Exclusive chat with Tim Parr who has a new album out Malachi’s Dream

Malachi’s Dream is the long-awaited new EP from legendary South African singer-songwriter Tim Parr, celebrated founder of seminal bands Baxtop, Ella Mental, and Zap Dragons.

This evocative collection reasserts Parr’s enduring relevance and creative vitality in the South African music scene, blending poignant lyricism with bold sonic textures.

True to his roots, Parr weaves introspection and social commentary through five standout tracks.

The title song, Malachi’s Dream, is a lush, soaring piece that nods to the atmospheric style of Noel Gallagher’s ‘High Flying Birds’. Green World offers a vibrant psych-pop reflection on climate change, both urgent and whimsical. Two Sides (Of the Same Coin) delivers Beatles-esque charm – scruffy, melodic, and instantly memorable. And with You Light Me a Light, a raw, emotionally charged tribute to James Phillips, Parr bares his soul in one of his most affecting performances to date.

With Malachi’s Dream, Tim Parr not only honours his storied past but forges confidently ahead, offering his strongest material since his acclaimed solo album Still Standing.

Link to listen:

What is your purpose?

My purpose is to tell stories and spread harmony through words and music.

What does music mean to you?

Music is a universal language that transcends borders and has the potential to create harmony.

My music is about…

Life and death,
love and hate, loss and gain,
dealing with pain, letting go,
embracing change,
rejection, bad choices,
inner healing, self-acceptance,
and a myriad of emotions and feelings that music can bring to the surface.

What is your motto?

Every day in every way, it’s getting better and better.

Fame is about…

Recognition and acknowledgement of a God-given talent and a platform that should be used to help those less fortunate.

Retirement will happen…

When I leave this world.

I don’t do…

Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes.

I would love to co-write with…

Norah Jones, Sting.

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

Inspiration comes from inside.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Letting go of trying to play the music and allowing the music to play me.

The song you must do during every show?

Peace Is Not the Absence of War.

Any funny moments on stage?

I tripped on my guitar cable, fell backwards, and got my head stuck in a wire mannequin prop.

My heroes are…

Nelson Mandela, Sting, and Mrs. Mac.

My style icon is…

David Bowie.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

I admire Keanu Reeves because although extremely successful, he has remained humble and caring about others.

What is your most treasured possession?

I treasure my amazing children above all else—and then my guitar.

It’s your round; what are you drinking?

Usually Appletiser or water.

Dream gig to do?

Glastonbury.

What makes you stand out?

My guitar style and songwriting.

Any nicknames?

Slim, Timo.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I would write a book, and if it was successful, start a sanctuary for strays.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Honest, loyal, tenacious, loving, kind.

Five must-have songs on your Spotify playlist:

  • Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones
  • Ring Them Bells – Bob Dylan
  • Times Like These – Foo Fighters
  • Imagine – John Lennon
  • Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

Greatest movie ever made?

Diva.

What book are you reading?

Hearing God by Lory Basham Jones.

What song changed your life?

Machine Gun by Jimi Hendrix.

Who do you love?

I love God,
I love my children,
I love my partner,
I love my family.

What is your favorite word?

Indeed.

Top of your bucket list?

I would love to visit Japan.

Your greatest achievement?

My incredible children.

What do you complain about most often?

Cleaning up after others.

What is your biggest fear?

Fear of heights.

Happiness is…

Good company, good food, and a guitar jam around the fire.

On stage, I tend to…

Let go, empty myself, and hand over to the music.

The best life lesson you’ve learned?

To always be grateful for what I have and to stay grounded.

What has been your favorite journey so far?

My journey to sobriety.

Do you do charity work, and if you do—what do you do?

I’ve done music workshops with street kids for the Lalela Project and occasionally performed concerts to raise money for animal welfare.

Wishes and dreams?

I wish to keep creating music, travel the world, and see my grandchildren grow up healthy and strong.
I dream of traveling the world and playing my music.


YouTube Links


Social Media Links

Twitter
@timparr6

Instagram
instagram.com/timm_parr

Facebook
facebook.com/tim.parr.520


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