We had the good fortune of connecting with Donny Parks and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Donny, how does your business help the community?
I am a musician and music is the one thing in the world that everyone needs and interacts with everyday in their life! There is not one person out there that doesn’t enjoy music or the art of creating music. Its this factor right there that is extremely important to me. The power of music can impact how a person’s day goes, what mood they are in and even how they see themselves. So as an artist, my job is to not only make music that is enjoyable to all my fans and listeners; but also it is to be able to allow themselves a moment in which they can reflect on their own life and know that they are not alone. I want people to hear my music and understand the pain and feelings and situations that I go through and see that it is the same for them. We share emotions and moments and I just want my community to know that they are not alone. They have my support, love and care and I want them to see that they can make through anything just like me. Every single day!
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.
I really look at art as a medium. It’s a true space in which you can create worlds, universes and emotions in a way that listeners can dissect and digest it in a multitude of ways! I truly keep this in the back of my mind when I create my music or content. I am not trying to fit in what is popular or what the “mainstream” sound is. My goal is to tell a story and connect with my listeners. I focus on energy and vibes. I want it so that I can fit whatever vibe that a person can experience. From heart break to hype me ups to car rides to studying to singing in the shower! I feel like that is what makes me different and truly sets me apart! When you listen to Donny Parks…you are really hearing and learning me and my sound is not something to “blow up” or to “fit in”! Its real thoughts and emotions aka REAL MUSIC.
I feel like this mindset is what has gotten me to where I am at today. I am doing shows throughout the East Coast of the United States. I have a fan base that is all throughout the country and even international! I have been able to model and do photoshoots for multiple companies and perform for huge groups such as the Girl Scouts of America! It is still an up and coming process but from where I stated 4 years ago to where I am at now, it has been nothing but pure improvement and growth! It has not been the easiest ride because of the fact that my sound, style and direction is different so, for me; my journey has been A LOT of hardworking, consistency, and outworking the artist next to me. I literally live in the studio and I am always making videos or songs or content in order to create this world that I am building with my brand/art and I have learned that this is how you properly become successful. It is not about the money or the numbers…it is about the integrity and identity you create! How you are is how you will be and what energy you put into this world is what you will get out of it!
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?
Ooooh if I had one of my homies coming into town there would be a few things and places I would take them to! See, Charlotte is an interesting place because it is a big city but its not a big city if you know what I mean. We are not like Atlanta size but we are not a small place so there is plenty to do here! First thing I would do is try to take them to a sporting event here! There is nothing like the atmosphere of a Hornets or a Panthers game! Then I would take them to either South End or Uptown for a few drinks or a night out in the town! Places like Encore, Hive, Tequila House, Slate’s, Ed’s Tavern, Ink & Ivory, or wherever else I can get in! There are some food spots that I love in the city too but I won’t disclose all my secret hideouts, still need to keep my date nights surprising lol but yeah downtown and NODA for my fellow foodies! I love sushi so Rock and Roll Sushi is an amazing spot. I also like a place called Futa Buta, Chima, Cajun Queen (and Cajun Yard Dog), Maggiano’s are a few of my go to spots. However, a majority of the time we will be in the studio. Whether it is the one that I have built in my house or Pro’s or somewhere else…we working! But ill make sure that my visitors will have a blast when they come see me in the Queen City!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Major shoutout to God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Without him nothing is possible! Big love to my rents: Momma Dukes aka Sliver Fox and my pops (the coach, teacher, and motivator of the century) Also, shoutout to my brother and producer who has been my partner and true friend and coach for this journey: Prolific and Prolific Productions! All the artist who have pushed me along the way like Giovanni Music, J-Milla, The Social Contract, Israel Gore, P6, AG and so many more! And to my homie that has believed in me since Day 1 and the man who told me to stick with it no matter the obstacles: Khamari Alexander!
Website: https://songwhip.com/donnyparks/the-blame-falls-on-me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donny__parks/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/donny__parks
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZWBEguL-gmoKjfEipc8SoA
Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ooEdrJAqe5t9gJZkyRpHJ https://music.apple.com/us/artist/donny-parks/1535685644
Image Credits
Alex Casteel Tego Blue