DR. MARTENS PRESENTS: TESS PARKS AT BABY’S ALL RIGHT
Dr. Martens is hosting select shows at the Brooklyn music venue, Baby’s All Right, now through March 2018. For a list of upcoming shows, ticket giveaways, and more click here.
October is wrapping up, but we have one more show at Baby’s All Right: Tess Parks. Originally from Toronto, Tess moved to London at 17 to study photography but fell in love with music instead. How? Well, in London, Tess happened to meet the legendary music industry exec, Alan McGee, who has worked with acts like Oasis, The Libertines, and My Bloody Valentine. McGee later signed Tess to his label, 359 Music, she released her record Blood Hot and the rest is history.
Since then, Tess has collaborated extensively with Anton Newcombe, of 90s darlings The Brian Jonestown Massacre, releasing a joint album, I Declare Nothing, and co-writing tracks for TBJM. We spoke with the singer-songwriter about her career, her love for Oasis, and her first pair of Doc’s. Want more? See her live at Baby’s All Right on October 29th and visit our Twitter for a chance to win tickets to her show.
Were you drawn to the arts at a young age?
Yes! For sure. I’ve always been singing and dancing and drawing/painting. My dad would play me rock music and I’d dance and sing along while he played the piano. My mom would take me to the Art Gallery of Ontario and buy me sketchbooks, different pencils, pastels, and crayons and would draw with me. Both of my parents read to me a lot too.
How has collaborating with Anton Newcombe influenced your own music?
Working with him has definitely made me a (hopefully) better musician. I was always heavily influenced by his music anyway. I think his belief in me and what I have to offer as a musician has been the biggest influence.
What is your favorite thing about living in London?
Oh man, I love London so much. I love the long double-decker rides. I love all of the friends I’ve made there. I love walking around knowing that pretty much everyone I’ve ever been inspired by has walked those streets or lived in those homes or played gigs at those venues. Walking down Berwick St. (the album cover of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?) on a regular basis is probably my favourite thing.
What career moment are you most proud of?
I’ve been very lucky. If I had to pick one it will forever be meeting Alan McGee and being signed by him. It was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
We hear you’re a big Oasis fan. What is your favorite song from them?
I can’t do that because it’s like picking your favourite child. But, a few of my favourites are Supersonic, Listen Up, Go Let It Out, Gas Panic!, D’You Know What I Mean?, Hey Now, Some Might Say, … I could pretty much name everything.
Tell us about your first pair of Dr. Martens.
They were black high tops and they gave me blisters around my ankles! I didn’t even know that was possible but at least I looked cool.
What’s next for you?
Releasing another record with Anton early next year!
