Meet Parker Horsch | Musician & Artist

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

Hi Parker, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For me, pursuing an artistic or creative career was the only path that authentically felt like me. It is more of a calling than a choice. Every time that I have leaned in the opposite direction towards something that is more stable or makes more money, but lacks my authentic creativity, it is only a matter of time before it catches up to me in my health, my relationships, and my overall wellbeing. This path is a dedication to myself, to answering the call, and trusting in the unknown.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is always evolving and changing, just as I am, but currently I am sharing my music in a few ways. My solo offerings currently involve Sound Journey events where I am using a number of different instruments to guide the listeners through a meditative, sonic, exploration of self. I am very passionate about plants as well, so I have been exploring the pairing of different herbs along with my sound journeys. I also occasionally book solo handpan concerts.

I also teach handpan and drum lessons. This allows me to help other people discover their inner sense of rhythm and creativity and is a beautiful exchange of inspiration for myself and the student.

I also offer studio session services as a percussionist. This gives me the opportunity to help other artists bring their visions into reality and support one another. It is so much fun being able to drop into a working project and lay down some drum tracks!

Outside of my solo work, I have been doing some touring with Settle Into Stillness. This is a Sound Journey Super Group (if you ask me!). This group brings together a very diverse soundscape and offers the listener a sonic journey unlike any other. Handpans, gongs, harp, world percussion, crystal singing bowls, etc. It has been an extremely rewarding project to be a part of.

I have also written, recorded, and performed with the Colorado based duo, LVDY. This group has been so much fun and has allowed me the opportunity to bring world percussion instruments into a folky, singer/songwriter setting.

Getting to where I am today has been anything but easy. I still am not “there” and certainly haven’t “made it” by any means, but I wouldn’t change the journey for anything. There have been a lot of doors closed in my face on this path, and while it can be discouraging, it has also been a consistent reminder to continue to show up for myself and to trust the process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It would depend on the friend, but I am a big nature lover, so if it was up to me I would be sure to hit the mountains and take them camping somewhere. I am also huge on live music, so if there was a solid group coming through town I would be sure to take them to Red Rocks or to Mishawaka for an outdoor show. I love food too, and cooking is a love language for me, so I would be sure to cook for them for a few nights and then based on their preference, take them to a solid restaurant. For me it’s about the little things, so the yummy morning coffees, or the ice cream stops really make a casual day that much more meaningful and memorable.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many people along my path that deserve recognition. Firstly, my recognition goes to my immediate family. My parents and my younger brother have been in my corner since I set my sights on music. No matter how many failures, shortcomings, or hiccups, they never tried to steer me from this path. They always reminded me that there was another way through and that the door closing in that moment wasn’t the only door.

Secondly, my partner Cecily deserves a huge shoutout. She is the most supportive, inspirational, and adventurous person I’ve ever known. In those moments of total uncertainty, fear, and doubt, they have been there to remind me that I have all that I need within me. Cec has held my hand through some of the lowest lows, biggest accomplishments, and greatest adventures. I am so grateful for such a supportive love.

Lastly, my circle of friends deserve all of the recognition. There are far too many to name here, but childhood friends that encouraged my discovery of self through music, the handpan community that has so warmly welcomed me over the last 8 years; especially my friends Jeremy and Chrystalina. Jeremy has been such a huge supporter in my musical path. I have had the honor of touring with him as well as recording my first album at his studio. Chrystalina has been such a big supporter of my musical and spiritual path. She has introduced me to so many incredible people and has become one of my best friends

Website: www.parkerhorschmusic.com

Instagram: @parkerhorschmusic

Other: My album ‘All In Time’ by Parker Horsch is available on all major streaming services. Bandcamp is the best option for supporting the artist, but all of the sharing, streaming, and support helps tremendously.

Image Credits
Preston Slaughter @pcs.photo