biographical info
Rick Parnell’s music sprouts from the very roots
of the Folk-Rock tradition and then subtly suggests a whole new
direction. Introspective and captivating, listeners compare Rick
Parnell most often to Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, though Rick says
it’s not fair to suggest he sounds like either. George Harrison, John
Lennon and Johnny Cash are also influences that often arise when
describing Rick’s vocal and song writing style.
After
experiencing success in the corporate world, Rick Parnell had to
acknowledge that his true passion has always been music. In 2008,
after stepping away from an enviable career, Rick decided to wade more
deeply into composing and performing. With the discipline of a project
manager, and the persistence of a man whose found his calling, he
impressed musician/producer and new found friend Graham Ronne who
offered to produce a few demos for him. The success of those first
demos and the artistic communication that followed led directly to the
completion of his first six-song EP. As a broader audience discovers
Rick's music, future projects are taking shape, with new opportunities
to reach out.
Though Rick has been drawn to music his entire
life, active songwriting really began in 2006. In the summer of that
year, with an amateur gig looming, he was challenged by a friend and
colleague to create an original song for the charitable event. Buoyed
by the enthusiastic response to that endeavor, Rick began a productive
period of songwriting that continues without an end in view.
Born
in Calgary, the third of six children, Rick grew up on military bases
in Ontario, returning to the West only after graduating university.
Rick is a life-long learner with no discernible fear for almost any
subject. Music has always been a passion, from imitating Louis
Armstrong on the radio as a small child, to performing charity gigs
while holding down
influences
John Lennon
Leonard Cohen
Johnny Cash
Bob Dylan
Eugene Smith
KT Tunstall
Sheryl Crow
George Harrison
Tom Petty
Roy Orbison
Buddy Holly