PREMIERE: Parson James – “Temple”

Ever since we premiered his first solo song, “Sinner Like You,” back in July, we’ve been keeping an eye on Parson James. Certainly the 24-year-old’s story up till this point is fascinating: a bi-racial kid born to a teenage mom and an absentee father, James also came out in his teens, but the singer’s real strength and selling point are his bold pop melodies and the stirring crack in his soulful delivery. And of course, the way he weaves his experiences into his lyrics.

Most recently James popped into The Late Late Show with James Corden where he performed the huge, huge hit, “Stole the Show” with Kygo (274 million plus streams!), and above is the premiere of his newest tune “Temple.” A rousing gospel-tinged pop number—which explores the criticism and feelings of isolation growing up as an outsider in a small town—it’s another teaser of what we can expect from his debut full-length, which he’s currently hard at work on.

“Temple” is out today via RCA or stream it on Spotify.