John parry
John Parry represents an artist whose distinct vocals, and insightful and intelligent lyrics are still able to make ‘Enough’ sound like a sensitive melody, giving the listener a mellow and intimate experience. In today’s music scene, coming from an artist as young as his 18 years beggars belief, as inspired as John clearly is; the song touches upon a subject matter seldom explored, a song that allows John to display his strong and vibrant voice, whilst yet having the measure to sound like a seasoned pro, consequently, John Parry is, in a word – more impressive than someone who is just merely talented, more poignant than someone who is just merely touching the edges of cliché, and being predictably frivolous, and taking his initial steps on his musical journey, on the evidence of John’s forthcoming EP, there is no doubt it is going to be a long and successful journey.
What made you first realise you wanted to pursue a career in music?
"I'm going to be honest, I don't really know. I'm a rational person - expect the worst and hope for something okay. So I get being a guy with a guitar who writes songs is totally irrational, naive and even stupid. But it sprung itself upon me and was a crutch when I was out of education and had to busk around London for money, and from then I thought: 'this is alright'."
If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry, what would it be?
"Boring, manufactured, box ticking 'musicians'."
What do you feel distinguishes “an artist” from just “a musician” ?
"I wouldn't say one is better than the other and being just "a musician" is a bad thing. I feel music and I live the songs that I write, I direct how I want myself to come across and I give every bit of myself when I perform. What does that make me?"
Who are your musical inspirations ?
"I'm into bands with raw, blunt and to the point lyrics. I was really into Paolo Nutini at one point but I find most of my inspiration from The Streets, Foals, Ben Howard and not forgetting Slaves, sick band."
If you weren't singing, what would you be doing?
"Well, I was going on to be a labourer but music took over, so probably something along those lines, or get a pointless BTEC in college..."
To conclude - John Parry is an 18-year-old acoustic singer-songwriter from east London, a singer-songwriter who began his musical career busking on the streets of London, and it’s important to note, as it-is worthwhile stating, John Parry was a winner of the ‘XLP Arts Showcase’, XLP being an organisation that works with young people using the performing arts and staging Arts Showcase events in London for the last 16 years, a showcase that allows young people to express the issues they are facing as well as unearthing some incredible hidden talent. Hence; John Parry, in the midst of all this technologically-driven creativity, and there being a surge towards performance, John Parry finds himself as an artist who resonates a lasting context more important, and more ever-present than ever, and understanding his background, appreciating his musical tenacity, his music eliciting a people connection, if we take the example of music being a motivator, reminding us that music can be used to effect change, Artist: John Parry , EP: Enough , Release Date: March 4th is a date Whispermaze anticipates with glee.