I’ll also say the song “Projector Screen” by my friend Aly Rowell. Incredible song.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I feel like I’m at a place in my life where I really am getting to play and explore my sound. Because so much of my early years were limited to Gospel music, I feel like I wasn’t as exposed to other music that was out there. I’m getting to find music and explore sounds for myself that I never really imagined before which has been a lot of fun.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I think I naturally can drift to writing about loneliness and heartbreak. Those are emotions that I feel connected to pretty well myself, so I’m always trying to translate those as honestly as I can in a song. I think by sharing songs and stories about my own loneliness or isolation, it allows others to feel the same thing in themselves and in turn makes them feel less alone. I think that would be it. I really want others to feel less alone when they hear my music.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
It’s such a privilege. To be able to hear and create and write and listen to music is just such a gift.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Red Rocks in Colorado or Coachella
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Oh my gosh this is the hardest question. I have to put limits on it, so I’ll say present, and it would be Hayley Williams as mentioned earlier. Her talent level is just insane, and she has played around with different genres which I really admire. She also just seems so real and honest, so I feel like our writing and hang out sessions would just be fun.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
I’m most active on Instagram and TikTok, although my tiktok is unhinged and just a random dump of things haha.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/whoisbenparks
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whoisbenparks
I also have a newsletter that I periodically send out to fans for updates: https://mailchi.mp/bc9599dec879/ben-parks-newsletter
You can find my music anywhere you listen to music. Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc.
Stream ‘Ecotone, Pt. II’: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/benparks/ecotone-pt-ii
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I would love to go on tour opening for a major artist!
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I’m just a guy trying to enjoy life and make music that leaves a mark.
