Award-winning singer-songwriter Caroline Parke is gearing up to release her new album in the new year.
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The Lloydminster artist has been developing her musical craft and is excited for the new project.
Kicking off her musical career young, Parke started simple.
“I’ve always enjoyed music a lot in my adult life and just played basic cowboy stuff, basic chords on my guitar for many years, and while I was having my family,” she said. “I just kind of dove in the last few years.”
She began performing in the musical sphere into adulthood.
“I’ve always been a fan of music since I was quite young, but I didn’t start playing and singing until I was 24 or 25,” said Parke.
Her performances were often frequently posted on YouTube.
“I was doing (a video) a week years ago when I first started,” she said. “As I learned the song or as I learned a collection of songs, I’d pick my favourites and I would play it and post it.”
According to Parke, her motivation was simple.
“I was young and single and had time on my hands. I thought, ‘This is fun and interesting,'” she said, explaining she’s thankful for the outlet to post freely as it gives independent artists more agency.
“It’s a beautiful time to be an independent musician because we have so many things available to us,” she said. “In the past, it was like if you’re independent, you’re kind of just locked out.
“Now, you can have your own broadcasting channels and post and you can edit your stuff the way you like it.”
While she plays multiple instruments, Parke predominantly plays the guitar. Her choice of musical style was something that resonated with her and where she’s from.
“I think I just really like the roots and folk because it’s just so close to the culture of Alberta people,” said Parke. “I actually was initially drawn to jazz and really love jazz.
“I grew up with the likes of Ian Tyson. Now, when I listen to Ian Tyson, I can hear these undertones that he does do a little bit of jazzy stuff.”
She says the simplicity of the style is part of its appeal.
“You don’t need anything electronic to make the music,” said Parke. “You can literally pick up a guitar and make it sound like Ian Tyson had it.”
She says when you’re surrounded by music, it’s a different way of interacting with the world around you.
“I think when you live, eat and breathe music, it’s just a different way of interacting with the world,” she said.
Parke’s venture deeper into music began after she was the victim of a rural crime.
“It all started after the rural crime incident that we had. I thought after I released my first album and I had the trial, I kind of thought I would just go back to regular life, and just never have,” she said. “I keep writing and writing and I just feel I’m compelled to.”
After the incident, she found music was a way for her to heal and recalled what it was like picking up the guitar.
“After that event, I actually had what they call classic PTSD. I had a hard time conversing; conversations with my kids felt hard,” she explained. “I had been playing fiddle for three years at that point and I hadn’t really been playing guitar.
“So, when I went back to old faithful and started strumming, I could feel the vibration of the instrument against my body. It helped me relax in a way that nothing else could.”
Parke continues to talk about mental health, including in a single she will be releasing in the new year about the issue of seasonal affective disorder.
“I wrote a song called The Worst Part of the Year. I feel like sometimes those short winter days are really hard for me and I need to have something to look forward to,” said Parke, explained the release date for the song is symbolic.
“It was either Jan. 1 or the first Monday in January is the highest day for suicides,” she said. “I’m going to hashtag it with a bunch of mental health awareness (tags) because I’ve had my bouts in the winter where I really struggle.”
She’s been releasing singles from her new album, including a dream collaboration of hers featuring Molly Mason and Jay Ungar on her newest release, Harvest is Long.
“As time has gone on, I’ve started to collaborate and reach out with people that I admire,” said Parke. “I’m pleasantly surprise they just keep saying yes, all these different folks that have collaborated with me. It’s a real gift to share and make memories with people.”
In her musical journey, she’s made a switch in her guitar playing.
“I recently switched to being a left-handed guitar player and I taught myself how to play guitar all over again in the last seven months,” said Parke. “But now, I have all these different techniques available.
“Now, I’m doing bluegrass picking. I can do rhythm guitar and I’m still learning the finger picking.”
Playing live has been something Parke has taken part in, getting out whenever she can.
“I’ve done a couple of gigs,” she said, explaining she does have a family to take care of but still tries to get out and perform. “I have been trying to get a few gigs here and there and play more with people.”
Parke has new music on the horizon having released Harvest is Long on Oct. 16.
“I’ve released three singles off of this album and I’m going to do another single Jan. 1, 2026. The entire album will be rolled out in February,” she said. “It’s called All the Movies Parts and it’s all about farm life and being a farm wife.”
Parke’s music is available on streaming platforms and her music videos are posted on her YouTube channel.
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