10 Questions with ... Parmalee's Matt Thomas

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Platinum-selling band Country band Parmalee has earned more than a billion on-demand streams since emerging from the North Carolina music scene. They've also notched three #1 hits, "Carolina," "Just The Way" (with Blanco Brown) and last year's Platinum-certified "Take My Name," which took the #1 spot on Billboard's year-end Country Airplay Chart for 2022 and landed them their first American Music Award nomination. Their current single, "Girl In Mine," is climbing the charts. The band is comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox and lifelong friend Josh McSwain. Lead singer Matt Thomas answers our 10 Questions.

1. You just embarked on your "Take My Name" tour at the beginning of this month. What can fans expect to see on these headlining dates?

Lots of energy. We're incorporating as many surprises as we can, from new songs, to video content, to cover mashups you probably wouldn't expect to hear from us. 

2. In what way has the massive success of your hit, "Take My Name," changed things for the band?

It's allowed us to connect with so many more people, make new fans and add another big moment to the show. 

3. Three #1 hits into your career (and counting), I'm sure that never gets old. But how did each chart-topper feel, especially compared to the ones before?

All three of these songs have an individual story and impact. "Carolina" will always be special. We wrote it before we got to Nashville. It got us a record deal, and was our first #1. It changed our lives in so many ways.

"Just The Way" was just as pivotal. After having a few years of success with the "Feels Like Carolina" album, we had some swings and misses. We spent a few years searching for what was next and knew that we needed a big song. Not only was it a huge song for us, it gave us a sense of direction on what our fans wanted to hear from us. "Take My Name" has taken that direction to another level.

4. Since the success of "Take My Name," how many requests is your management fielding now from people either wanting to propose onstage at your shows, or have the band perform at their wedding? And how many of those kinds of requests can you reasonably accommodate?

We get a lot! Since the first clip we posted on socials, we were getting blown up by people who wanted it for their weddings. We've done several proposals onstage, and it keeps going. It's amazing to have our song be a part of these big moments in people's lives!

5. What was your reaction to being the only Country band included in the all-genre Best/Duo Group category for the upcoming iHeartRadio Music Awards, that also includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, Imagine Dragons, Black Eyed Peas and others?

I was blown away when I saw the list. What an honor … Thanks iHeart! We used to cover Chili Peppers songs back in the day. If you would've told us back then that we would be nominated on the same ballot as them, we would've fell out!

6. What's the band's relationship like with Country radio, and how important has then been to your success?

We have a great relationship with Country radio. Let's be honest, they need hits and they need us to deliver those hits. It's business, but over the years you get to be friends with everyone and build careers together. We have our songs and our sound, and they are the ones who take it to the people.

7. You formed the band in 2002, which means last year marked your 20th anniversary. Did you do anything special to mark the occasion? And what has been your secret to longevity, especially with all of the band's original members?

For us, every year is special. With the success of "Just The Way" and "Take My Name," both happening around the 20-year mark, I feel like the past two years have really been a celebration! We've been through so much together, so we don't take any of this for granted. We've been through so many up and downs, but we managed to stick it out because we are family. We believe in each other, our fans and our music. 

8. So many great Country artists have come out of North Carolina, especially, it seems, in recent years. What's special about the Country music scene there that makes it such a reliable feeder state for future Nashville stars?

It's great seeing everyone from back home doing their thing. I think with NC, there's such a diverse music culture stemming from the Bluegrass in the western region to the Soul on the coastal plain, that we all just grew up hearing so many different types of music. Also the different dialects throughout the state influence how we say things, which translates to our music.

9. "Girl In Mine" is rising up the charts quickly? What do you think makes that one special?

I think it's the vibe. We're just keeping that positive energy we have with "Just The Way" and "Take My Name." It's the Parmalee sound. Start with the chorus and make sure everyone is singing along out of the gate.

10. How has touring changed for you since the pandemic? Are you back to doing meet & greets?

Touring has been great. It's back to normal with the meet & greets, etc. We always want to meet our fans whenever we have the chance.

What advice would you give other Country artists still grinding away in Nashville trying to catch their first break?

It all boils down to the song. Write as much as possible. Don't focus on what everyone else is doing, just do your thing … be you!

What's the most surprising or unusual green room request in your tour rider?

Baby wipes. You never know when you'll need a bird bath.