Provo band draws inspiration from America's natural wonders

(Courtesy of The National Parks)


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PROVO — Folk music has long been a form of communal expression, an art form through which all can gather and discuss topics ranging from love to civil rights and war.

Because of these topics, folk has seen prominence mainly in times of political unrest, such as the Depression, the Vietnam War and so on. All great folk music has held a particular message within its lyrics.

Most recently during the Great Recession and war on terror, our society has seen a huge resurgence in folk music, with many folk bands breaking into the mainstream. The folk bands that have seen such popularity have a few things in common, such as beautiful harmonies, catchy sing-along choruses and heartfelt lyrics. Provo band The National Parks has all these things.

The band started when lead singer Brady Parks, who had been playing open mics around Provo, was introduced to Sydney MacFarlane. The two started playing together soon after, and after they added a violinist to the group, they began performing around the area. Parks' and MacFarlane’s dual vocals and their ability to play off each other have really set The National Parks apart.

Parks cites Provo’s burgeoning music scene as one of the most important assets for the band's growth.

“It’s been amazing to be a part of the scene here. It’s funny, 'cause there’s this brotherhood and camaraderie between the bands, and every band is stepping up their game and the bar is constantly being raised, and that has helped us a ton,” Parks said.

Bae Sorenson of Salt Lake City joined the band to play violin and add vocals early this year when the previous violinist moved away. The violin parts contribute beautiful melodies and add a captivating layer that many contemporary bands lack.

One of the prominent tenets of the art and literary movement of romanticism holds that one can be spiritually rejuvenated through communion with nature. Basing its name on America’s greatest natural treasures, The National Parks draws heavily from the inspiration of Mother Earth.

“Our music is greatly influenced by nature and the experiences we have outside. It’s always been a strong part of us from the very beginning,” Parks said.

In the spirit of all great folk acts with a message, The National Parks wrote a song earlier this year for the documentary “Love in the Tetons.” The film and song showcase all that’s wonderful and beautiful about the Tetons in particular, but also America's parks in general.

The band will be playing this weekend with over 1,300 artists at the highly regarded CMJ Music Marathon in New York City. Because of its current work on an album due next spring, it will not be playing any shows locally until January.

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Brock Allen

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