What I’ve Been Listening To: Peni Parker

Sydney-based alt-rock artist Peni Parker‘s new single ‘Disrupt‘ is a two-and-a-half-minute power-packed, soul-stirring pop-rock anthem that oozes with Parker’s signature cutting lyricism and attitude.

Produced and mixed by Fletcher Mathews, the song opens with distorted, palm-muted guitars and Peni’s poignant vocals, building up to cascading choruses led by walls of guitars, dynamic drums, and punctuating bass. The song’s anthemic, uplifting chorus, in contrast to Parker’s sombre lyricism, creates infectious singable moments that tug at the heartstrings.

In the single, Peni channels the hurt and pain of 2022, expressing her emotions through a cathartic release in the bridge. ‘Disrupt’ is a reflection of Parker’s worth, reminding her that mental health is not just about being broken or fixed but a spectrum of in-between moments, a message that resonates with the listeners, and to celebrate the release of the single, Peni took the time out of her day to answer a couple questions for Eat This Music as part of our latest “What I’ve Been Listening To” series.

Who is PENI PARKER and how did the namesake come about?

I took my name from one of my favourite Spider-Man characters and I planned for the project to be an immersive universe you could dive into. I guess growing up I was always fixated on heroes to escape my own reality and I wanted to incorporate that, to help other people going through similar things. So, it’s not only a big visual inspiration but morally and sonically as well. If my song suits a fight scene or powerful anime intro, I know I’ve nailed it!

What artists or bands are on your must-listen to list lately and why?

I’m listening to a lot of different genres at the moment, it’s an odd mix but seems to also make sense if you listen to my music. Pale Waves, Nova Twins, Paledusk, Løren, Stray Kids and I’m always smashing My Chemical Romance. I enjoy most subgenres of rock, probably why I still don’t know what to call myself haha. I’m a fun mix of alt-rock, punk, and emo.

Which song of someone else’s (artist or band) would you have liked to feature on and why?

I was going to say any My Chemical Romance song, but then again, I wouldn’t want to ruin perfection. I’d like to collaborate with Fever333 one day, I love Jason’s lyricism and think I’d suit his big choruses.

When you go into the recording studio to work on new material, what are your must-haves?

All the snacks & plenty of caffeine, Fletcher also has an arcade machine set up in the studio, so I just played street fighter while he was editing, not necessarily a studio must-have but it was fabulous!

Which song, or songs, of yours would you recommend to a first-time listener and why?

‘Lady’ and the new single ‘Disrupt’, I think they sum up both sides of my work nicely. The aggressive, political takes, and then the more vulnerable track.

What led you into becoming a musician and why do you keep making music?

It’s always been escapism for me, a diary-like therapy. I have such a strong moral code that any bigotry sets me off and I needed a healthy way to channel it. Even as a kid, I was writing brutal lyrics about my family dynamic and how I didn’t understand religious leaders or politicians’ hateful actions. Unfortunately, that hasn’t stopped, so I just want to be another voice in the crowd to keep fighting.