We didn’t come together in a boardroom. This band was born in dive bars and late nights, and was transformed through heartbreak, rebirth, and the belief that music could be both a celebration and a calling.

I started this whole thing back in 2004 under the name Psychward - yeah, it was a different vibe back then. But as time passed, the music grew deeper, more honest, and more tied to who we really were. In 2009, we became Matt Parker & the Deacons - not because I wanted my name in lights, but because we wanted people to feel the spirit behind what we do. We’re all Christians. And just like deacons serve their community, we’re here to serve through music.

These days, we’ve got four vocalists on stage - myself, Jeremy, Kelly, and Mark - and I’ll tell you, the harmonies hit different. If you’ve seen us live lately, you know we don’t use backing tracks or auto-tune. It’s real. Organic. Emotional. And no two shows are the same. We build every setlist on the fly, feeling the room and feeding off the energy of the crowd. You’ll never get the same show twice.

Jeremy’s been holding it down on drums for over a decade. Kelly and Mark are new to the crew, but it’s like they’ve always been part of the family. I mean that literally - we hang with our spouses and kids, break bread together, catch shows when we can, and talk music nonstop. This isn’t just a band. It’s a bond.

People tell me my voice reminds them of Rob Thomas. I take that as a compliment. But when I’m on guitar, I’m channeling Hendrix, Stevie Ray, and Randy Rhoads. And with Kelly and Mark in the mix? Our sound has hints of Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, even some Tedeschi Trucks Band vibes.

One of my favorite memories? Our first show with Mark. No rehearsal. We hadn’t even met in person. He just showed up, nailed the originals and covers, and elevated the entire band. We knew immediately - he was meant to be here.

We were nominated at the Carolina Music Awards for Best Rock/Country Band and Best Music Video. I’ve had the honor of playing places like CBGB’s and House of Blues. But honestly? The real reward is knowing we’re making music that means something to you.

Right now, I’m deep in the writing zone for our next album - and we want you in on it. Got a song you love? Tell us. We pull 6-7 fan-requested songs for every set. Drop a comment, send a message, shout it from the crowd. We’ll hear you.

Thanks for riding with us.
-Matt
Matt Parker & the Deacons