Kelly Ford Digs Up Parmalee’s Backstory
Kelly Ford will have not just one, but four co-hosts for this week’s Backstage Country. Parmalee will share their origin, their previous band name and discuss some of the great spots in Nashville.
Origin Story
Ford joked how guitarist Josh McSwain is sometimes glad he’s not related to his other three band members. Singer Matt Thomas shared, “Me and Scott are brothers. Irish twins, 13 months apart, and Barry’s our first cousin. We grew up in a little small town in eastern North Carolina called Robertson Ville, which is about three miles from the town of Parmalee, where we named the band after. I met Josh growing up.”
Josh added, “I’m from North Carolina as well. Born to two human parents.” To which Scott quipped, “And here we were wondering if you were an alien.”
Matt also mentioned how he, Barry and Scott grew up playing with their father and his band, same with Josh and his father. “We started this band, and we rented a little barn out in this little town of Parmalee, North Carolina.” Ford teased them about having keys to the town. Scott said no, but Barry mentioned how Josh has the key to Shelby. Josh said, “I was pestered by the mayor of Shelby North Carolina, I have the key in case anybody needs to get in.”
Band Names
Ford asked Parmalee if they had been part of other bands before. Brothers Matt and Scott said their first band was Early Timez while Josh shared, that he had quite a few, “I had a Jelly Brains, The John Mama’s daddy, Amsterdam, I was in multiple unsuccessful bands.”
Matt shared that before they were known as Parmalee, they went by Slip Joint, “Like the pliers. Just a nickname my uncle gave me. Back home, everyone gives you a nickname in passing,” he explained. Ford then chimed in, “Sounds lowkey dirty!”
Great Spots in Nashville
Ford asked the band for their recommendation on a great spot in Nashville that people should come and see. Matt did not hesitate and mentioned Robert’s Western World. “You’re going to get real country, western music. The theme is country western. You can get a PBR, a free abalone sandwich, and it doesn’t burn you up as far as the cost.” He added, “You have to go to Broadway. I mean, there’s nothing like it on Earth.”
Visit Parmalee’s website for the band’s tour dates, updates on new performances and official band merch.
