Daily Inspiration: Meet Parker Hastings

Today we’d like to introduce you to Parker Hastings. 

Hi Parker, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Parker Hastings. I am 21 years old and I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I’m from Central Kentucky where there is a deep heritage of country, folk, and bluegrass music. Although no one in my family plays guitar, it was always something I wanted to do. I started playing guitar at age 6, but I didn’t always play fingerstyle – I went to my first Tommy Emmanuel concert when I was 8 and my life changed forever. I had never seen or heard anyone get those types of sounds out of a guitar and I knew that was the style of music I wanted to play. 

I met a man named Adrian Hughes, a long-time thumb picker originally from Eastern Kentucky who introduced me to the songs of Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, and Jerry Reed. He was very gracious in passing those songs down to me, helping launch my own path with an influence of that music. Since that time, I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of great teachers and mentors along the way that have given me an unquenchable thirst for great melodies, and helping me shape my own sound. I continue to work on expanding my repertoire with old songs that are new to me, as well as honing into my craft of songwriting both lyrically and musically. 

I’m all set to graduate from Belmont University in May of this year and look forward to diving right into the music industry, as I have been doing ever since I was a young guy, but full force now. I have learned so much in my time at Belmont and have gained lots of connections, as well as many helpful tools to use on my musical journey in this business. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve been very fortunate in my journey thus far, as when I was younger, I was playing gigs left and right, as they were coming right my way. I learned in that time that the phone is not always going to ring, or emails aren’t always going to flood the inbox, so have taken it upon myself to make that happen. I still work every day to make new connections, seek new opportunities to play, and do my best to continue learning and improving my skills as a musician. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most known for my fingerstyle guitar playing on acoustic guitar, but also known for combining that with my voice to create a unique one-man show that will entertain an audience. I also play electric guitar and have the ability to sit in with a band or play on a recording session which I continue to do more of being in Nashville. I put my own twist on classic songs you might recognize, and play songs of my own that are catchy to the ear, in hopes of bringing a smile to your face. 

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Being nice to others and staying humble, true to who I am. I don’t want to be anybody other than myself. I am confident in the person that I am and believe that it is important to treat everyone with much respect, no matter who they are. A person may not remember what you say or do, but they will remember how you made them feel in that moment. 

Pricing:

• Breezin’ Through Life CD – $20.00
• Whimsical Smiles EP – $15.00

Contact Info:

• Website: www.parkerhastingsmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkerhastings/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/parkerhastingsmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ParkerHastings
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/05T8AjEJ2HZ74G30zfgGK0

Image Credits
Ron Wade
Kathy Wade