Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, rising alt-rock artist Wes Parker has delighted fans with his new single, "Bad Doggie" and the accompanying visualizer, the first release since his 2025 EP 'fantom' (via Big Machine Rock). Built around an easy-rolling groove and catchy, distorted guitar hooks, "Bad Doggie" showcases Parker's innate knack for blending indie rock attitude with a clever yet mischievous streak of humor. When asked about the inspiration behind the track, Parker shared:
"'Bad Doggie' is an upbeat tune about what it feels like to be someone’s… bad doggie! About someone knowing your unruly, troublemaking nature will never change and loving you anyway, forever.”
Stream "Bad Doggie" here, and watch the official visualizer below.
Following the release of "Bad Doggie", Parker will soon bring the track's guitar-driven energy on the road across the US starting next week, launching a tour with singer-songwriter Liz Cooper on Wednesday, March 18. Shortly thereafter, he'll begin his headlining tour in April, followed by a run alongside indie-folk juggernaut Shakey Graves in June. Be sure to get your tickets at the link here before it's too late, and stay tuned for more Wes Parker news coming soon.
Wes Parker Upcoming Tour Dates:
Mar 18 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar*
Mar 19 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah*
Mar 20 - Los Angeles, CA @ Moroccan Lounge*
Mar 21 - Felton, CA @ Felton Music Hall*
Mar 22 - Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone*
Mar 23 - Healdsburg, CA @ Little Saint*
Mar 25 - Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern*
Mar 26 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios*
Mar 28 - Boise, ID @ Treeport Music Festival*
Mar 30 - Denver, CO @ Globe Hall*
Mar 31 - Fort Collins, CO @ Armory*
Apr 23 - Durham, NC @ The Pinhook
Apr 24 - Charleston, SC @ Stu Fest
Apr 25 - Asheville, NC @ Static Age
Apr 26 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
Apr 28 - Chattanooga, TN @ Cherry Street Tavern
Apr 29 - Nashville, TN @ The Basement
May 1 - Newport, KY @ Southgate House Revival
May 2 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
May 3 - Detroit, MI @ Lager House
May 4 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
May 6 - Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe
May 8 - Washington, DC @ Songbyrd
May 9 - Philadelphia, PA @ Ortlieb's Lounge
May 10 - New London, CT @ Garde Arts Center
May 12 - New York, NY @ Night Club 101
Jun 4 - Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom^
Jun 5 - Kansas City, MO @ The Truman^
Jun 6 - Rockford, IL @ Coronado Performing Arts Center^
Jun 8 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre^
Jun 10 - King of Prussia, PA @ Concerts Under the Stars^
* Supporting Liz Cooper
^ Supporting Shakey Graves
About Wes Parker
For Wes Parker, sounds interlock like puzzle pieces. A ruddy guitar riff might click next to a broken piano melody, or a hauntingly angelic vocal could mesh just right with an off-kilter chord progression and D.I.Y. beat. All of these elements fit together in order to paint the personal portrait depicted in his music. It’s almost like he’s a mad scientist in his home studio, architecting poetically primal alternative rock that could’ve appeared in the MTV Buzz Bin back in the day or would make for a fiery sunset set at Coachella. The Richmond native grew up as the youngest of four kids with two older brothers and a sister. Mom bought a copy of Green Day’s American Idiot from PACSUN for him, and it proved life-changing. He honed his skills as a songwriter and producer and also devoured classics from the likes of Muse, Radiohead, and more. He dropped out of college after one semester and co-founded the band Camp Howard alongside a cohort of childhood friends. The band saw some success on DSPs and the road, touring with everyone from Stone Temple Pilots to Backseat Lovers. Though the group eventually parted ways, Wes continued to write and record on his own. After quitting a day job, he dropped his first solo single “Why Won't You Pick Up The Phone?” in February 2024 followed by “Annie Moore” and “Tattoo.” Gaining momentum, he ignited 2025 with the Splinter EP applauded by VPM and more. Signing to Big Machine Rock in 2025, he emerges as just the alchemist rock music needs with his fantom EP, presenting an arresting perspective on the devil’s downfall over a cinematic soundscape threaded together by eerie piano, glitchy beats, off-kilter guitar, and transfixing vocal transmissions.