Get ready for The National Parks to hit Treefort this week.
The indie/pop/folk band from Utah will be performing at The Hideout from 7:50-8:50 p.m. on Friday. The group is composed of Brady Parks on vocals and guitar, Megan Parks on violin, Sydney Macfarlane on vocals and keys, and Cam Brannelly on the drums. And yes, Brady and Megan are married with one child and another on the way.
Boise Weekly snagged an email interview with the band to find out their inspiration and what folks can expect from their performance.
The following conversation has been gently edited.
How did the band came together?
Sydney Macfarlane: Brady had been playing an acoustic show at an apartment complex that all of my high school friends lived in. They invited me to come by, and I thought it was awesome! I had always wanted to be in a band ever since I was a little girl, so after the show I reached out if he needed a piano player. He said yes! We then met Megan through our old violinist who was moving out of state, and Cam who was a drummer for another band who was also separating at the time. It feels like the perfect fit and we have been playing together for about eight years now.
How would you describe the band's genre or sound?
Brady Parks: We typically say "indie/folk/pop" but at a meet and greet last year someone said we were "adventure pop." Â Our music has a lot of folk and organic elements with big indie/pop energy. Kind of like if Mumford & Sons and Coldplay had a baby.
What is the most important thing you’re trying to convey?
BP: We hope that our music can inspire people and help uplift people through the hard times and ups and downs of life. Sometimes when I'm in my head the thing that helps me most is getting outside and listening to music. We hope our music can inspire people to get outside and to explore the beautiful world around us. Hopefully our music can be a soundtrack for all of it.
What can people expect from the show?
BP: High energy, stomp and clappy, sing-a-long-y really good time kinda show.
What can people expect to see The National Parks do in the future?
BP: We have big plans for new music and new tours coming very soon!
Do you have any favorite tracks you've written and worked on together?
BP: So hard to pick a few because I love them all for different reasons! I think we all have our own favorites, and that changes a lot, but one that stands out right now is a song called "Wildflower."
What about favorite tracks or records that have been written by other artists?
BP: Yes! Too many to name but one of my favorite albums is "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves.
What artists are you inspired by?
BP: I've always been very inspired by Bon Iver, Coldplay, Mumford, Death Cab For Cutie, to name a few!
Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for folks living in this day and age?
BP: I would say that sometimes the best thing to do is to get outside, go on a roadtrip or hike, breathe the fresh air and listen to The National Parks.
SM: I would say to not take yourself too seriously! Everyone is just doing their best, figuring out life as they go. We live a crazy world, but also a beautiful one too! There’s so much beauty around us, and if you’re feeling too much in your head maybe get outside!
Emily White is a reporter for the Idaho Press. She covers Boise and Ada County with an emphasis on education. Follow her on Twitter @EmilyWhite177 and email her at ewhite@idahopress.com
