22 Artists to Watch in 2022

14. Drew Parker

Warner Music Nashville’s Drew Parker knows exactly what he’s about – and country fans already love it. Some just don’t know it yet.

A native of Covington, Georgia, schooled on ‘90s country giants like Ronnie Dunn, Travis Tritt Randy Travis and Alan Jackson, Parker’s led a recent resurgence in organic country hits – they’ve just been for other artists. Tracks like Luke Combs’ CMA Song of the Year nominee “Forever After All” and Jake Owen’s “Homemade” have established his signature style, using whip-smart lyricism and actual country instruments to pen quality-driven Number Ones – a new- school-meets-old-school vision that’s proven itself at each turn. It’s that same wordplay that drives Parker’s solo work, too, and it’s all steeped in his love of the ‘90s.

With a standalone single released in 2016 and a four-song collection following in 2018, Parker reached a creative high-water mark with his The While You’re Gone EP  – seven twangy, energy-filled lyrical masterstrokes that were too “him” for anyone else to sing. The title track became Parker’s first single at country radio, the most-added debut single upon impact. Co-written with Jameson Rodgers, the clever power ballad shows off everything that makes Parker stand out, from his powerhouse vocal to that unteachable Shakespearean spark – the ability to make people laugh while they cry.

In addition to co-writing the hits “Forever After All “ and “Homemade,” Parker has penned other notable songs. He co-wrote the feisty, high-energy cut “1, 2 Many” for Luke Combs (featuring Brooks & Dunn), “Homemade” for Jake Owen, the soulful ballads “Lonely One” and “Nothing Like You” for Combs.

It’s the first true look at an artist who’s already developed a sound and style all his own, but it won’t be the last, as there’s much more in Parker’s tank, with unrecorded music waiting in the wings. But for now, the Georgia native is excited to have this batch of work out in the world. And his original dreams are coming true. In true Drew Parker double meaning, the tank is gassed up, and he’s finally ready to roll…both literally and metaphorically.

Label: Warner Music Nashville

Hot Release: “While You’re Gone”

If you like: Walker Montgomery, Tucker Beathard, Riley Green

More Info: www.drewparkermusic.com | www.instagram.com/drewparkerplays | www.tiktok.com/@drewparkerplays