How stoked do you think I was to discover there is a country metal band out there, let alone one that sounds good! Meet Cody Parks (of Cody Parks and the Dirty South), a true rock meets country pioneer. What a sham this blog would be if I didn’t get to interview someone else in the world that openly listens to Alan Jackson AND Ratt. Here is my interview with Cody Parks, lead singer of a band that states “We’re kinda like Def Leppard on cornbread”.
What’s your favorite kind of sandwich?
Reuben
Lyrics to live by?
“Can’t be king of the world if you’re slave to the grind.” – Slave to the Grind, Skid Row
“Desert Island” album?
That’s tough.
Dr. Feelgood…and for or the record, Hysteria and No More Tears are after that in no particular order.
What country music artists do you listen to the most? Which are the
most influential on your sound?
I probably listen to Alan Jackson the most. He is also my favorite songwriter. When I was in college, I listened to Justin Moore religiously. I also love Bocephus and DAC. I’d say all of those have had some sort of influence on the country side of my artistry in some way.
What rock artists do you listen to the most? Which are the most
influential on your sound?
Ratt, Motley, Def Leppard, Ozzy, Skynyrd, Alice In Chains, Judas Priest, Pantera, KISS, Warrant, Van Halen, Whitesnake, plus a whole lot more. I feel like you can hear influences from all of these bands in our music/live show.
How do you see country music evolving within 10 years?
Who knows. I have no idea and I don’t think anyone else does haha. One thing I do know is…everytime I’ve heard some sort of prediction on how our genre is going to evolve, it has almost always turned out to be wrong. There are sooooo many people in this town chasing trends, trying to replicate whichever artist has had the most recent success. The ones who survive show up everyday, busting their ass writing/recording GREAT songs, while being good people and staying true to themselves as an artist. Now, whatever that sounds like in 10 years, who knows…but I’ll bet the farm on whoever is at the top of the game in 10 years will possess those qualities. Authenticity, work ethic, and undeniable songs.
Where do you see your musical career in 5 years?
Flourishing, duh! Haha. Like any artist in this business, I want to be a household name in Country Music. I really just want to write and record great songs, and to be able to make a living off of doing that, sharing our brand of country with as many people as possible.
Are there any instruments you don’t play but wish you did? Why?
Piano and steel guitar. Harmonica would be cool too. I might be a better singer from a melody, harmony, and scale standpoint if I had grown up playing piano and guitar. I grew up playing drums. That is what I am most skilled at. I had product endorsements with drum/percussion companies at a very young age. I’ve always wanted to be a frontman though. Thanks, Paul Stanley.
What was the best advice you have received?
There’s been a lot. Here is some….
1) Song is king.
2) Be a good hang. Go out as much as possible. You never know what will happen.
3) Be a good person. Don’t screw folks over and don’t talk shit/complain if things are not going your way.
4) You’re not ready.
5) Stay true to yourself.
What advice would you give to yourself at the start of your musical career?
All of the above…and to not be afraid. And maybe don’t take things too personal.
Where does most of your inspiration come from?
I guess just the desire to make great music, and to be the best that I can be at everything I do.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement in your career so far?
I’d say finally releasing music that has “the sound” that I have always had in my head for years. Luckily, I have Clint and Tate Richardson slangin’ arrows with me. They’re my Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde. Our producer Johnny Palmieri is partially to blame as well. He’s a whiz.
What’s on the horizon for you that you would like to share?
More music, more videos, more shows, more everything that’s unapologetically country metal.
Meet Country 