Parker McCollum clocked in for a special “shift” at Raising Cane’s in Austin, Texas on Thursday, June 12, where he surprised fans by previewing new music ahead of his upcoming self-titled fifth studio album, PARKER MCCOLLUM, set to release on June 27. While there, he handed out Box Combos from the drive-thru and front counter, and even snapped selfies with customers.
Parker McCollum And Raising Cane’s Celebrating 20 Years
The 33-year-old country superstar and Texas native was on hand to celebrate both two decades of his music career and Raising Cane’s 20th anniversary in the Lone Star State.
“It’s really cool that I’ve been singing for 20 years and that Cane’s has been in Texas for 20 years. In high school, I always wondered if I’d make it to this point, so I stand on stage now, and it’s just so crazy to be here,” McCollum shared during the event. “We started out driving a Chevy pick-up truck to stadium tours, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it!”
Talks New Music And Previews Three Unreleased New Songs
During his visit to the Austin Raising Cane’s, Parker McCollum opened up about his new music and treated fans to an exclusive sneak peek of his upcoming album, previewing three unreleased tracks.
“I’m very self-reflective and super honest with myself, and I try not to do anything inauthentic. I let it rip when I’m in the studio and try not to worry about things, but I was out of ideas for a while and this album became one of the best I’ve ever done,” McCollum said, describing the making of his new album. “I wanted to feel the buzz of making music, and this album made me feel that again. The whole process was grueling, we recorded over the course of seven days in NYC, and it reminded me why I love making music. As a songwriter, that’s the greatest feeling, especially after wondering if I had lost that buzz. This album is the best that it’s ever going to get for me.”
McCollum continued, “I’m excited to get this album out. We recorded it in October, and I’m ready for people to hear it. I want them to listen to it top to bottom and really take it in. It’s interesting because this is the first album that I don’t really care if people like it or not because I love it so much. I want them to like it, but I’m totally OK if they aren’t connected to it because this album represents so much for me.”
Opens Up About Becoming A Father To Son Major
Music aside, Parker McCollum also recently became a father to his son, Major Yancey McCollum. During his appearance at the Texas-based restaurant, he beamed about his new role as dad.
“Wild. Becoming a dad has been wild and the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Being dad, the first six months I was like I don’t know about this. Pretty wild, pretty life-changing, but it’s been the best thing ever,” McCollum admitted. “I mean, he’s just the cutest damn thing I’ve ever seen in my life, and he lights up when I walk in the room. The only thing he can say is ‘Dada,’ which is crazy because his mother [Hallie Ray Light McCollum] has done absolutely everything for him since he’s been born, because I’ve been gone so much. My son’s first word was ‘Dada’ and I kinda feel bad about it, but at the same time, I love it.”
Longtime Partner Of Raising Cane’s
Parker McCollum has been a longtime partner of Raising Cane’s. The “Burn It Down” hitmaker is a longtime fan of Raising Cane’s and close friend of founder Todd Graves. Parker McCollum has proudly repped the brand on stage, including at the PBR World Finals with Kid Rock. Raising Cane’s became an official sponsor of his 2024 “Burn It Down Tour” and continues through 2025. From working a shift at his hometown Cane’s in Conroe to starring in fun campaigns, McCollum’s partnership runs deep. The brand is also promoting his upcoming album in over 200 Texas locations with in-store marketing.
“I’ve been eating Cane’s since I was in high school, and everything I did with my team and friends was always catered by Cane’s. I always ordered a Box Combo with no slaw and have been hooked ever since,” McCollum gushed. “When Todd came to me and asked to partner, it was an immediate ‘yes.’ Todd’s career is similar to mine, where we were small and then blew up, but Todd never became out of touch with the Customers and their needs. We also really believe in taking care of the people we work with.”
Graves added, “Texas has been great to us, and I’m so glad Parker came out to our Restaurant to celebrate 20 years of Cane’s in Texas and the launch of his new album. Parker is a talented musician and great friend, and it’s been amazing watching the growth in his career and personal life as he became a father. “We share many of the same values and have similar stories, so we always have a good time together. I’m looking forward to hearing his new album and getting together with Parker and Hallie again soon.”
Dream Collaborations
While McCollum and Raising Cane’s partnership is a dream come true, the chart-topping singer/songwriter also revealed several dream duet partners. “My dream collabs would be with Taylor Swift, George Strait, Dolly Parton, Ryan Bingham, the list goes on,” McCollum said with a smile.
Parker McCollum’s Self-Titled fifth studio album is available to pre-save/preorder now HERE.
