Cover photo by: Brittany Hernandez
Nashville’s newest rock band, The Criticals, just stepped onto the ‘touring band’ scene. Formed by Parker Forbes and Cole Shugart in 2019, the band has already reached multitudes of success with their songs, “Treat Ya Better” and “High Life Clinic”.
We had the opportunity to get a glimpse into their start and new life as a touring band. Forbes and Shugart invited us to sit down with them at their show in the small but forgiving town of Bowling Green, Kentucky.
What were your major influences growing up vs. now?
Shugart: Ultimately Parker and I had parents that had very good music collections and we grew up in the era of iTunes so our records are all over the place. The record that really brought Parker and I together was The Stone Roses’ self-titled album.
Forbes: I used to go to the library in Nashville and check out as many CDs as they’d let me. It would go from hip-hop to pop to rock to country, I loved it all honestly.
What was the first concert you went to?
Shugart: Mine was James Taylor at Starwood when I was 3. It was an amphitheater that used to exist in Nashville.
Forbes: Mine was in Memphis and I saw Justin Timberlake and Timbaland in 2006.
If you could go to any concert, which one would it be?
Shugart: Plant and Page, I would love a Led Zeppelin reunion.
Forbes: Elton John, he’s probably my favorite artist ever.
Desert island bands?
Shugart: Jane’s Addiction, David Grey, and U2, that’s a big catalog.
Forbes: Elton John, LCD Soundsystem, The Beatles.
Shugart: (laughing) Wait, I change mine from U2 to The Beatles, that’s a pretty good one.
Can you explain a little about tour life and how it’s been for you guys on the road?
Forbes: We’re finally just starting to do it. We thought when we were 18 we’d be doing it right out of high school. It gets tiring sometimes but we’re all best friends so that’s very nice and we always hang out with each other in Nashville when we’re not doing stuff so it’s not a business transaction when we go on tour. It comes down to the experience of all of it.
Shugart: I’ve had a pretty good time honestly, no complaints.
Forbes: At the end of the day, you’re out there to play shows and spend time with people.
Any favorite cities that you’ve played in?
Both: New York, baby!
Shugart: Yeah that was a pretty surreal moment for us.
What are some artists that you would want to work with in the future? Music-wise? Tour wise?
Shugart: The dream producer for me is obviously Rick Ruben and probably Mark Ronson. As far as other artists, I would love to do a feature with Lil Yachty or Playboi Carti or someone like that. Like a disco track with Travis Scott or something would be sick.
What is the progression of your band?
Forbes: We played in a bunch of different bands together and we practically grew up together. I’ve known him (Shugart) for over half my life.
Shugart: We met at a camp called ‘Kids on Stage’ in Franklin, TN when we were 11.
Forbes: I originally started out as a drummer, I didn’t start singing until I was 15 or 16. After going to school in LA for two years, I decided my goal when I got home was to start a kick-ass rock band. I hadn’t spoken to him (Shugart) in a while so I hit him up and we began playing together again.
How did you come up with the band name?
Forbes: I was watching tv late at night and a Life Alert commercial came up with the flashing words critical, critical, critical. And I worked with that.
What does your songwriting process look like?
Both: It’s different every single time.
Forbes: We’ve had songs where we sit and record it all in one day and others we’ve worked on tirelessly.
Shugart: Sometimes the idea happens and it takes a while for the rest of it to come together.
Forbes: Like with (the song) “1952”.
Shugart: Yeah that was originally two songs that we framed inside together.
Final Thoughts
Nashville has been long overdue for a solid rock band, and The Criticals are more than anyone could have hoped for. Their music takes you back to a generation that younger rock fans wished they lived through.
They have perfected the craft of mystery, sex, drugs, and rock & roll. Each song leaves you with a craving for more of the sound they have created.
When it comes to a live performance they are nothing short of entertaining. With a timeless edge and alluring energy, The Criticals are bringing back rock one gig at a time.
You can stream The Criticals on all streaming platforms as well as follow them on Instagram to stay up to date with their music and upcoming shows.
Authors: Jenna McGuff and Brittany Hernandez
Hypnotic Bolt 