Published
23rd June 2021
Parsley Palette may only be 19 but he’s quickly carved a name for himself in the music industry; he owns his own studio and record label, Soho Records Ltd, curates music for Gucci and Dior and creates his own tracks, with fans including MJ Cole and Nina Kraviz.
As a music producer, multi-instrumentalist and music curator, Parsley has a plethora of talent and taste, his track Bubble Tea ft Tasha was recently played by BBC Introducing.
We spoke to Parsley about his drive to create music and how he’s mastered being at the wrong place at the right time…
How did you break into the music industry at such a young age?
"Being at the wrong place at the right time is exactly how I got at least 80% of my work. It all started when I went to a brand party in London. I arrived early, snuck into the bathrooms, and waited for an hour before emerging to introduce myself to everyone. I said 'Hi, long time no see?' to people I’d never met before. It turned out one of those people was the creative director for one of world’s leading fashion brands…I was 16 so nobody knew me but I gained contacts quickly."
What was it like collaborating with artists?
"I like to work with as many artists as I possibly can, it’s the best way to better my music. Collaboration is key not only to becoming a successful artist, but also to becoming a better person. It’s important to understand how different artists from around the world work, no matter if they’re at the height of their career or just starting out."
"Every artist has their own workflow – be it working from 11pm until 3am or singing with the lights off – it’s fascinating! As long as we collaborate to create a solid track, that’s all that matters. I’m very grateful to have worked with some amazing talent so far."
What inspires you to create music?
"I used to go to an arts school in London, so being surrounded by that creative type of environment enhanced my early productions and writing days. I’ve always admired producers and artists such as Mark Ronson, Disclosure and Kaytranda."
"At that time, I didn’t really go out much, I was either at home making up to 12 solid beats a day or trying to network with talented people in London."
"These days, I love to walk around London’s Soho during my free time, I always get inspiration – it’s a creative melting pot. I always return home with fresh ideas. Even when I say to myself 'I’m not making any music today' I always end up creating something later that afternoon."
How do you start your creative process?
I’m very fortunate to be able to own some excellent equipment in my studio, such as my vintage Fender Rhodes, Moog and my beloved AT4040 mic. The creative process starts as soon as I enter the studio. I just open a blank session and play anything, no metronome, no plugins, I just play. Sometimes I’ll programme in a four to the floor kick, loop it and start to hum over it with the ideas that I have. When I’ve got the sounds that I like, I start to fit them into place and add effects. It’s quite a therapeutic process.
You work with a lot of fashion brands, what do you think of the integration between music and fashion?
I think it’s great! I’ve slowly begun to understand how culture is created from these two industries. I’m a London kid at heart and London’s youth culture thrives from fashion, music, photography, film, art, dance – all the creative fields play a part.
What are your favourite fashion houses?
There are so many to choose from! I don’t think I should say…but if I have to, Gucci are really showing the world what they’ve got at the moment. Alessandro Michele is doing an amazing job alongside his talented team. Their current approach is taking classic looks from the 60s, 70s and 80s and rewiring them with a slightly modern, high-end twist. I also like Blondey McCoy’s THAMES, they bring a traditional, authentic taste of London culture to fashion.