Christian Parker releases his second tribute album to The Byrds. Christian Parker, a seasoned musician and storyteller based in upstate New York, latest musical endeavor, Change Is Now: A Tribute To The Byrds. This album pays homage to the iconic country-rock band with Parker’s unique interpretation of their timeless classics. Parker has carved out a niche as a perceptive observer of the world, with six studio albums, capturing its intricacies with each heartfelt lyric and poignant melody. His music not only pays homage to the legends before him but also resonates with a contemporary audience eager for stories that illuminate the human experience. As he continues to evolve artistically, Christian Parker remains a beacon of creativity and authenticity in today’s vibrant musical landscape.
Change Is Now: A Tribute To The Byrds features tracks like She Don’t Care About Time and Turn! Turn! Turn!, Parker delves into the essence of the Byrds’ sound while infusing his own artistic flair. Christian says, “The Byrds have always been a profound influence on my music. Their blend of folk, rock, and country elements, coupled with Roger McGuinn’s distinctive 12-string guitar, resonated deeply with me from the start. This album is my way of honoring their legacy and exploring how their music continues to inspire artists like myself.”
Christian delves into the process behind his new album, offering a glimpse into the dedication and craftsmanship that defines his music. Parker, a talented artist with a home recording studio, shares the intricacies of his creative workflow, from late-night recording sessions to collaborations with renowned session musicians. His latest project is a testament to his commitment to quality and authenticity, blending his personal touch with professional expertise.
Christian shares, “After this, I have to record tonight because I have to go to the studio in Syracuse tomorrow. The work’s gotta be put in so that I’m ready to go. If I go there empty-handed, it’s not good. I have my own studio in my house, so I prefer recording there.”
She Don’t Care About Time– Christian Parker She Don’t Care About Time, is, in my opinion, one of Gene Clark’s finest compositions—a gem that deserves more recognition,” says Christian. “It captures the essence of the Byrds’ sound with its jangly guitars and timeless melody. Todd Staudinger’s harmonies and Gary Jacob’s guitar solo added layers of depth that truly brought the song to life in a new way.”
It’s a detailed process, but Christian loves every part of it. He has high-end pro audio equipment, allowing him to do almost everything they can do in a professional studio. It makes a big difference in how the final product turns out.”Usually, I start the tracks in my studio. We go to a click track, and once I get that set up in the DAW, I lay down a guitar track. Sometimes I start with acoustic, sometimes electric, depending on the song,” says Christian. “Then I’ll put a vocal down and build from there.”
The process? Christian has it dialed in. He can produce at a more rapid pace and focus on sections of songs at a time.
“I’ve been using a guy out of Nashville, Michael Ryan. He’s a session player who’s worked with Emmylou Harris and many others. I send him the session, and he sends back stems of the bass tracks, usually two takes to choose from. One might be more energetic, the other more reserved, depending on what’s better for the song.”
“Drums are done in Syracuse in a controlled environment for the best sound. I don’t have drums at my studio, so a professional engineer handles that. Once we have the drums, we start mixing everything. If I need pedal steel, I’ll send off a two-track mix to the player, or I’ll take him to the studio myself.”
“For this last record, Todd Stoddinger sang the majority of it. He lives in Florida now, but we used to play together a long time ago. We always loved our blend, our sound together, especially with influences like The Byrds and The Beatles. We’re kind of a studio band, you know?,” Christian says a bit jokingly. “It’s incredible how much easier the process is now compared to the past. We couldn’t do anything back then. My brother and I were joking the other night about how we used to worry about having enough tape. It was like real estate—you had to get the take right because you didn’t want to keep going back. Now, it’s all digital, and we have plenty of space. We could be here for weeks with the amount of storage we have.”
Then Christian retrieves the pieces and eventually there’s a song that’s completed.
Then an album. Like the new release which is one of may tributes to The Byrd’s that Christian has performed and produced.
Christian Parker embodies the essence of a modern troubadour, weaving tales of life and love through his soulful music. Based in the tranquil landscapes of upstate New York, Parker’s musical journey began with a humble guitar lesson taken amidst the echoes of John Lennon’s passing—an unexpected start that foreshadowed his resilient spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft. Since then, he has honed his skills as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, drawing inspiration from diverse influences ranging from Bob Dylan to the groundbreaking sounds of the Byrds.
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