Emerging from the heart of the Mountain State, where the rolling hills meet the vibrant energy of Morgantown, is a voice capturing the attention of music lovers throughout the state. Singer-songwriter Andrew Parsons‘ deeply personal lyrics and captivating melodies backed by his band mates in Seneca are fueling a rapidly burgeoning career. With a sound that blends folk, Americana, and a touch of raw, soulful honesty, Andrew’s music resonates with audiences on a profound level. We dug into his creative process, explore the inspiration behind the captivating new release, “Dawn” and which West Virginian he wants to play a show with.

BB: Andrew, “Dawn” feels steeped in West Virginia atmosphere. How much does your home environment influence your sound?

It influences my sound a lot, I do a good bit of writing outside and always draw inspiration from nature. I also have always been attracted to more raw sounding acoustic music, which West Virginia has a ton of.

BB: You have been backed by Seneca for this last year. What’s that collaborative process like? 

First of all, I’m blessed to have such a great band. Those guys are so talented and have taught me so much. It’s a really special group and they all bring something different to the sound. Collaborating with them is always fun because we’re all close friends and have good communication musically. 

BB: You’ve been playing out for about a year now and garnered a decent following pretty quickly. What do you attribute that to?

It is all of our friends and family. The support from them has allowed us to keep playing bigger shows and getting more opportunities. The band works so hard to put on the best shows possible, but it’s the environment of the crowd and the atmosphere that really make the shows special. We appreciate everything they do for us and in return we do everything possible to give them the show they came for.

BB: That haunting guitar tone layered with a fiddle in ‘Dawn’—what’s the story behind it? What were you trying to express?

I was trying to get the listener on the front porch with me. I think this song on paper is a great love song that expresses how I feel about my Girlfriend. But the guitar and violin combination, as well as other setting sounds, hopefully bring others there with me and relate it to their own lives and relationships.

BB: The lyrics are very evocative. Where did the narrative for “Dawn” come from?

It comes from my love and appreciation for my girlfriend. She has been in my life for so long and is a huge inspiration to my music. This song is a nostalgic look back on our relationship and how it’s going now.

BB: West Virginia has a rich musical heritage. How are you putting your own stamp on it?

I’m trying to keep it as authentic as possible while maintaining that WV sound. A lot of the states music revolves around people’s individual experiences and stories about how the Appalachian mountains have influenced and effected them. I am trying to tell my stories about my experiences as well.

BB: What do you want listeners to take away from ‘Dawn’?

I want them to take away whatever it means to them, if it’s just an enjoyable 3 minutes that’s great. But if someone really connects with it and can relate to their relationships and their life that would be really cool.

BB: Who are some of your influences and what West Virginia artist, past or present,  would want to play a show with?

Some of my influences are Charles Wesley Godwin, Zach Bryan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and 49 Winchester. If I could play with any WV artist it would have to be Charles. That’s me and the boys’ goal, to open for him one day. I’ve seen him in concert now twice and his energy and showmanship make it such a fun performance.

BB: What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?

I started playing the guitar during covid out of boredom and over time developed a passion for it. I also picked up a minor in music technology to learn how to produce my own music, all of our stuff so far has been recorded, mixed, and mastered in the WVU Creative Arts Center studio.

Check out Andrew Parsons new release “Dawn” below and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.