Behind the Music of Tony Parker NESC - about me

Who Is Tony Parker NESC?

People often ask where the name Tony Parker NESC came from, or how I ended up creating concept albums about Antarctic explorers one year and atmospheric instrumentals the next.

The truth is, there was never a master plan.

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. In the 1980s, I played a little bass in a Christchurch band, and although life eventually took me in different directions, I never stopped writing. Most of the songs were never meant for anyone else. They were simply ideas, melodies and stories that stayed with me.

Everything changed after hearing Dr Wayne Dyer speak in Auckland. One sentence stayed with me:

"Don't die with your music still in you."

A few days later he passed away.

His words became the reason I finally began sharing my music.

Today I don't think of myself as writing in one particular style. Every project begins with a story, a place or an idea that refuses to let go. Sometimes that becomes a single song. Sometimes an instrumental. Sometimes it grows into a concept album that takes months, or even years, to complete.

Recent projects such as ENDURANCE: The Shackleton Odyssey and Life in the Sub-Antarctic: Campbell Island – The Weather Station Years reflect my love of history, storytelling and creating music that invites listeners into another world. The next project might be completely different, and that's part of the journey.

As for NESC, the name goes back to my school days. My brother and I played in a band and, inspired by the mysterious symbols on Led Zeppelin albums, we created one of our own. Years later, when I discovered there were a lot of Tony Parkers releasing music, I brought NESC back as part of my artist name. It has stayed with me ever since.

At the heart of it all is curiosity.

I still believe the best music begins with a question rather than an answer.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy exploring the stories behind the music.

Tony Parker NESC

Thanks and Enjoy,