When did you decide that a career in music was for you?

I can't honestly remember a time before that decision, if it were ever made to begin with. It might sound odd but I just always knew without thinking. Sort of like you don't think about blinking or breathing you just do it. I have my parents to thank for it. They instilled my love of music in me since I was a little kid.

 

Who are your musical inspirations and why?

They vary and change over time. I'll always have those classic idols like Prince and Elvis. I find myself lately more so inspired by songs in themselves and not so much digging through an artist's discography. My playlists as of this moment are a schmorgesborg. My musical inspirations lately stem from shuffling through random playlists and mixes until something really captivates me. Then I'll play that one song over and over again for two weeks straight until the cycle repeats and I find another one.  

 

Can you tell me 3 things about yourself that people might not already know?

I'm a bookworm, an avid anime geek and I can't read music. 

 

What song of yours best describes you and why?

I guess "JAKKY BOY!" for the most part. It's a tongue in cheek tune that gets very specific about my anxiety, phobias, obsessions and heart.

 

What has been the best gig you have done to date and why?

So far, I've had only one performance as PARRIS MITCHELL. It was a sold out show at Berlin Under A in NYC and it was a blast. 

 

If you could perform a gig at any venue where would it be and why?

I'd love to play Irving Plaza. I grew up seeing shows there (and still do). It's one of my favorite venues and it would be a dream come true performing on that stage to a big crowd. 

 

What has been your best achievement to date and what would you like to achieve in the future?

I think the body of work as a whole is my greatest achievement so far. There was a point in time where I didn't believe having a solo career was possible or probable. Reflecting on where I started which was from a place that lacked confidence to where I am now brings me great solace. 

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What do you like best about being a musician and why?

I like that it's like speaking every language. Music reaches anyone and everyone. It has no limits or walls to who it can reach, when and how. I love that sense of connection and unlimited vulnerability. It's incredibly intimate and beautiful. I saw a video recently of a man playing a piano in the middle of an airport and people coming and going stopping in their tracks to watch and enjoy for however long they can. I thought how amazing that was. They stopped. What else can pull people out of their ego and self serving schedule like that? To just stop everything and take it in? I can't think of anything besides music that has that type of power. 

 

If you were not in the job you are now what would you be doing?

Making pizza? I don't know, honestly. 

 

What has been the best gig you have been too as a fan and can you tell us about it?

This sounds terrible but I actually don't see many live shows. I go check out friends gigs mostly but I don't really attend concerts. They're so expensive these days it's insane. Not to mention when I go I feel like I can't fully enjoy the show because I'm thinking critically on what they might be doing band wise, light wise, structure wise that I might be able to achieve and use for my own show. 

 

What would your ideal festival line up be and why?

I think any year of my Spotify Wrapped would be my ideal lineup. It would be a very long festival but I think it would be worth it.

 

What would you say is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Don't find the answers, lose the questions. 

 

What things make you happy and what things annoy you?

Happy: A fresh empanada, sleeping during a snowstorm, dogs. 

Annoy: Slow walkers, no parking, brokers fees (can you tell I'm from NY?)

 

What things do you like to do when you are away from music?

I love to play video games. Probably my biggest stress reliever next to music. It's what inspired me for the new album The Mixed Emotions Arcade. Trying to combine the two things I enjoy most. 

 

Do you think social media and the internet are a good thing in the music industry?

Yes and no. It's good for those who hit the lottery, and that's what it is, a lottery. It's great when someone's Tiktok video goes viral and throws them into a trajectory of a career path but the flipside is you now have musicians putting content creation at the forefront of their artistry. Consistently worrying and thinking on what to post next and how it can go viral etc. There's no winning formula. I've seen amazing artists on Tiktok with little following and I've always seen complete tragedies of songs take off because it was a trending sound to use. It's rough. Back then the art could speak for itself. Now? It's engagement rates and follower acquisition. 

 

How important do you think your look and image is when it comes to being in the music industry?

I think it's important but it's also another avenue of expression. It doesn't have to be anything you do or do not want it to be. 

 

Can you tell us about any tattoos you have and the significance of them to you?

I have 4 on my left arm that I designed myself. I'd rather not get into them because they are personal but I will say I think I'll get one more and then be done with it.

 

If you run the country for a day what would you change about it and why?

Every Wednesday is free soft pretzel day. 

 

What would your ideal day consist of?

Sleeping in, write music, play video games, have a great meal, make love, go out with friends, bed by 10:30. 

 

If you could say one thing to your fans what would it be and why?

Give yourself the grace and love that you give others. 

 

How would you answer the question Who is Parris Mitchell and what are the differences between you as a music artist and you away from music ?

I like to think the musical artist in me is my self reflection tuned to 11. It's where I can express my deepest emotions to their fullest. While outside away from music, I'm a bit more timid and quiet.

 

What was the first record or song you purchased and why?

I can't remember, honestly. It was probably a CD of NSYNC's first record or Fleetwood Mac's Rumors record. 

 

What would say to someone thinking about becoming a musician and getting into the music industry?

It's cliche but you have to eat, sleep and breathe it. Be prepared for A LOT of failure but with that also comes A LOT of growth, both as a musician and as a person. There is also no rush, there is no finish line present to sprint towards. So take your time and know your worth. 

 

If you could collaborate with any other band/singer or musician who would you choose and why?

The band Marianas Trench. One of my all time favorites. I'd love to collaborate with them. Their arrangements and harmonies are top tier. 

 

If you could have written one song from history which would it have been and why?

Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5. I feel like I continually accidently write some variant of it from time to time. 

 

What things make you uncomfortable?

Public speaking, mostly. Any form of it. I'm a bit awkward. Unless of course it's performing. 

 

If you wrote a book about yourself what would it have in it?

I think I would make it over the top and completely fabricated, just to entertain myself mainly. 

 

What has the rest of the year got in store for you?

My first full length album "The Mixed Emotions Arcade" dropping sometime in the summer. Hopefully a tour that follows it. Follow me on instagram @parrismitchellmusic! That's where I am most active and you can see what I have coming up!