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John Parker II, a pastor at Charlotte’s Eastside Church, released his debut album, No One Like You in February.

Charlotte recording artist John Parker II released his first full length Christian album No One Like You on February 22 via his independent record label Shadow1 Records. The 15-track album is a follow-up to 2018’s The Wash Me Over EP. It is available to stream or download on multiple platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

The album represents a darker time in Parker’s life as he struggled with internal conflicts. It was during these dark moments — when shame and disappointment crept in — that he looked toward the church. He turned his attention to authenticating his relationship with God and his faith.

No One Like You not only represents a significant time in Parker’s life, but also serves to help others see though their own dark times.

“I think people should be encouraged that when disappointing things happen in life, it’s not a period. It's not over,” he said. “There’s life after that experience, event, or disappointment. There are dreams after that. I hope people walk away inspired to find the hope after disappointment.”

In addition to recording, Parker is a songwriter, and associate pastor. His music shifts the creative landscape in the Charlotte area, combining influences like Christian contemporary and hip-hop. He attempts to create positive music that embodies the city’s diverse cultures.

Parker was born in Monroe to a family of talented singers, that includes his grandmother, who was a member of a traveling southern gospel quartet. Since then, Parker continues to be influenced by his faith and is always drawn back to the gospel music of his roots.

“That was the channel that was opened first so that was where my heart fell first,” he said. “It was always more natural to me and even as I explored different types of music, I always landed back at gospel because that was what was most authentic.”

Parker attributes his greatest accomplishments to his relationship with Jesus. He seeks to spread the call of God to others through his music, in hopes that it will bring generations together.

Parker is also a pastor at Eastside Church in Charlotte. He travels the area teaching and leading worship at conferences, youth camps, retreats and revivals.

“What got me into traveling for events was having a broad network of friends,” he said. “I’m always trying to be a connector of people and meet new people.”

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