Long Island-based songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist Randy Parsons has spent decades developing a distinctive musical identity, combining jazz, folk and melodic pop with heartfelt storytelling. Having studied at institutions including Juilliard, New York University and Berklee, his extensive career has encompassed live performances, songwriting accolades and music placements in film and television.
His latest single with Randy Parsons & Friends, 'Graduation Day', offers a warm and nostalgic reflection on life's defining milestones. Inspired by attending his grandson's graduation ceremony, the song explores the bittersweet emotions of watching a younger generation step into adulthood, balancing pride and cherished memories with excitement for the possibilities ahead.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I had violin lessons in elementary school as my first instrument...but it was the six string guitar that I first "fell in love with."
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Many kinds (Initially provided by my parents): Kingston Trio, the Weavers, Pete Seeger, Rogers and Hammerstein (Oklahoma), Irving Berlin (Annie Get Your Gun), Bernstein and Sondheim (West Side Story); Jazz/Samba: Getz and Gilberto; Thelonius Monk; Charlie Parker; Pop/Folk/Rock: Beach Boys, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, The Kinks, Cream, Jimi Hendrix.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The Beach Boys: Little Deuce Coup
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Do You Know the Way to San Jose, Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I usually write the music first and then start writing words and ideas that the music suggests....the lyrics require just sitting down and writing, often just random stream of consciousness, and editing over a period of weeks/months/years until the lyric is "complete enough.."
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
James Taylor; Donald Fagan; Cole Porter; George Strait; Norah Jones; John Mayer; Jackson Browne.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Dionne Warwick
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The process of working with other musicians and engineers I admire to record/mix and master a new song and then have others hear the new track.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Probably mastering enough of the technology required to write, record and perform.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Try to keep the pursuit of music light, fun and enjoyable...otherwise, take a break or let it go.
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Randy Parsons & Friends' new single 'Graduation Day' is out now. Check it out in the player below.