01Profile
A Tess Parks Photo
Tess Parks
Musician — Toronto
03Interview
Photo by Luz Gallardo
Name, where are you from?
Tess Parks. Toronto.
Describe your style in three words?
Whatever feels right.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
My first Oasis show in 2002. It absolutely changed my life and inspired me to play the guitar. They came out on stage and played 'Hello' and I knew my future from then on.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Oasis (obviously) and it's gotta be the Beatles, doesn't it?
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Swingin' sixties, mods and rockers, Britpop, the Beat Generation...
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Probably my grandmother, Norma, whom I never had the fortune of meeting.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
La Cigale in Paris. It was sold out and packed and I played solo in front of all of these people. And then I thought about all of the times I played shows by myself to literally nobody and went home and cried and just felt so beyond happy and proud.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Elliott Smith. His music influenced me in my early teenage years in such a profound way and I don't think he's still ever really received the widespread attention he deserves. I think everyone should know his name the same way they know Bob Dylan or John Lennon.
Tess Parks is a singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada who was signed by Alan McGee to his label 359 Music after moving to London. In 2013 Tess released her debut solo album 'Blood Hot'.
Her next record was a collaboration with Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre in 2015 called 'I Declare Nothing'.
Tess and Anton will release their second full-length album in October 2018 followed by an EU/UK tour throughout November & December. You can pre-order the new eponymously titled record here.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Wannabe' by Spice Girls.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Free' by Cat Power.
She was the first female artist that had a great impact on me and I would sit in my room for hours trying to emulate her voice.
One record you would keep forever?
'(What's the Story) Morning Glory?' by Oasis.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"For them that think death's honesty
Won't fall upon them naturally
Life sometimes must get lonely"
From 'It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) by Bob Dylan.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Praise You' by Fatboy Slim.
A song you wished you had written?
'Gates Of Eden' by Bob Dylan.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Louie Louie' by The Kingsmen.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'No Tears Left To Cry' by Ariana Grande.
(she's my seventeen-year-old sister's favourite).
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Transparent Radiation' by Spacemen 3.
Any new bands you are listening to right now?
'Doomed' by Prism Tats
'Baker St' by Mr Yolk
'Velvet Curtains' by Drinking Flowers
'Cherry Pie' by Yassassin
03Interview
Photo by Luz Gallardo
Name, where are you from?
Tess Parks. Toronto.
Describe your style in three words?
Whatever feels right.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
My first Oasis show in 2002. It absolutely changed my life and inspired me to play the guitar. They came out on stage and played 'Hello' and I knew my future from then on.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Oasis (obviously) and it's gotta be the Beatles, doesn't it?
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Swingin' sixties, mods and rockers, Britpop, the Beat Generation...
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Probably my grandmother, Norma, whom I never had the fortune of meeting.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
La Cigale in Paris. It was sold out and packed and I played solo in front of all of these people. And then I thought about all of the times I played shows by myself to literally nobody and went home and cried and just felt so beyond happy and proud.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Elliott Smith. His music influenced me in my early teenage years in such a profound way and I don't think he's still ever really received the widespread attention he deserves. I think everyone should know his name the same way they know Bob Dylan or John Lennon.
Tess Parks is a singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada who was signed by Alan McGee to his label 359 Music after moving to London. In 2013 Tess released her debut solo album 'Blood Hot'.
Her next record was a collaboration with Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre in 2015 called 'I Declare Nothing'.
Tess and Anton will release their second full-length album in October 2018 followed by an EU/UK tour throughout November & December. You can pre-order the new eponymously titled record here.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Wannabe' by Spice Girls.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Free' by Cat Power.
She was the first female artist that had a great impact on me and I would sit in my room for hours trying to emulate her voice.
One record you would keep forever?
'(What's the Story) Morning Glory?' by Oasis.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"For them that think death's honesty
Won't fall upon them naturally
Life sometimes must get lonely"
From 'It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) by Bob Dylan.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Praise You' by Fatboy Slim.
A song you wished you had written?
'Gates Of Eden' by Bob Dylan.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Louie Louie' by The Kingsmen.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'No Tears Left To Cry' by Ariana Grande.
(she's my seventeen-year-old sister's favourite).
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Transparent Radiation' by Spacemen 3.
Any new bands you are listening to right now?
'Doomed' by Prism Tats
'Baker St' by Mr Yolk
'Velvet Curtains' by Drinking Flowers
'Cherry Pie' by Yassassin
Tess Parks & Anton Newcombe | Right On (2018)
Tess Parks & Anton Newcombe | Please Never Die (2018)
Tess Parks & Anton Newcombe | Friendlies (2015)
Tess Parks | Somedays (2013)