When Dana Halferty formed Parlours in 2010, she wasn’t even sure if it would actually be a band. But after a successful EP, Parlours music heard on TV and in film, several tours around the country and its first full-length album, “All is Here,” out this week, the band’s status is confirmed.
The origins of Parlours started when Halferty, 24, moved back to Iowa from Texas and began working on a batch of songs. She took them into the studio with friends Erik Knudtson (guitar) and Scott Yoshimura (bass) to help her perform the songs.
“The band kind of formed in the studio. We didn’t know what the intentions were or if we would be a band or not,” Halferty said. “People liked the EP, so we started playing live and realized ‘OK, this is working.’ ”
The music was working well. “I Dream of Chicago” was featured on the show “The Chicago Code,” closing out the final episode of the Fox TV series. “So Still” and “What’s Your Name” were used on the ABC Family series “The Lying Game.” “I Don’t Mind” is used in the film “Sassy Pants,” which is due out in December.
Parlours recently returned from a tour that saw them play in Denver, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles, among other locations. The band has had “All is Here” with them on tour, but Friday will be fans’ first chance to buy it in Des Moines.
There’s no overlap between material on “Parlours” and “All is Here.” Halferty and her bandmates went into making the record knowing that they were now an actual band, which changed how she approached the music.
While she had written every song on “Parlours,” with “All is Here” she collaborated with Steve Bergeron, the band’s violinist, keyboardist and newest member. They co-wrote one song, and Bergeron was the sole author of another.
“I think of Parlours as a band, and he’s in the band, so why not?” Halferty said of the new approach. “I feel Steve really challenges me as a songwriter. Having this lineup has definitely helped change the direction.”
After the Des Moines show the members of Parlours are taking a few weeks off, then heading to Texas for a week of shows. In October they’re planning two weeks on the East Coast, returning to cities they’ve hit before in the Southeast, and heading north for shows in places they’ve never played, like Pennsylvania and New York.
“It’s exciting, and a little nerve-wracking,” Halferty said of the new opportunities. “This touring is an important step for us. We have the music, we just need to get into peoples’ hands.”
Parlours CD release party
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St.
Cost: $5 in advance, $7 at the door.
Info: woolysdm.com
