🎧 Listen to the episode below:
Ever wonder what it takes to build a successful music career completely on your own? In this episode of On The Porch with Front Porch Music, Logan sits down with Parker Graye, one of Canada’s top independent country artists, to explore the real-life ups and downs of being a DIY artist in today’s music industry.
Parker’s journey proves that being independent doesn’t mean being alone. It means being in control.
Building a Career Without a Label
Parker Graye has achieved what many emerging artists dream of: radio success, millions of streams, and performances on major stages like Boots and Hearts. She’s also been featured in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country program and named an iHeartRadio Future Star, all while staying completely independent.
Her path hasn’t been easy, but it’s been hers to create. Parker’s DIY approach to music has allowed her to build a brand rooted in authenticity, persistence, and connection.
The DIY Artist’s Toolbox
During their conversation, Parker and Logan break down the must-have tools for any independent artist. From managing your own distribution to creating a consistent social media presence, Parker emphasizes the importance of doing the work yourself and doing it well.
She shares how building relationships across the industry has opened doors to new opportunities. Whether it’s connecting with radio programmers, producers, or other artists, networking can make all the difference when you don’t have a label behind you.
The Power of Organization
Parker highlights one of the most underrated aspects of being a successful independent artist: organization.
From planning releases to tracking promo schedules and creating engaging content, staying organized helps artists operate like a business.
It’s not just about writing and recording. It’s about managing timelines, setting goals, and executing a vision.
Owning the Creative Process
As a DIY artist, Parker has complete creative control over her music and branding. While that freedom is empowering, it also comes with challenges. She talks about balancing artistic integrity with the business side of things, knowing when to take risks and when to step back and reassess.
Her advice to emerging artists? Write a lot of songs before releasing one. Take the time to develop your sound, learn from others, and understand what makes your music stand out.
Building a Supportive Community
One of the themes that runs throughout the conversation is community. Parker believes in celebrating others’ wins and surrounding yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. Networking doesn’t have to be transactional.
It can be about forming genuine connections that lead to growth and collaboration.
Staying True to Yourself
At the end of the day, Parker’s biggest message to independent artists is simple: stay true to who you are. Success might not happen overnight, but staying authentic, passionate, and committed to your craft will set you apart.
Listen to the full conversation with Parker Graye on On The Porch with Front Porch Music for a deep dive into the realities, challenges, and rewards of the independent artist journey.
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
