Cody Parks and the Dirty South

This article has been imported from chorus.fm for discussion. All of the forum rules still apply.

Recently I was able to connect with rock band Cody Parks and the Dirty South that is self-described as “Country Metal.” The band has toured extensively, and is ready for their moment in the spotlight. In this interview with lead vocalist Cody Parks, I asked him about where the band draws their influence from, five records he couldn’t live without, and the best parts of playing in a band. If you’re curious about this band, please consider checking out their merch store here.

Thanks for your time today, Cody! I saw that your band is described as “Country Metal” and it sounds really accurate based on the music I’ve heard…Where did this unique style originate from?

I was born and raised in Georgia. Thanks to my dad, I was primarily exposed to 70s and 80s hard rock and metal, but being a kid from a rural town and Georgia in the 90s, 90s country was very prevalent, along with classic country and southern rock. I grew up playing drums in rock and metal bands, but when I became interested in writing songs, I connected more with writing country songs. The story was more authentic to my life. I always thought I could tell “country” stories, but keep the music hard rock and metal sonically. I’ve always loved Def Leppard and their huge productions. You may not know it, but one of their songs might have twenty different guitar tracks or parts going at a time. I thought, if that part is played by a banjo, or that part is played by a steel, and you add me singing my story, couldn’t that be considered “Country Metal?”

What are some of the key bands you find inspiration from in your music?

In the music we make, I’d say most 80s metal or hard rock. Bands like Ratt, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Ozzy, etc…but mixed with thrashers like Pantera and Metallica, and maybe a little Alice In Chains. On the other side, I’d say Skynyrd, Bocephus, and Waylon. KISS is my favorite band and Alan Jackson is my favorite country artist/writer.

How would you describe the feeling of being in front of an audience and playing your unique brand of music live?

That’s the payoff. It’s really special when you go to markets you’ve never played, and people show up wearing your merch, knowing all of the words to your original songs.

What are 5 albums in your personal collection that you can’t live without?

Off the top of my head… Mötley Crüe’s Dr. Feelgood, Def Leppard’s Pyromania, Metallica’s Black Album, Ozzy’s No More Tears, and KISS Alive.

What is yours and the band’s plans for the rest of 2025 and beyond?

Makin’ records and hittin’ the road! Spreading the Country Metal gospel far and wide!

more

Not all embedded content is displayed here. You can view the original to see embedded videos and other embedded content.