Artist of the Month: Parker Graye

Parker Graye has been on a mission to make country music sad again and I think it’s safe to say, mission accomplished. Songs like “Do Over”, “Before You Leave”, and “Last Time” introduced us to the queen of Saddies for the Baddies, and Parker Graye has been opening her heart to listeners ever since.

Growing up in Orillia, Ontario, Parker Graye’s main musical influence came from her musically inclined aunt. Obsessed with live performance from a young age, Parker would spend her childhood evenings performing to an imaginary packed out stadium in the basement. After spending a few years in Banff as a snowboarder, she would begin her journey as a singer-songwriter when she moved to Vancouver in 2010.

Parker would spend time across indie and pop music before setting her sights on country music, where she would bring her gift to the singer-songwriter side of the genre. Releasing captivating songs with illustrative lyrics, songs like “Last Rodeo” and “Cowboys Go” delve into restlessness, longing, and heartbreak.

Parker’s breakthrough single “Good at Gettin’ Gone” landed her iHeart Radio’s Future Star, scoring Graye her first Top 40 at Canadian country radio, where it peaked at #39. The single also landed her covers of Apple Music’s Canada’s Country playlist and Amazon Music’s Just North Of Nashville, and caught the attention of Boots and Hearts Music Festival, landing her a slot on this year’s lineup (Friday August 11).

Parker was named a 2023 Artist to Watch by UpStar Music, Countrypolitan Magazine, Front Porch Music and Worlds of Country.

Parker recently moved to Nashville after years of traveling back and forth for writing trips. Settling into her new digs quite well, she’s released her latest single “Summer Rain” and took the stage for a number of writers’ rounds at CMA Fest.

With more music to come this year, be sure to check out Parker Graye on social media to stay up to date with show dates, new music and more.

Check out my top five favourites from Parker Graye!

1. Good at Gettin’ Gone
2. Summer Rain
3. Who’s Lying Here
4. Cowboys Go
5. Last Rodeo

Connect with Parker Graye on Social Media:

Instagram
TikTok
Twitter

// by Jenna Weishar / www.frontporchmusic.ca //