by Lauren Rosier
photo by Shervin Lainez
Lancaster’s Launch Music Conference is seriously bringing some solid musical talent for this year’s conference and that doesn’t exclude NYC’s electronic pop band, The Parkers. The trio known as the The Parkers are comprised of sisters, Anya Parker-Lentz and Kate Parker-Lentz, and Henry Kane. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Anya about the beginnings of the band and what direction they’re headed in.
Anya is the oldest of the two sisters, with Kate being four years younger. They grew up in a musical household — their father played guitar and they grew up singing. “We were singing with him and we started doing YouTube videos,” Anya reveals.
Early on, both Anya and Kate were members of the New Jersey Youth Chorus. “It was an outlet,” Anya admits. I was playing chords and would go to the basement to channel my teen angst.”
The age difference between the two sisters has had an effect on their career. “By the time she [Kate] started working with me, I already a singer/songwriter career,” Anya says. The age difference also offered different perspectives towards their music, though. “I think in any setting having different perspectives related to age is very helpful. I’ve gone to events and performing. Sometimes Kate can look at it a little bit more creatively, think about it more creatively, and not so focused on what producers or parents want.”
So if you haven’t heard The Parkers’ latest song, “Let’s Disappear,” available to stream via SoundCloud. It’s a superb mix of electronic, pop, R&B, and hip hop all blended together into a song that has its own vibe. The music video for “Let’s Disappear” was designed to be reminiscent of a dream-like world.
“Kate and I are really drawn to mystery and getting lost in ourselves. Being scared, emotional, wanting to run away, etc, we really like pushing ourselves,” Anya says. “We listen to a lot of Flume, Led Zeppelin. There wasn’t a single thing that influenced the song.”
Right now, they’re currently working on new material. “We have a ton of songs written and we’re working on channeling our performance, on our image,” Anya explains. “Our recent writing has been influenced by Sky Ferreira, but also keeping it in the vein of the Eurythmics.”
Launch is going to be a great event and conference and The Parkers are looking forward to attending and performing again. Be sure to stop by to see them perform at Marion Court on Friday at 6 PM.
