Sparrow Blue

Sparrow Blue – “Don’t Tell Me Nothin'” (Single Review + Interview)

Sparrow Blue

Sparrow Blue Share Their New Single, “Don’t Tell Me Nothin'”

Edmonton, Alberta rockers Sparrow Blue have released their brand new single “Don’t Tell Me Nothin’,” along with a music video to accompany the release. They are also preparing for their biggest tour to date, the  “Outta The Nest Tour” kicking off August 3rd. 

“Don’t Tell Me Nothin’” is the first taste of what 6-piece rock band Sparrow Blue has been working on since the pandemic, a catchy, upbeat, foot-stomper bound to get audiences singing along. The band worked tirelessly on not only building their own studio, “The Blue Room”, but recording and producing their new tracks themselves, an example of their determination and strong nature to not let their circumstances define them.

Desmond Parks, lead singer of Sparrow Blue describes the song as the struggle of addiction and the overwhelming feeling that whatever you are addicted to is your friend, even though reality proves otherwise. The band turns this heavy topic into a battle cry of resurrection and rebirth. A rally for those struggling and coming to terms with change.

The accompanying music video was directed, produced, and filmed by Edmonton local, Ty Lindberg, giving fans an inside look into the band on the road. 

Review

“Don’t Tell Me Nothin'” is an electrifying rock anthem that brims with unapologetic attitude and unwavering determination.

The opening lines, “Don’t tell me to nothin’ I don’t wanna hear, Don’t tell me to come down I’m nowhere near,” establish the song’s mood from the start.

The chorus is a to-the-point, powerful mantra that encourages listeners to stand firm in their beliefs and convictions.

Musically, the track packs a mighty punch with its driving beat and explosive guitar riffs. The sheer power in the music mirrors the intensity of the lyrics, captivating listeners from the first note and leaving them feeling energized and empowered.

In essence, “Don’t Tell Me Nothin'” is a robust rock anthem that embraces individuality, fearlessness, and the refusal to be constrained by external forces.

Watch the video for “Don’t Tell Me Nothin'” below and learn more about Sparrow Blue via our 10-question interview.

First off, care to introduce Sparrow Blue to our readers?

Sparrow Blue was formed in St. Albert, AB, Canada with members Des Parks(vocals), Jon Dombroski (guitar), Liam Holm (drums), Russell McCann (percussion), Chad Plamondon (guitar), and Caden Doyle (bass). Inspired by the old-school roots of Rock & Roll, Sparrow Blue has developed their own classic sound coining the term Real Thick Rock & Roll. With influences such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, and Mountain, the band’s hard-rock music and high-energy performances are sure to bring fire to any stage. 

How did you choose your band name, Sparrow Blue? 

The band name came from a Lana Del Ray song entitled “Black Beauty”. The chorus of the song was stuck in our heads (..Oh what can I do..Nothing, my Sparrow Blue) so we decided just to roll with it!

You have unveiled your single, “Don’t Tell Me Nothin’.” Tell us a bit about the writing process behind the release. 

We were looking to write a real throwback to 70s rock-type tune with an original twist on it. The guitar riff came first followed by the rest of the instruments. Lyrics came last once the musical portion was created. 

If you had to describe the basis around “Don’t Tell Me Nothin’” in 5 words or less, what would you say? 

Attitude. A classic rock throwback. 

What’s your favourite thing about being a musician in Edmonton? 

The fans. Nothing tops the Edmonton crowds and we always make sure to give it 110% for them. 

Do you have any upcoming shows to tell us about? 

We have a full Canada-wide tour planned out starting on the August long weekend. Please see the dates below:

August 3 – Revelstoke, BC at The Last Drop Pub
August 4 – Vancouver, BC at The Roxy
August 5 – Vernon, BC at Marten Brewing
August 6 – Calgary, AB at Taste of Calgary
Aug 29 – Lloydminster – Cheers Live
Aug 30 – Winnipeg – Bulldog Events Centre
Aug 31 – Thunder Bay – Atmos
Sept 1 – North Bay – Raven & Republic
Sept 2 – Toronto -Supermarket Bar
Sept 3 – London – Richmond Tavern
Sept 7 – Montreal –  Piranha Bar
Sept 8 – Kingston – The Merchant Tap House
Sept 9 – Ottawa – Cafe Dekcuf
Sept 12 – Sault Ste Marie – SOO Blaster
Sept 14 – Regina – Revival Music Room
Sept 15 – Saskatoon – Capitol Music Club
Sept 16 – Edmonton – Starlite Room

What is a cover song you love to perform live?

We usually only stick to our original material. However, we have done some good versions of “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin, “Call Me The Breeze” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf

If you could work with one fellow Canadian band or artist, who would you choose? 

There’s so much talent in Canada’s musical landscape, past and present. We would love to get picked up by Monster Truck or The Sheepdogs for a tour though, our styles mesh with both ends of that retro-rock revival spectrum. We have yet to work with Monster Truck and we believe we would fit the bill with them perfectly. We’ve been lucky to share the stage with The Sheepdogs, but a full tour would be fantastic!

What is one song written by a Canadian that you love so much, you wish you wrote it? 

To only choose one song is near impossible as there are wayyy too many to choose from. However, “Tom Sawyer” by Rush comes to mind instantly. 

What else do you have up your sleeve for 2023?

You just never know what us Sparrows have up our sleeves, but “Don’t Tell Me Nothin'” is just the beginning of our next chapter, the band is hungry and intends to take no prisoners. Stay tuned into our socials for our upcoming show dates, music releases, and a peak into our lives both in and Outta The Nest!

Connect with Sparrow Blue:
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