The Rockpit is honoured to premiere the brand new video release from Parker Barrow. ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ was originally the title track from their debut EP, released four years ago.
Drummer Dylan Turner says, “Don’t Tell Mama was the title track of our first EP back in 2020. At the time we wrote and recorded those songs we felt it was the one that best represented us in our efforts of trying to find “the sound”. Since then we’ve lived a lot and learned a lot and with that our music has changed and continues to change. We felt this was a good time to go back and revisit something old prior to unveiling something new. It feels like a perfect end to one chapter as well as a good beginning for the next!”
Vocalist Megan Kane added, “It wasn’t until our producer, Stephen McKnight, brought it up to us after seeing us play the old version live that we thought to recut it. He had some ideas so we re-wrote the song and recorded it. For us it’s given the song new life and made it fun to play and perform again. It’s fresh with a new energy and we’re excited for people to hear it.”
‘Don’t Tell Mama’ will hit digital music outlets worldwide on October 17th.
About Parker Barrow
Taking their name from the infamous outlaw duo of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, Parker Barrow is a powerhouse, blues-infused Southern rock ‘n’ roll band led by vocalist Megan Kane and her husband and drummer Dylan Turner. When a chance meeting brought them together in 2019, the pair immediately hit it off and within the span of two weeks formed an acoustic duo and hit the road full time – where they have lived ever since. In 2023 Parker Barrow expanded into a full band, with the current line-up also including musical director and guitar player Alex Bender.
The band’s vintage sound contains elements of rock, blues, soul, and country music, but Parker Barrow’s brand of music is unmistakably and distinctively their own. Kane was raised on old-school country including Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, while Turner grew up listening to classic rock bands like the Allman Brothers and the Rolling Stones alongside more contemporary blues-rockers like the Black Crowes and Tedeschi-Trucks Band.
Parker Barrow’s debut album ‘Jukebox Gypsies’ was written by Turner and Kane, and released in August 2023 to rave reviews. The record is a collection of songs that tells the couple’s story over the last four years; from their first encounter to living out of an RV while touring and everything in between. The record touches on the highs and lows of life on the road, with each song reflecting their feelings and emotions during these times and how they managed to discover a harmonious balance amid the chaos. ‘Count Your Dollars’ was the first single and video to be released from the album, with follow up track ‘Back To Birmingham’ racking up over 1.1 million views of the official music video on YouTube.
When talking about song writing and the inspiration behind the tracks, Turner explains: “Megan and I both draw inspiration from many different places, but one that we both draw from is each other. We grew up in different places and experienced life in very different ways, but that has allowed each of us to see the other side of the coin.”
Kane adds, “While the songs were written from a place of passion, part of the beauty of music, and something that attracts both of us to it, is the fact that songs are oftentimes subjective and can mean anything to anyone at any time.”
“And one of the best parts of releasing this album has been getting to hear that people are connecting with our music and hearing them talk about our band the way we talk about some of our favourite bands,” enthused Turner. Parker Barrow have become well known for their electrifying full-throttle live shows; performances that feature high energy jams infused with rock ‘n’ roll, blues, soul and even a dash of classic country. The band is powered by the immense groove of Turner’s drumming at the foundation and Kane’s soulful and electrifying vocals soaring up over the top, allowing Parker Barrow guitarist Alex Bender to weave his dynamic and spirited playing throughout the songs. For live shows, an additional guitar player and bassist join the band, and it’s not uncommon to catch an extended Parker Barrow line-up complete with keyboards and backing vocalists. Since Turner and Kane started performing together in 2019, they and the eventual band have played over 600 shows together. The end result is Parker Barrow being a well-oiled machine on stage with an infectious energy and captivating presence.
Turner and Kane are bound by a shared vision, genuine passion, and a love for life on the road; and they eagerly anticipate continuing to create and perform together in this next chapter of their life with Parker Barrow. Whether playing an intimate acoustic set or an electrifying full-band show, it’s clear that the couple is precisely where they want to be – and should be. “Something about this all just feels right,” Turner shares. “We believed from the beginning that we had something special with Parker Barrow.”
What they’re saying about Parker Barrow:
“Parker Barrow absolutely swings for the fences on their 10-track debut album Jukebox Gypsies… this much-anticipated record over-delivers on all levels and should do much to jump Parker Barrow up to the highest realms of the roots rock scene. The band combines power-hungry beats, nail-tough guitars, all-pro vocals, and an impossible-to ignore emotional fire into new rock music that comes across as genuine and true.” – Rock & Blues Muse
“If you love 70s infused Southern Rock with a smattering of alternative country – then check out Parker Barrow. They really could have the world at their feet with this release. Top three Album of the Year for me right here!” – The Rockpit
“Top 20 Album of the Year!” – The Hook Rocks Podcast
“Top 20 Album of 2023 – with Jukebox Gypsies Parker Barrow puts forth an enjoyable and memorable debut.” – Blues Rock Review
“Top 20 Album of the Year!” – All Things Blues and Southern Rock Podcast
With thanks to Parker Barrow & to Wanted Management for the release.
