Graham Parker on the Songwriting Process and Thursday’s Knuckleheads Show

On Thursday, April 24, 2024, Graham Parker, an iconic British musician, will be taking the stage at Knuckleheads, regaling the audience with his catchy brand of rock ‘n’ roll. Known for his collaborations with a wide array of musicians from Graham Parker & the Rumour to the Figgs, and now Graham Parker & The Goldtops, Parker has skilfully crafted a unique sound that blends tuneful pop with punk rock energy.

A Wide-Ranging And Lengthy Career

Graham Parker has been impressive in his ever-expanding discography, largely owing to his remarkable series of musical collaborators. Yet, when it comes down to the actual process of making albums, Parker remains a solitary tunesmith. As he explains, “I’m just writing the songs, which is a lonely job.”

Despite his preference for solitary songwriting, Parker has mingled his creative process with both musicians and engineers throughout his career. He has even partnered up occasionally with well-known names such as Lucinda Williams and Bruce Springsteen, contributing to his albums.

Multitalented Parker

Aside from making music, Parker is also an accomplished author and screen actor. His venture into book writing led him to produce a novel, ‘The Thylacine’s Lair’, and a short story collection, ‘Carp Fishing on Valium’. The urge to write these books stemmed from his desire to express and expand on his overflowing imagination.

His stint in the movie industry was marked by a cameo in the Judd Apatow movie, ‘This Is 40’. Revealing his role in the movie, Parker remarked, “I wasn’t going to say no. It was none of my choice” laughing on how unexpected the opportunity was for him.

Delivering the old and the new

While his latest album with The Goldtops offers a fresh act to fans, Parker is mindful of providing songs in their original form during solo performances. Hot numbers like ‘Last Stretch of the Road’ and ‘The Music of the Devil’ get a different feel when performed solo during tours.

Not just sticking to his own hits, Parker has given space for other musicians’ classics during his gigs. His rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘That’s Life’ has been well-received. He also recently performed ‘Boogie Shoes’ by KC and the Sunshine Band, arguing that these songs are in his blood and he should just play them.

A commitment to quality despite hurdles

Although he contemplates working on a cover version album, Parker admits that his penchant for writing new songs continues to interrupt this aspiration. Even with the challenges that come with writing and recording songs in an era of low streaming rates, Parker remains committed to producing high-quality music for his fans.

Bracing for the upcoming show at Knuckleheads this Thursday, April 25, fans can expect another captivating performance from the seasoned musician. His rich blend of previous and new songs, paired with the magnetism of his solo performance style, makes it a must-attend event.

Graham Parker’s Legacy

Still going on strong, even at age 73, Graham Parker’s rock-n-roll journey of producing quality music, solo performances, and stunning cameos stands as a testament to his tenacity and love for his craft.