Meet Abe Parker: Singer, Songwriter and Performing Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abe Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abe, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For me it has always been about the love of music. The business side of things just came into place as an extension of my passion for sharing emotions and connecting strangers. The idea has always been, how can I give what I’ve been given to the maximum amount of people. In today’s music industry you can find yourself signing your life away at 17, the label shelving your first record before it even comes out and you sitting on your hands for the next 6 years waiting for you to literally get your freedom back to release music. I wanted to build up my own business so that when the right offer came down road I will be able to set my own terms of engagement while still having the freedom to create when, how and where I want.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a singer-songwriter and performer based in Atlanta, GA. I am originally from a two stop light town in middle-of-nowhere, Ohio. Growing in poor Appalachia taught me a lot about hard work and the importance of sticking with what you believe. I remember times, as a kid when we had hardly any food in the fridge and almost nothing in the bank. Seeing how my parents working extremely hard and relied on prayer to get us through the toughest times formed a lot about who I am today. I chose Atlanta for my base city because Nashville seemed too oversaturated and LA seemed too far. In 2012 I packed up my Honda and headed south. The next 6 years would prove to be the most difficult and shaping years for me. My life consisted of playing on the street, (including in front of the Fox theatre) writing songs in parking lots and if I wasn’t couch hopping, sleeping in my car. Things were tough. After being robbed for the 3rd time and having most of my studio equipment stolen I was ready to throw in the towel. There was only one problem. I met a girl. On our first date I had everything that I owned packed into the car and was planning on heading back to Ohio when the date was over. (Not something I recommend for a first date) As irony would have it, I knew in a moment that she was the one for me. After a few weeks back home in Ohio she convinced me to return to Georgia for a second date. Being with and eventually marrying her the next year proved to be a huge turn around for me in every way! Opportunities began to open, my schedule started to fill up and best of all I had a newfound source of inspiration to write about. It finally seemed my dogmatic work ethic was paying off. Making sure I did the best I could with every project eventually led me to be able to work with or open for a large range of artists including Andy Grammer, Lecrae, Marc E. Bassy, Judah and the Lion, Ben Rector, Switchfoot, David Crowder, Passion Band, Paul Russell, Jan Smith and soooo many more. The introduction of Tik Tok offered a new platform that I started to find success in and Spotify number started to grow.
I think what sets my music apart from others is my story. Not having the resources, connections and influence that a lot of today’s charting artists had when they were starting has given me the ability to write from a place of true brokenness, pain and honesty. I can speak to people in a real and truthful way about what hurts.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Mmm, The aquarium then Felini’s for lunch, an afternoon of pickup soccer at Georgia Tech, a show at Eddies’ Attic and finally a dinner at the Crossing Steakhouse up in Norcross! 10 out of 10 day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Just like every success story, the real credit is ALLL in the support. Where I’m at is truly a team effort. Here are just a few behind my success. The first and most important is God. My relationship with Jesus is both the reason why and the reason how I am able to do music. I write mostly mainstream music but my goal is and always will be to point as many people to him as possible! Secondly my wife Sarah. She has been my constant encourager, supporter and sounding board. 3rd most is my manager Logan. Years before he ever started seeing a check he has been out there setting up shoots, making connections and pushing me to be better! Finally I wouldn’t be here without the countless individuals who have housed me, fed me and prayed for me through this journey!

Website: https://www.abeparker.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abeparker/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abeparkermusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8esyYyIfqhmdntoja-QtbA

Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5V61WloeXM3XLslOqJ8RES?si=koH7dLMSTpGPGb54ROYt-Q Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@abeparker?lang=en

Image Credits
Photos by Artimio Black