Country Star Parker McCollum on New Album: ‘The Most Focused I’ve Ever Been’

The singer and songwriter discussed major changes in his creative process, such as recording in New York.

Parker McCollum in Nashville on June 7, 2025. Mark Humphrey/AP Photo

Award-winning country singer, Parker McCollum, is taking pride in his songwriting abilities with the release of his new self-titled album, hoping it will showcase the best version of himself.

In an interview with the Associated Press published June 25, the 33-year-old reflected on the creative process, which included moving from his native Texas to New York City.

“I would hang my hat on this record seven days a week,” he told the outlet. “It’s just the most focused I’ve ever been.”

McCollum noted a number of songs on the record had already been written, beginning when he was just 15, but all it took was getting out of his comfort zone in a new environment for the album to flourish.

“I’m glowing when I’m there,” he said of the move to Manhattan.

“When I was in high school dreaming about being on a major label cutting records, you know, ‘It’s going to be in New York City and it’s gonna be ... like a movie. And, you know, I just decided to try and actually do that.”

McCollum recorded the album in a week at Power Station studio in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, joining the likes of Bon Jovi, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band, and more.

There, he teamed up with producer Frank Liddell, who notably crafted other country works from singers Miranda Lambert and David Nail.

“It sounds absolutely ridiculous when you say it out loud,” McCollum added. ”That’s a crazy way to do it, but I think it worked.”

Best known for his platinum hit “Burn It Down,” McCollum rose to fame with the release of his debut album “The Limestone Kid” in 2015.

He gained recognition within the Texas music scene and later Nashville’s industry, and followed with chart-toppers “Pretty Heart,” “To Be Loved By You,” and “Handle On You.”

In 2021, McCollum made his debut at the famed Grand Ole Opry, and the following year earned the Academy of Country Music Award for New Male Artist of the Year.

With nearly 70 songs across five studio albums, McCollum is looking to leave a lasting impression with fans through his most recent work.

“I got to a point where I was like, ‘I’ve got to go challenge myself again and go find that buzz again,’” he told Billboard in a separate interview.

“It felt like, ‘Just what are you made of? What are these years? Is this to ride off into the sunset now, or is this to go make your best record?”

McCollum’s new album is out June 27, and he is touring nationwide through November.