A musical son of Bend is returning for a homecoming gig at one of his favorite venues. Former Bend resident Tyler Parsons, now of Seattle, is playing Aug. 16 at Silver Moon Brewing. The Source reached out to Parsons with questions through email.
Background
“I’ve been playing music for the greater part of 15 years, most of which was playing bass in Bend bands: Corner Gospel Explosion, Wilderness and The Roof Rabbits,” Parsons wrote. “The first band I gigged with was Corner Gospel Explosion, led by my brother, Brad. We played from 2014-2018 and it’s where I really cut my teeth as a musician.”
Sadly, the band took a huge hit when keyboardist Stephen Chase Mickel died after his car crashed on South Century Drive in June 2016. “My brother Brad, lead singer and drummer, and I kept the project alive as a loud, rambunctious two-piece until 2018. I did a lot of soul searching after we lost Chase. By 2018, it felt like it was time for a fresh start.”
According to Tyler, Chase’s brother, Hudson, is an active member of the Bend music community with jazz nights with Wolfe House Records and his own funk/hip-hop/rap fusion project, Mamasboy.
“Throughout my childhood, my family bounced between La Pine and Sunriver,” Tyler says. “I officially moved to Bend when I was 16. When I was 19, I moved to California for a year, then moved back home. In 2018, at age 24, I moved to Seattle. I’ve been in Seattle for almost seven years. I met my wife in 2019 and am happily married with three dogs. I love it here, so it’s likely going to be home as long as we can afford it.”
Current project — Media House
Parsons says that 1960’s surf rock has been a big part of his musical philosophy with Media House, his current project. “Brian Wilson’s take on pop music has been very influential in my journey. I find it interesting to fuse happy sounds with darker topics. Another big inspiration is Paul Simon – his lyrics are so bizarre at times and poignant. I learned to not be afraid of oddity thanks to his writing.”
Parsons started out playing bass but has since branched out to sing and play guitar. “I also dabble with electric drums and keys but consider myself a songwriter these days. As for Media House, “We’re surfy, we’re loud and we’re not shy about it. And, if you’re as A.D.D. as me, there’s plenty of melody being interwoven….we have three guitar players,” Parsons says.
“Creating a fun and welcoming environment at my shows is a major inspiration for me. My buddy Chase Mickel taught me in real time how to interact with people, leaving each person feeling seen and valued. He taught me so much through his actions and that’s something I try to carry on. Music creates an opportunity to engage with new people that share a mutual love for music — that in and of itself is inspirational.”
Parsons says he’s excited to return to Bend. “This return feels like a turning of a page and a moment to reflect on what got me to where I am today. I’m really excited to play Silver Moon again! I have so many great memories playing there.”
Sharing the bill is John Saint Just, a rock duo from Portland comprised of two other Bend music scene alums, John Has-Ellison and Keegan Leonburg. Also on hand are bend locals, the Wildland Blues Band.
& Wildland Blues Band
This article appears in Source Weekly July 31, 2025.
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