This week I sit down with Charlie Parr, a Minnesota original and a master of fingerstyle and slide guitar. He grew up in Austin, found his footing in Duluth, and has spent decades touring and recording. We keep the focus on creative process and do a full breakdown of “Cheap Wine,” including how its meaning shifts beside a short story he wrote.

If you care about songs that feel lived in, this conversation shows how a story becomes music: the choices, the dynamics, and the discipline behind it.

What you will hear:

• How place and early listening shaped Charlie’s voice, from his parents’ record stack to Duluth’s scene
• The creative choices behind “Cheap Wine,” and where the song and short story diverge
• Honest vs. confessional writing, plus revising to protect real people
• Playing live without a set list, reading the room, and pacing for different crowds
• Recording philosophies: rooms as instruments, portable tape rigs, and chasing atmosphere
• Working with a manager to protect writing time and keep the calendar sane
• The income reality of a career built on shows, with records and books supporting the work
• Mental health, gratitude, and the advice he would give his younger self

If the episode resonates, please share it with a friend and leave a quick rating. It helps the show reach more listeners who care about the craft of music.

Full show notes, links, & mentions

Interested in working with us on your next song?

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Connect with the Guest:

🔗 https://www.charlieparr.com/

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/charlie.parr/

Featured Song:

"Boombox" by Charlie Parr

🎧 Listen on Spotify

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"Cheap Wine" by Charlie Parr

👀 Check it out live at the end of our episode!

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⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

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🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠