Who’s Up Next? - McKenna Parr

As this Houston-based singer-songwriter gears up to release her debut single “No Flowers” we sit down with her to discuss the inspiration behind her music, her favorite moments and what she has in store for us in 2023.

Joho: So McKenna, you’ve been making music for years. What has finally given you the push to finally release some of your art to the world?

McKenna: I’ve been talking about releasing music for years. I was on a creative roll in 2019-2020, but that came to a halt for about two years due to the relationship I was in. Then last year, I found myself at a fork in the road where I realized there had never really been any payoff from certain things I had poured huge amounts of time and resources into. These things left me empty, broken and confused. I just woke up one day and acknowledged the only One I could count on is God and the love He had given me for music. I knew it meant something. Even though I was in a terrible place mentally, physically and emotionally, the process of turning that anguish into art was something very healing and special. Those distractions became my muses, and the more I wrote, the less I could stop… It was like the floodgates opened and I thought “Now I have to get some of this stuff out to make room in my brain for all these new ideas!” 

Joho: I know faith is a very important component to McKenna the person. How important is it to keep your spirituality at the forefront of who you are, and what effect does this have on your artistry?
McKenna: The way I see it is like this. It’s a big enough challenge already (for me) to reflect Christ’s character by forgiving those that have hurt me, avoiding gossip, etc… but the content of my music and collaborations is something I can very easily control. When you’ve been changed by God, that transformation has to materialize at some point into something tangible. I don’t see why I would deliberately add something to the list of things that could potentially weaken the impact of my testimony to someone who doesn’t know God. One of my upcoming singles, “Justice,” is a song about forgiving someone who truly set out to hurt you and isn’t sorry – that’s not natural for humans. When I sing it in my head, it’s a reminder to myself to let go of all bitterness and/or ill-will toward people like that, because revenge isn’t our job. Those are the kinds of messages I want to spread, even though it’s not classified as “Christian” music.  

Joho: In your own words, how would you describe your sound?
McKenna: I’m in a stage where I’m playing with a few different things. While I grew up on country, classic/traditional pop and rock, what I actually enjoy listening to is alternative R&B, pop-punk, country rock and modern soft pop… The result of balancing what comes naturally from my childhood with what I enjoy has been interesting, in a good way! My writing consists of lots of “hot takes” and plays on words. This is something you see a lot in country and rap, so it’s been fun to take that lyrical style and combine it with more of a pop-rock/pop-r&b instrumental sound. It’s really important to me that I make music I actually enjoy listening to.

Joho: What can you tell us about your upcoming debut single?

McKenna: “No Flowers” is a product of the infamous “Covid Summer” – It’s a metaphor comparing receiving flowers to taking on all the obligations that come with a relationship. It was written from the perspective of someone who is just doing her best to juggle her responsibilities day to day, so she concludes it’s better to be alone than in a relationship that adds more to her plate. One might call it a “single girl anthem.” The song has been through a few different versions as we experimented with production, but I feel like we landed in a place that really complements the lyrics, and I can’t wait to release it!

Joho: We've gotten the chance to work together on music many times in the past. Is there any element of your artistry that has been hidden up to this point? How excited are you to showcase the different aspects of what you're capable of creatively?

McKenna: I’m definitely excited to see the reaction to my songs that are more rooted in R&B. Right now I think there’s this image of this little country girl singing break up songs at high school talent shows that I’m ready to graduate from. I’m also finding people have been surprised by how I articulate some pretty heavy subject matter… but I want my music to reflect real feelings, whether positive or negative, because at the end of the day most of us have experienced both ends of the spectrum. Sometimes I want to cry alone in my room, and other times I want to open the sun-roof, let my hair blow in the wind and get a sunburn cause it’s such a beautiful day. My goal is to make music for both scenarios. 

Joho: As a vocalist, you have had classical training. How has it been balancing the lessons and techniques you've been taught with finding your distinct sound that makes your songs special and unique?

McKenna: It’s been frustrating, liberating, awful and wonderful all at the same time. I was classically trained in both high school and college, but a year after I graduated, I saw an ad on Facebook for pop lessons. I just thought I was a light singer and my voice would never have any real power behind it like my favorite singers… but the truth was that, since so much choral and classical singing is done with a disconnected voice, I just hadn’t developed any kind of vocal mix. My lessons are ongoing and as I improve, I try to weave new capabilities into my songs. I still get discouraged from time to time when I’m working really hard in a lesson because the technique goes against 8 years of habit, and I’m still getting comfortable exercising new muscles. But, it has enabled me to better ensure my voice reflects the emotion behind my songs as much as possible. It’s freeing to be able to use a variety of vocal styles.

Joho: Can you describe the feeling you get when you perform your original songs to a new audience?

McKenna: Easily - pure terror. I know I’m not alone in my struggles with performance anxiety, but it really does take a lot to trust a room full of strangers with the most personal things I’ve been through. There’s so much less pressure when I’m performing someone else’s song, but when it’s my idea, I know that my performance is setting the standard for what the song is supposed to be, and if I don’t do justice to my own art, then it’s like, “why am I here?” But as writers and performers, we do it because we deeply believe in the art behind closed doors, and that the world is better off with it, than without it. Lord knows for me it’s not about followers, money (ha) or anything else. It’s about relating. And once you play that original song for the first time in front of an audience that is receptive and engaging, there’s nothing like it… so you go back for more. 

 Joho: In a lot of the songs you've shown me, you sing about relationships, resilience and strength. It seems like you've been pulling from some personal experiences. Can you elaborate more on how these songs came to be? What messages do you hope to convey to the people who may find solace or inspiration through your work?

McKenna: It really depends on the song. Some are lighter, upbeat, reminiscent and even flirty, then there are others that I truly needed to write in order to process heartbreak. By 26 I had been through the unexpected death of a parent, a tragically brief marriage that ended in divorce, and the demise of one of my closest and most treasured friendships. While each of these instances brought a great deal of confusion, pain and trust issues, I can also attribute a lot of my music to them. I really try to weave into my lyrics the contrast of what I would do differently if I went through the same thing over again, because hindsight is 20/20. My sincerest hope is that someone who comes across one of my songs about loss, abuse, betrayal or grief takes away the lesson I gained from it, too. 

Joho: Are there any specific venues you dream of playing at? Or any artists you hope to collaborate with?
McKenna: It’s hard to think past local venues right now since I’m just getting started… I love the intimate stages upstairs at White Oak and at Warehouse Live in Houston, but House of Blues will probably always be my favorite. A handful of people that really, really love the music is all I want. As far as collaborations, I LOVE working on projects with my friends who also make music. I don’t want to say who just yet, because some of them will definitely be making appearances on upcoming projects. 

Joho: Do you see yourself remaining a solo act, or will we see a full band supporting you at any point?

McKenna: I would love love love a band for so many reasons. There’s so much more life in the music when a team is working together to accomplish a goal together and can support each other as they bring the necessary energy. That’s the dream!

Joho: What’s next for McKenna Parr? Any upcoming shows or releases we should be looking out for?

McKenna: I’m playing some original songs at Trilogy Brew next month in Spring, and shortly after that, my first single will be out! I’m already working on the next few singles, as well. It’s going to be a great year. 

Joho: Can we find your music on all streaming platforms? Where else can we stay updated on news about McKenna Parr?

McKenna: You will be able to stream my new stuff on all music platforms. To stay up to date on the latest news about releases and shows, follow @mckennaparr on Instagram and @mckennaparrmusic on TikTok!