Aretha Franklin Sang Her Way Through America’s History. Her Passing Is the End of an Era — TIME

When Aretha Franklin sang, out poured the sun and the moon: Her voice was optimism shaded with occasional sorrow, joy tempered by the understanding that nothing in life can be perfect, but above all it was a sound that both absorbed and radiated light. To hear it is to feel bathed in that light. Franklin…

via Aretha Franklin Sang Her Way Through America’s History. Her Passing Is the End of an Era — TIME

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Remembering Benjamin Epega

Time’s Up, USC Annenberg Launch Database of Underrepresented Journalists, Critics — Variety

Time’s Up and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative on Wednesday said it would be launching a database containing the names of entertainment journalists and critics from underrepresented groups following a recent study that found a lack of racial and gender diversity among film reviewers. The study, published by USC researcher Stacy L. Smith, found that…

via Time’s Up, USC Annenberg Launch Database of Underrepresented Journalists, Critics — Variety

The Unique Sound of Parker Polhill

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Born and raised in Atlanta, Parker is beginning to make his mark with his beautiful falsetto vocals combined with music videos which have helped him break through the crowded musical landscape with a unique soulful style of his own.

He has organically received an overwhelming international response, which led to a headlining national tour and over 10 million YouTube views. You can watch the official video for his recent single “Wasted”  here: https://youtu.be/U1J_qzr0Id8. Within Parker’s extremely busy schedule, we got the chance to have a chat and catch up.

Who is Parker, tell me a bit about yourself and where your passion for music started from?

I’m a 22-year-old kid from the ‘Nawf’ side of Atlanta, Georgia. My passion for music began when I was eight years old when my uncle (Uncle Ash) introduced me to creating music. He was in a band and had a small recording set up in his basement so I would go over to his house as much as I could to write songs with him. I loved it! I got away from music when high school started because all of my time went into sports. I actually went to college and played football for a year. After my first year of college football, I was looking to transfer to play somewhere else and before I made it to another school, my Uncle Ash had a heart attack and died at the young age of 53. I didn’t take the news very well. In my pain, I started playing the piano again. Just like that, my love for creating music was back. That’s when I decided I wanted a career in music. Now, three years later, I am about to release my first project and I couldn’t be more excited about it! Uncle Ash would be proud.

Describe your music style.

My music is mainstream pop with some R&B and EDM influences.  The acoustic guitar and piano are go-to’s when it comes to instrumentation in pretty much all of my songs.

Where do you get your inspiration from and who are your favourite artists?

This is one of those questions I get on a regular basis that is IMPOSSIBLE to answer!  I listen to so many different types of music, I couldn’t tell you my one favorite. I listen to everything from Drake to Brett Young to Michael Bublé to Justin Timberlake.  Depending on my mood, the music I listen to is all over the place. When it comes to where I get my inspiration for my music, it’s from my own life. In my opinion, the best music out there is the music that’s made when artists/writers are brutally honest with themselves. When I write, I write about things I believe and that I’m going through. If you’re honest, listeners can feel that energy.

How do you relax and what do you do in your spare time?

Music! I make/listen to music about 90% of the time. Outside of music, I love everything involving sports.  I can watch or play any of them and I have a great time doing it. I recently began training for an IronMan Triathlon, which is exciting. I have a Half IronMan Triathlon at the end of October this year. I’m just doing that one to train for the full IronMan though. My goal is to finish a full IronMan Triathlon before releasing my debut album. So I’m looking at dates in January and February to accomplish that goal!

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You are seen as a young role model for many, what advice would you give to the young generation that also would like to start off in the music industry?

Be patient and fall in love with the process. The journey is what you will remember and be talking about for the rest of your life. On your off day, remember the harder the journey, the better it will feel when you succeed.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on my first album!  I recently finished working on my debut EP that will be coming out mid-July of this year! I couldn’t be any happier with the music I am making right now. It is a very intentional planned-out piece of work that I’m excited to share with the world.

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What are your plans for the future and what more can we expect from Parker Polhill?

You can expect more music! This EP is just the beginning. My album is going to make a wave in the music world and will be coming out in 2019!

Article by Fykaa Caan

Lifestyle and Current Affairs Editor.