Diandra Reviews It All- Interviews The National Parks: Music Is Freedom

Music is the core of my soul, and it hits me like sage. It empowers me to see and improve myself, and I want to grow. For The National Parks, music is the same. A MIX FOR THE END OF THE WORLD is their apocalyptic, love letter to how music is not only their connection to life, but the very thing that makes them have one. Think about it! All the times you can trace a song to an emotional breakdown, breakthrough, and breathe. For this band of free spirits, music assure their chains never come back on and our interview celebrates sonic independence.

Diandra: When you think of how you love versus how you like to be loved, how would you say your relationship with music reflects that?

The National Parks: Music is something that I love and feel compelled to be always working on. I love the process of creating and writing, I love performing, and I love knowing that people can connect with our music. I think I love in the same way, I’m all in. Love is a powerful thing!

Diandra: Your album is all about bringing the “beauty of life,” what is the beauty of life to you?

The National Parks: I think it can be so easy to get caught up in everything that is going wrong that it can be hard to see the beauty of life, at times. But when I snap out of thinking like that and look at my life, my wife, the band, and start focusing on the good, I see how much beauty there really is. I think even in the darkest of times there is still so much joy to be found with the people that we love.

Diandra: The record is also about focusing and shutting out the noise of “day to day.” What has music taught you about yourself to focus on?

The National Parks: I think music has taught me that we, as humans, are always improving. When I work on music, it can take some time to craft a song that I feel is ready. I think the creative process has taught me that it’s okay to be patient with myself and know that we are all constantly learning and growing.

Diandra: What about each other, do you feel combines to make the perfect sound and which song off the record would you dedicate to each other to match said personality?

The National Parks: I think we have become like a family. We trust each other and know that we are all working together towards a shared set of goals. We have ups and downs like anyone would but our personalities really mesh well together and we know that if there is ever a challenge we can get through them together. I think I would dedicate “Wildflower” because that really feels like a song that encapsulates who we are as a band. It’s a song about not fitting a mold and knowing that you can be beautiful just how you are.

Diandra: If your music sounded like your friendship, what would be the words you feel to describe it?

The National Parks: Fun and lively!

Diandra: Dream-like is a word often used to describe your songs. What has been your favorite dream to dream or your strangest, most random one?

The National Parks: I think we are always dreaming! As far as real dreams go… I keep having this recurring dream that I’m driving at night and it’s like I wake up in the dream from sleeping behind the wheel, going really fast around a corner, and a bad crash is imminent. I usually shoot out of bed freaking out. Sooooo yeah, if anyone know what that’s all about let me know. Thanks!

Diandra: Mix For The End Of The World speaks to ending and being finite. What is an “ending” that taught you about being small but feeling big?

The National Parks: I’ll have to think more about this one for sure!

Diandra: If music was a lover or friend, what kind of day would you plan for it in thanks?

The National Parks: haha we’d go to a movie, get popcorn and treats, and stuff are faces and just chillllllllll. nothing better.

Diandra: What is your favorite childhood memory with music?

The National Parks: I remember one day my grandmother came over to our house when I was super little and I was singing her songs that I was making up. She was loving it and kept telling me to sing more for her. IDK why I remember that but I knew early on that music was a beautiful thing.

Diandra: What is a movie or tv show that you feel would be a great concept album. Why and from what angle?

The National Parks: The movie “Holes.” I mean it takes you on a wild ride. Maybe, you make the album from Stanley Yelnats’ perspective. Why he got arrested? Why he got sent to Camp Greenlake? A lot of questions that eventually get answers at the end of the album. There’s a lot of material to work with there.

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