Parmalee joined Audacy as we continue our CMA Fest coverage, brought to you by Simple Green. The group filled us in on the big tour dates they have coming up with Russell Dickerson and another string of dates they’ll be playing with Train.
LISTEN NOW: Parmalee talks to Coop at CMA Fest
The group is ready to visit fans of all genres on the road this summer as they hit the road as part of Russell Dickerson’s Big Wheels & Back Roads tour, in addition to joining select tour dates with Train. While they mainly identify as a Country group, they believe their unique, Pop and Rock-infused style lends them to be a good fit for tours of all kinds.
“We have a unique lane in Country, what we do is our own thing,” frontman Matt Thomas told Audacy’s Coop when asked if the group was worried about touring outside the Country genre. “It definitely has a lot of Pop and Rock in it, and so I feel like it’s going to be a great fit.”
He continued, “We grew up [and] Train was a big influence on us — the songs, being a real band — and where we came from, that was a band that had a great singer, they had great songs, they had a unique sound. I’m looking forward to it [the tour].”
Over the years, the group has gained a lot of touring experience and look forward to putting that into practice over a busy summer. While they’re looking forward to all shows, they say they may favor the arenas dates a smidge more for one small, yet very impactful reason…
“The greatest thing about the arenas is they’re indoor and air conditioned,” band member Josh McSwain laughed.
Aside from escaping the elements, the band says every venue they play has more in common than not. “It’s just a different version [of the same thing],” said Thomas. “If you’re at an arena and you look out, it’s just like, ‘Oh, this is what the club looked like when it was packed with 200 people, it’s just more people” Laughed Matt.
“Obviously the outdoor stages are just massive and the sound is amazing. If you get good weather, it’s great. They[ venue types] all have their pros and cons.”
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Hear more from the guys including how they celebrate #1 songs and what it was like touring in an ’83 Laredo by checking out their entire conversation with Coop above.
Want more CMA Fest? Check out all Auday’s behind the scenes interviews, brought to you by Simple Green here.