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Interview: Parmalee talks ‘Roots’ single, new CD, Merle Haggard (Includes interview)

On performing at Mulcahy’s, Matt Thomas said, “It’s great to be back. It feels like we were just here yesterday. We had a party back here last time. There have an awesome green room here.”

They noted that they were going to perform their three greatest hits tonight, including “Carolina,” “Close Your Eyes” and “Already Callin’ You Mine.” “We will play a lot of the new songs tonight,” they said.

Parmalee’s smash hit “Carolina” was a multi-week No. 1 single on country radio and it was certified platinum in sales; moreover, it is the longest-climbing single by a duo or group in the 24-year history of the Billboard Hot Country Airplay charts.

On the loss of Merle Haggard, the band concurred, “We definitely lost a legend on that one. We are fortunate to have him in our lifetime as an icon, and as somebody who shaped music in general. Merle was an amazing talent.”

Parmalee paid homage to Haggard by singing “Workin’ Man Blues,” which was featured on Working Man’s Poet – A Tribute To Merle Haggard, which was produced by veteran producer Mickey Jack Cones.

Band member Josh McSwain is known for being a master grill-man, which have earned him the nickname “Joshy Flay.” “I love cooking. Any time I’m home, I plan my days around it. I look forward to going to the grocery store, I pick out something, bring it home, put it on the grill, and make a whole day out of it,” McSwain said.

Parmalee earned a 2016 Academy of Country Music (ACM) nomination for “New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year.” “That’s the first thing that we’ve ever lost,” they said, jokingly. “We just want to keep playing music for a living. We are looking forward to releasing this new album. To be able to play these songs for everybody is going to be fun.”

The group jointly defined success as doing what they love for a living.

To learn more about country band Parmalee, check out their official website.

Markos Papadatos
Written By

Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News. Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 20,000 original articles over the past 18 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is a 16-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.

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