Sponsored by www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn
https://www.parkermillsap.com/
Over the past few years, the world has undergone significant and far-reaching changes, although the perception of these changes may vary depending on one's perspective. When viewed through the lens of geological time, it becomes apparent that not much has changed at all. Parker Millsap, an acclaimed singer/songwriter, delves into this juxtaposition between the present moment and the grander scale of existence in his sixth album, "Wilderness Within You." Through his music, Millsap contemplates humanity's role on this planet, presenting a study in contrasts that encompasses both personal and cosmic themes. The album skillfully combines sparse acoustic compositions with lush psychedelic improvisations, resulting in a captivating exploration of darkness and an expression of profound gratitude for life itself.
Raised in Purcell, OK, a small town with an expansive sky, Millsap developed a knack for conveying gratitude through song while playing gospel music in the church band. He drew inspiration from the heartfelt lyrics of Townes Van Zandt, the fingerpicking style of Mississippi John Hurt, and classic albums like "Graceland" and "Rumors." Millsap's earlier works, such as the critically acclaimed albums "Parker Millsap" (2014) and "The Very Last Day" (2016), showcased his influences through character-driven storytelling and minimalist instrumentation. In his 2021 release, "Be Here Instead," produced by John Agnello, Millsap hinted at the wildness that would unfold while exploring new and more personal songwriting styles. "Wilderness Within You" represents a natural progression in Parker's artistic evolution, skillfully interweaving elements from his musical past and diverse influences to create a captivating and beautiful sound.
Comprising 13 tracks, "Wilderness Within You" unfolds as a slow-burning crescendo, commencing with the simple yet powerful song "Greetings and Thanks." This track sets to music "The Thanksgiving Address" of the indigenous peoples of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and all proceeds from its sales are donated to the Haudenosaunee Task Force. Millsap explains that this song holds significant meaning, as "The Thanksgiving Address" is traditionally known as "The Words that Come Before All Else." It represents an offering of gratitude to the Earth and all its inhabitants. Millsap's exposure to this concept, as described in Robin Wall-Kimmerer's "Braiding Sweetgrass," profoundly impacted him, and he aims to share this impact with others through his music.
For the production of "Wilderness Within You," Millsap teamed up with new collaborator Ryan McFadden and assembled a backing band comprising talented musicians with whom he had minimal prior experience. Musicians such as Ross McReynolds on drums, Calvin Knowles on bass, Juan Solorzano and Mark Sloan on guitar and pedal steel, Ryan Connors and Will Honaker on keys, Jake Botts on saxophone, and Daniel Foulks on fiddle joined him in the recording process. In most cases, these musicians were only introduced to the songs moments before recording began. Millsap also experimented with field recording and tape loop-driven soundscapes, adding a new dimension to his music that had not been heard in his previous recordings. This unconventional recording approach reflects the wild and natural essence of the album, mirroring its title track.
On a broader level, "Wilderness Within You" presents profound and weighty questions without providing easy answers. Millsap explains that many of the songs are rooted in his inquiries about the functionality of societal systems, who they benefit, and why, which he hadn't previously
This episode is sponsored by www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn and presented to you by The Barn Media Group.