Heather Parrish, singer & songwriter from Kentucky, is having an adventurous year. She’s getting ready to track her first EP with N.P. Presley & The Ghost of Jesse Garon. And, we’ve recruited her to be Grace on our next album (G2) which begins tracking in Nashville in November. So that’s it. We just happened to discover another great Kentucky singer (Lauren is originally from Kentucky) or she happened to discover us.
Well, not quite.
The story of Null Paradox and Heather goes back a bit over a year to a meeting recommended by Ron Manley, owner of Nitrosonic Studio, in Lexington, Kentucky. For reasons that would cause anyone to question Heather’s judgement, she and Tom Libertiny happen to share the same sense of humor. And love for writing and performing music. A short time later they worked together on 3 songs. And now those songs and Heather’s powerful yet nuanced voice will be part of our next album.
As we’re in the pre-production stage of our next album, we asked Heather a few questions. Here’s what she said~
Question~ When did you know you wanted to be a singer?
Heather~
I’ve been singing since I was a child. I don’t think there was ever a single moment when I just knew. Music has always been in my spirit… and it was inevitable that I was meant to sing (or at the very least… talk loudly and a lot) from the moment I made a sound.
Question~ Who are your biggest music influences?
Heather~
This list is a long one and I honestly have no idea where to begin. I’ll just start typing and add more later. Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Freddy Mercury, Jewel, Patty Griffin, Amanda Palmer, Mariah Carey, Heart, Paula Cole, Susan Tedeski, Beth Hart, Linda Eder, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, Imelda May, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Seal, Ella Fitzgerald, The Ink Spots, Neko Case, Puppini Sisters, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Imogen Heap, Sia, Adele, Laura Marling, Diana Krall, Brandi Carlile, Glen Hansard, James Taylor, Melody Gardot, Nick Drake, Antony & The Johnsons, PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty, Shirley Bassey, Kris Kristofferson, Janis Joplin, Bette Midler, India Arie, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, Norah Jones…
Question~ What was the biggest event that you’ve performed at to date?
Heather~
The biggest that I can recall is having the honor of singing The National Anthem for the Mayor of Lexington’s (Kentucky) Inauguration. Next would be Lexington Shakespeare in the Park playing the role of Mary Magdalene to over 2,000 + people each night if I remember correctly. I have also performed for larger shows such as UK’s Grand Night for Singing, The Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, and 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games.
Question~ The overarching story of Null Paradox is about choice. What challenging decision have you made and why?
Heather~
I once had to make a decision whether to audition for a role on Broadway. Sounds like an easy choice but it wasn’t. I knew that if I had been successful and got the role… it would have meant that I’d have to move my young son and I away from family and friends. I made the choice to audition because I imagined what my son would say someday when he is older, “What do you mean Mom? You had a chance to make it on Broadway and you didn’t try because we would have to move away. Oh Mom… I wish you had done it. We would’ve been ok!” …and so I did it. And I did well. And in the end… they canceled the show. But I’ll always know I gave it a shot… faced my fears of change… and maybe I’ll go for it again without so much fear.
Question~ What’s your most magical book moment?
Heather~
It would have to be a tossup between reading Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now or my dear friend Anthony Martignetti’s books Lunatic Heroes & Beloved Demons… Amanda Palmer’s The Art of Asking or Neil Gaiman’s book The Ocean at the End of the Lane… Orrrr. A Gift From the Sea… orrrrr… David Edding’s Fantasy Novels… orrrr… this book about Sushi.
Question~ What’s your favorite live musical or play performance?
Heather~
That would have to be the last one I saw on Broadway… Kinky Boots!!
Question~ What is your favorite quote of life?
Heather~
“Don’t be discouraged by your incapacity to dispel darkness from the world. Light your candle and step forward.” ~ Amma – The Hugging Saint.