Parker McCollum is gearing up to release his fifth studio album, aptly titled PARKER MCCOLLUM. The new project is scheduled for release on June 27th and is comprised of 14 brand new tracks, 12 of which McCollum wrote/co-wrote. While the singer/songwriter is busy preparing for his new release, he’s never too busy to pop in to Raising Cane’s. Although with his latest visit, he had to work for his box combo!
The Texas native stopped by Raising Cane’s in Austin yesterday to talk to media & influencers about his brand new album, celebrate a Raising Cane’s milestone, and stepped behind the counter to serve some fans in the drive-thru and at the counter.
Parker’s visit perfectly coincided with Raising Cane’s celebration of 20 years of serving box combos in Texas which, when you think about it, that’s a whole lot of toast! If we want to get mathematical here, that is more than 787,000,000 pieces of toast!
Over the past two decades, the beloved company has donated over $23 million to local organizations across Texas to support various communities, charities, foundations, etc… Having Parker on hand to help commemorate this impressive milestone was a perfect combo!
“It’s really cool that I’ve been singing for 20 years and that Cane’s has been in Texas for 20 years. In high school I always wondered if I’d make it to this point, so I stand on stage now and it’s just so crazy to be here,” said McCollum. “We started out driving a Chevy pick-up truck to stadium tours and I wouldn’t change a thing about it!”
“I’ve been eating Cane’s since I was in high school and everything I did with my team and friends was always catered by Cane’s. I always ordered a Box Combo with no slaw and have been hooked ever since,” Parker continued. “When Todd came to me and asked to partner it was an immediate ‘yes.’ Todd’s career is similar to mine where we were small and then blew up, but Todd never became out of touch with the Customers and their needs. We also really believe in taking care of the people we work with.”
The sentiments were shared as Raising Cane’s Owner Todd Graves spoke highly of Parker and the values they both share. “Texas has been great to us and I’m so glad Parker came out to our Restaurant to celebrate 20 years of Cane’s in Texas and the launch of his new album. Parker is a talented musician and great friend, and it’s been amazing watching the growth in his career and personal life as he became a father,” said Graves. “We share many of the same values and have similar stories, so we always have a good time together. I’m looking forward to hearing his new album and getting together with Parker and Hallie again soon.”
Between serving fans and previewing some tracks off his new album, Parker took some time to chat about his upcoming project. “I’m excited to get this album out. We recorded it in October and I’m ready for people to hear it. I want them to listen to it top to bottom and really take it in.” Parker continues, “It’s interesting because this is the first album that I don’t really care if people like it or not because I love it so much. I want them to like it, but I’m totally OK if they aren’t connected to it because this album represents so much for me.”
McCollum recorded the new album in New York City over the course of 7 days and shared some of the process as he recollected being in the studio. “I’m very self-reflective and super honest with myself and I try not to do anything inauthentic,” Parker shared. “I let it rip when I’m in the studio and try not to worry about things, but I was out of ideas for a while and this album became one of the best I’ve ever done.”
“I wanted to feel the buzz of making music and this album made me feel that again. The whole process was grueling, we recorded over the course of seven days in NYC and it reminded me why I love making music. As a songwriter, that’s the greatest feeling, especially after wondering if I had lost that buzz. This album is the best that it’s ever going to get for me.”
Parker McCollum’s self titled album becomes available, Friday, June 27th. Save the new album here, PARKER MCCOLLUM.
