Frankie "Breezy" Parker: November 2011

Bio

Debuting her highly anticipated freshman project, Frankie Parker is excited about her new-found reception as one of Chicago’s premier R&B singers/songwriters. With such songs as, “Divine Destiny”, “Divorce Party”, and “Hot Pot of Grits”, Frankie Parker combines vulnerability, life lessons, and most importantly love to create “Breezy”. Her currently released single, “Peace, Love, and Wine” was rotated on Chicago’s WVAZ 102.7 FM radio station and has received rave accolades. “This is a hit- an ultimate steppers’ cut”, says V103’s DJ Eric E.T. Taylor. Frankie Parker’s mature lyrics and derivatively vintage voice serves as a promising concoction for a music career full of success and longevity.

“Breezy” is a melodic diary that depicts the emotional changes one faces when dealing with marriage and its challenges. She combines her love for the old school R&B, hip-hop, and spoken word to create a fresh, yet familiar sound. Frankie Parker patterns this musically, semi-biographical journey after one of her favorite albums, entitled, “Here My Dear”, written by Marvin Gaye. “I consider my album to be the long-awaited response to “Hear My Dear”. Maybe when people listen to my project, it will prompt them to take a listen to what I consider as Marvin’s ‘hidden gem’”. Writing nine out of the ten songs on the “Breezy” project, Frankie paints vivid pictures, giving the listener an opportunity to envision themselves as the various characters written in each song. “Hot Pot of Grits”, has brought smiles to women and fear to men. After listening to “Grits”, DJ Neva from New Jersey City, New Jersey stated that “Grits” has, “Actual lyrics that actually have significance. Thank you.” DJ Chuckfresh from Des Moines, Iowa described the single as “smooth and also funny”. “Hot Pot of Grits” was voted as the 2010 number one single for independent artists on the “Marvell Gable Radio Show”. “Breezy” is scheduled to be released during the first quarter of 2012.

Although Frankie Parker is a talented songwriter, she has a natural niche for captivating her audience through her stage performances. Since the age of 4, she has been performing in front of a crowd. She’s performed at the House of Blues, The Grand Ole’ Opry, Close Up II, Northern Illinois University, The Green Dolphin, Little Black Pearl and many other Chicagoland venues. She’s opened for Montel Jordan, Shai, rapper Sweet Juices, the Stellar Awards, and others. In 2011, she took first prize at the Femme Fatale M.C. Music Competition. She creates an experience that allows the viewer to feel every note she sings. “Her show was awesome. She did her [thing] [for sure]…I’m feelin’ this joint”, says Philadelphia’s own DJ Russ.

Frankie Parker’s musical odyssey began at an early age. According to her parents, as a toddler, she taught herself how to change the albums on the turntable. At 5, she recorded her first album with a local community choir. After being involved with the school chorus, band, and several community choirs, she decided to pursue a degree in vocal performance at Columbia College- Chicago. Although she has yet to complete her education, she has applied all that she’s learned to her craft. Frankie has also trained at A&A Music Academy, studying vocal performance there, as well.

Frankie Parker is expected to have a large impact on the urban music scene in Chicago, and eventually the world. She is dedicated to perfecting her craft and continuing to write songs with substance and soul. When asked where she sees herself in five years, she confidently says, “I see myself on tour, with my band, and creating music for myself and others…You know, living the good life!”

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Just Being Frankie

I have finally jumped into the world of blogging, and frankly, I already feel a sense of addiction to this. I still don't know how I intend to use this platform because it's so easy to fall into the venting process of blogging. I must keep it real. I don't intend to save the world with every word I say, but let's just say that I won't add to the damage done by big-mouth people with no moral standing. I don't intend to use it as another plug of all the work I'm putting in ("Breezy" album coming in January...lol). I really would like to use this as way for you to get to know me- the real me.

I am a simple kid from the south suburbs of Chicago, who grew up in a house that wasn't perfect, but was a pivotal part of my discovery of creativity. I don't like dressing up and being all prissy and proper. I love gumbo on a cold New Year's Day with my family. I will fight for my loved ones in a minute. Lastly, music is my motive, motto, and mist"er"ess.

Things are beginning to change for this simple kid, but reminding myself of who I truly am will always keep me grounded and focused like the starving artist that I am. I want to forever remember the moments of simplicity and struggle because I think that I'll find more appreciation for what I've been blessed with already and what's to come.

They say a blog is just another blog if you don't have a fresh message to sell. My fresh message is not fresh at all: be you no matter what. It sounds cliche, but it's so much easier for the world to accept you for who you are versus you attempting to assimilate to the concepts that the world has to offer. If you want to remain sane and be appreciated for your lifelong efforts, this is the best route to take!