Reid Parsons "Lightbulb" Shines on New Album "Back to Back"

With the release of their debut album "Back to Back", Vermont singer-songwriter Reid Parsons (they/she) offers a final glimpse into the project with the luminous single "Lightbulb." Drawing from a rich musical background that spans classical composition, soul, jazz, and Americana, Parsons has steadily built a reputation as one of Vermont’s most distinctive voices. Raised in Moretown, VT and shaped by both academic studies and local venues like the Purple Moon Pub, their work balances sophistication with grounded, lived-in authenticity.

"Lightbulb" captures this balance beautifully. Written for someone who deflects attention on their birthday, the song is a quiet tribute to enduring affection and the joy of unassuming moments. Parsons paints a picture of a person who masks their hopeful nature with playful cynicism—someone who lights up a room without trying. The song’s lyrics and tone reflect that same understated brilliance, offering intimacy without sentimentality.

Musically, "Lightbulb" is a carefully layered composition. Its foundation—a subtle, hip-hop-inspired groove—is adorned with fingerpicked acoustic guitar, soft keys, warm bass, and drifting pedal steel. Cello lines and sparkling guitar motifs add depth, drawing influence from chamber pop while retaining a folk sensibility. Parsons describes the arrangement as “a little, delicate but ornately decorated music box,” and the metaphor holds: every element fits snugly, enhancing the whole without overwhelming it.

When it comes to the new album, "Back to Back", “Lightbulb” exemplifies the album’s broader themes—connection, subtle beauty, and emotional honesty. With previous singles showcasing bluesy defiance and breezy introspection (the title track), Parsons has crafted a debut that feels both diverse and cohesive. Recorded live to tape at Burlington’s Tank Recording Studio with engineer Ben Collette, the album promises a warm, organic sound to match its lyrical depth. If “Lightbulb” is any indication, "Back to Back" will be a record that glows steadily—built not on spectacle, but sincerity.