Folk-influenced male/female indie pop band The National Parks recently released the official music video for their latest single, “Live Til We Die,” off their newest album, A Mix For The End Of The World – Part 1. The fun and colorful visual, directed by Cameron Gade with cinematographer Spencer Goff, sees the Provo, UT-based quartet take a step back in time to a 1980s-style late night talk show.

On the heels of the album’s release in early October, The National Parks successfully launched their very own curated festival experience, Superbloom Music Festival, on Saturday, October 9th. The first-ever event took place under the stars near Zion National Park at Sand Hollow Resort in Southern Utah in front of a sold-out crowd of nearly 2,000. Created by the band as a celebration of life and music set amid a beautiful location, Superbloom featured performances from Yoke Lore, Joseph, Joshua James, Ellee Duke, Brother. and Arbour Season before The National Parks closed out the day-long extravaganza. PRESS HERE to watch the Superbloom Music Festival official recap video and look for the event to return in 2022. 

What’s your story as an artist? 

I’ve always loved songwriting and creating. Songwriting has always been a cathartic thing for me and I’ve always used it to express what I’m feeling or experiencing. I started writing a lot in high school, mostly emo breakup songs and then when I moved to college I started writing more folk influenced music. I started playing open mic nights around Provo, Utah and eventually met the rest of the band members through mutual friends and the music scene and the rest is history!

What inspired your new single “Live Til We Die”?

“Live Til We Die” is very much inspired by the times we are living in right now. I personally get a little overwhelmed when I spend too much time on Twitter or IG or listening to podcasts. There is so much information out there, so many issues and problems and sides that for me it makes me want to just run away from it all and go back to the basics with the people I love. This is a song about cutting out the noise of the day and focusing on what matters most. 

What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?

I’m inspired by life and nature and love and what is happening in the world around us. When I write a song, it always comes from a very personal place of something that I’ve been feeling or experiencing or thinking about.

Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing the album?

When we were recording “Live Til We Die,” Cam started playing cowbell and we were all in the control room watching him through the window as he was playing. It was a magic and hilarious moment because the cowbell worked so well with the song and we couldn’t believe we were all telling him to play “MORE COWBELL!” Definitely felt like we were on SNL.

Tell us about the music video and the idea behind it?

We teamed up with our talented friend Cameron Gade to make this video. When I talked to Cameron about the song and how I wanted the video to feel, he came back with this concept of the late night show. We really wanted this video to feel different than anything we had ever done. We wanted it to be loud and colorful and quirky. He wrote the story and brought it all to life. It was so fun to make and we feel like it matches the message of the song perfectly. 

What’s a record that shaped your creativity?

So many to choose from but the one that stands out at the moment is Mylo Xyloto from Coldplay. It’s beautiful.

Who is an artist or band you look up to today?

We look up to Coldplay, The Killers, Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, The National and so many others. 

Any future projects?

Yes! Currently working on “A Mix for the End of the World – Pt.2” and we also will be dropping a new Christmas song this year as well.

Top 3 dream collaborations?

Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Justin Vernon

What does music mean to you?

Music is a powerful tool that can be used to help people feel like they aren’t alone in this crazy life. It is a universal language and can bring people together with it’s magic.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

I would say we are an anthemic folk/pop band. We blend our folk influences with modern sounds and elements.