Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jalen Parker

Jalen Parker is embarking on a new era in his career. The Hollywood quadruple threat, whose credits include the TV series Dance Moms, has learned a lot throughout the years. The actor, dancer, producer, and singer has taken those lessons and channeled them into his new EP, Era. Pop Culturalist recently caught up with Jalen to chat about the collection.

PC: You act, dance, produce, and sing. How did you discover your passion for each? Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Jalen: I gravitate towards performing. Performing combines it all: producing, acting, singing, and dancing. I discovered my passion for my craft at a very early age. It was just something I truly enjoyed doing since I was a little kid.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jalen: God definitely has had the biggest influence in my career. He’s showed me what I’m capable of, and he’s showed me that I can handle anything with him by my side.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that sticks out?
Jalen: There isn’t really a particular moment that sticks out to me specifically. I just genuinely love learning from people in the industry. I’ve learned so much, personally, from different people in the industry that’s helped improve my mentality in the industry.

PC: You have a new EP out now. Tell us about Era and what inspired the collection.
Jalen: My EP, Era, is about trial and error and learning from your mistakes as an individual. Each song tells a specific story about a situation in my life. I put the songs in a specific order. My EP, Era, is out and available everywhere.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from one of your mistakes?
Jalen: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my mistakes would be to stop assuming everyone is your friend and has your best interest at heart. Just because people claim they’re down for you, doesn’t mean they are.

PC: If you had to pick one song off Era that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Jalen: The song that encompasses me as an artist would probably be the title song, “Era.” “Era” is about coming to terms with reality, learning that you made a mistake, and reassuring that person you hurt that you’ve changed and have learned from your mistake.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jalen: The Haunting of Hill House

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jalen: Home

PC: Favorite book?
Jalen: I don’t really have a favorite book. There are so many great books out there.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jalen: Linkin Park

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Jalen: Stranger Things

PC: Hidden talent?
Jalen: I can draw a little bit.

To keep up with Jalen, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up or stream Era on Amazon Music, iTunes, or Spotify.