2014 SRS Band Bio: Parallel Play

Competing: Week 1, August 7th
Love and War in Texas (Plano)

Band Name: Parallel Play

Band Members:
Jeremy Drake: lead vocals, 5-string acoustic guitar, lyricist
Jason Miears: tenor banjo and harmony
Erin Gayden: upright bass and harmony
Pappy McCall: percussion

Band Bio:
Bluegrass instrumentation in a rock band formation. The members of Parallel Play grew up as alternative music driven individuals but have now found themselves invading the folk genre. Still, their “alternative” roots are represented in full musically and in spirit. The Dallas act’s discography includes folk renditions of alternative favorites like Green Day’s “Pulling Teeth,” The Cranberries’ “Linger” and Gin Blossoms’ “Found Out About You.”

Jeremy Drake, Parallel Play’s lyricist, starts his songwriting with a 60’s pop mentality. Then he weaves in a nice grunge layer by dragging the songs into a mosh pit and stomping them to death. Insert a toe-tapping riff, counter-melodies and other inspirations, not to over-complicate but to create a genuine, honest sound. The songs dynamically rise from ample amounts of harmonious vocals and a lively backbeat. Add banjo then bake! Mmmm, folky!

These ingredients and influences also fuel their high-octane performance. No matter the beats per minute, Erin Gayden (upright) and Pappy McCall (percussion) drive each song straight to the feet of the crowd causing outbursts of stomping and dancing. While Jeremy Drake’s thrashing of his 5-string guitar and Jason Miears’ banjo picking can rev up the audience into a headbanging frenzy. It’s a sweat covered stage from physical and emotional exertion and it’s part of the PP guarantee.

Come check out Parallel Play TONIGHT in Round 1, Week 1 of the 2014 Shiner Rising Star Competition! This week is at Love and War in Texas (Plano), 8-10pm.