Sabyn is the son of Randy Parton (Dolly Parton’s brother) who had lost touch with his dad for many years. Right before Randy fell in his health, they reconnected. Unfortunately, Randy passed away and after his memorial service, Sabyn wanted to pay a tribute to him in song. So with that in mind, he sampled some music of his dad’s and did a cool song called “9 to 5 to 9” featuring “9 to 5” by his famous aunt, Dolly Parton. Prior to that, Sabyn spent many years in LA directing and producing films, but now resides in Nashville.
While Sabyn may not be a recognizable name to the mainstream music scene or particularly the hip-hop scene, his award-winning film productions and his songs have been commissioned for various TV series throughout his career. He now brings us his uniquely crafted, heartfelt music on his debut EP ‘Halfway There’, available on all digital platforms on Friday, July 30. His roots run deep in Tennessee as you will hear when you click play on “9 to 5 to 9.”
Being the nephew of Dolly Parton, Sabyn was fortunate to have her blessing as she graciously lends her iconic “9 to 5” to the song in what is one hell of a cool sample! Recently, Sabyn reunited with his father, Randy Parton. As mentioned, he passed away earlier this year and Sabyn has experienced a whirlwind of emotions, which he has been able to channel creatively for his upcoming EP. His father was also a popular singer, writer, entertainer and devout dad. He also played guitar and bass in his sister’s band for many years before headlining his own show.
After his father’s memorial service, Sabyn felt compelled to commemorate his father through a musical tribute of his father’s song “Oh Tennessee.” He adds his style to the 3-song EP that features his father, his famous aunt Dolly and Johnny Berry and the Outliers remake of “Halfway to Louisville.” He has modernized, synthesized, revitalized the original classic.
Check out the iconic Dolly Parton’s thoughts on Sabyn’s work,
“Like his dad, my brother Randy, Sabyn has a great gift for music. And I’d like to think he gets a little of that from me. LOL!, Although I don’t rap, I am wrapped up in the idea and hopes of a bright music future for Sabyn. I am especially proud of his version of my “9 to 5” song “9 to 5 to 9.” “Oh, Tennessee pulled at my heartstrings because of Randy and Sabyn……I am very proud of and for Sabyn.”
Country Rap Artist - Sabyn
His EP, Halfway There drops July 30th, 2021
Artist Bio
Sabyn is a remarkable creative with roots in Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California. An award-winning filmmaker whose numerous productions have brought accolades for his Los Angeles-based production company Stay Fly LLC. Sabyn has deep Music City roots that ring even louder these days, in anticipation of his newest project.
This summer he plans to release his EP, Halfway There, which features his marvelous aunt and supporter, the icon Dolly Parton, as well as his late father, Randy Parton. Randy passed away early this year, but before he did, he and Sabyn were able to share in a musical collaboration that brought them closer together prior to his passing. Randy was an iconic singer, writer, entertainer and father who valued his family, hard work, and the arts. He played guitar, bass, and sang in his sister Dolly Parton’s band for many years, and Dolly describes their duet of ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ as a highlight of her career. Randy was loved and supported by many, and as Dolly says, “He will always be in our hearts.” To carry on in his family’s musical footsteps, while carving out his own path, is something Sabyn takes great pride and honor in doing.
Prior to this new project, Sabyn’s music was featured in Season Two of the MTV series “Buckwild,” as well as numerous seasons of the CMT juggernaut ‘Party Down South.” His single “It’s a Long, Dark Road,'' was featured in the 2010 film, AFTER, which Sabyn cast and produced himself. At the same time, Sabyn’s former duo released two albums, Trailer Park VIP (2013) and Barn Burner (2014).
Fast forward to 2021, Sabyn has announced the release of his debut EP Halfway There with sonaBLAST! Records, a thriving indie label based in Louisville, Kentucky.
After having just attended Randy’s memorial with his family, Sabyn felt very fortunate that he was able to commemorate his father with a tribute through music on his song “Oh Tennessee,” which is featured on Halfway There. Sabyn puts his music city roots on display with a remix of “Halfway to Louisville,'' by Johnny Berry and the Outliers, bringing new light to an iconic country classic. The third track on his EP is a modernized rendition of his aunt’s widely known song “9 to 5,” and Sabyn’s version, called “9 to 5 to 9,” is an ode to the people out there working their fingers to the bone. Halfway There, demonstrates Sabyn’s true artistic style, and is both musically and lyrically empowering for the hard-working, dedicated people of the world. Parton had this to say about her nephew’s musical endeavors:
“I am very proud of my nephew, Sabyn. Like his dad, my brother Randy, Sabyn has a great gift for music. And I'd like to think he gets a little of that from me. LOL! Although I don't rap, I'm wrapped up in the idea and hopes of a bright music future for Sabyn. I am especially proud of his version of my "9 to 5" song "9 to 5 to 9". "Oh, Tennessee" pulled at my heartstrings because of Randy and Sabyn. "Halfway To Louisville" is very well done as well. Like I said before, I am very proud of Sabyn.”
With EMMY-award-winning casting director Laray Mayfield as his mother, Sabyn had the unique privilege of growing up surrounded by some of the most visionary filmmakers of this generation.
His early love for the film industry transformed into a lifelong passion for cinematic storytelling, and this strong devotion carried over into his songwriting. No matter what he’s creating, his goal is simple: to provide his audience with innovative and strategic content that is fresh, cutting-edge, and rooted in the works of artists past. Sabyn continues to direct and produce with Stay Fly LLC, and he currently lives and works in Nashville, TN.
Oh Tennesse:
This is actually where it all started. In the years my father and I were estranged, I would look up clips of him from time to time. One clip in particular always struck a chord with me, and it was the one of him singing "Tennessee Born" written by his brother/my Uncle Floyd Parton. Flash forward many years when we finally connected. I knew I wanted to make something musically for he and I to share, and it seemed only natural to sample a portion of "Tennessee Born"; which turned into the song for my father you're hearing now: "Oh Tennessee".
9 to 5 to 9:
On the heels of "Oh Tennessee" my father was so blown away by what he heard, he suggested I do something similar with other family members songs. Well it was a no brainer to start with the Queen herself…Dolly.
Growing up an 80's baby, I was a fan of Dollys even before I knew she was my Aunt, as well as a huge fan of 9 to 5 the film, and of course the single.
So I thought, what better place to start with one of the most iconic songs of all time?! I knew it would be a challenge, but when it came to carrying the torch and continuing on with the narrative of the working persons struggle, that was something I had no doubts I could convey in an uplifting and move your body kinda way.
Halfway to Louisville (Sabyn Remix)
One thing about me that has always been true, is that I have many many types of artistic influences and tastes. While musically its easy to but me in the Hip Hop category, which I very much embrace, I've always wanted to expand beyond that label and venture into the realm of mixing genres you wouldn't normally think of. Working on this remix with Johnny Berry & The Outliers gave me an incredible opportunity to do just that, and put me in the position to meet Gil & Jaxon over at sonaBLAST! Records who are releasing my EP. I couldn't be more grateful fo this opportunity for the path the all put me on to hopefully fully realizemy potential as an Artist.
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