SOLO artist Mark Pratt has taken his hit live show into the studio for his long-awaited debut release. He tells KARL STEEL why everything has been building up to this moment

READ MORE: Mark Pratt's self-titled debut album reviewed

STEALING the show has become a bit of a habit for singer-songwriter Mark Pratt.

Whether it's a festival appearance, an acoustic showcase night or a support slot with a better-known name, it's usually the self-styled Barrow bluesman that leaves the biggest impression.

Until now though, the only thing he's been lacking is something for his new fans to take home with them.

"I guess the album has been almost 10 years in the making," says the Leeds-based performer.

"If you take into account how long I have been writing and performing as a solo artist, I feel it has all been leading to this moment, where I can release something I am happy with - which I have to say is an immensely proud, if not slightly scary moment."

One of the things that has put him off releasing anything official before now has been the struggle to capture his blinding live show in the surrounds of a studio.

"I have always seen myself as more of a live act, often unprepared at best, and that is something that gets turned straight on its head when you walk into that kind of environment.

"I had recorded other sessions and odd songs in the past but it was the first time I had ever tried to record something as solid and as serious as an album.

"I love playing live - it is a bit like therapy for me and I try to give myself to the music and the songs every time I play.

"The actual feedback from my gigs has always been very positive, thankfully, and there is no way I could be here today with an actual record in my hands if that had not been the case.

"I’m not necessarily the most confident person in the world and it isn’t always easy to go and bare your soul to a room full of people - or even an empty room as sometimes has been the case. If it had not been for the kind words of praise and encouragement from friends and strangers over the years I would never have been able got to this point and I want to thank everyone for all their support over the years and I hope it continues.

"The challenge certainly was trying to recreate that energy on the album, and this is why I wanted to record it live. That has its drawbacks, as any musician will tell you, but I feel it was the best way of staying true to myself as performer, warts and all."

The result is a self-titled effort, 12 songs long and encompassing all his major influences, from the Delta blues founding fathers to the more modern indie and rock acts that dabble with the genre.

Booked into the studio for just one weekend in January, it was a titanic effort to get everything done and dusted there and then. But with everyone behind the scenes also pulling in the same direction, Mark is confident he's come out with something that represents him and his finely-honed, somewhat unique sound.

He continues: "The recording process was actually more pressured and tiring than I had expected and I think in hindsight I probably wouldn’t try and record a whole album in one weekend again, but I feel I have always put myself up against it in some way as a performer, so the process certainly stayed true to that.

"I always said that if I was to ever be able to record my first album, it would have to be as true to me and how I sound as possible, and I think we just about managed that.

"Despite the recording process being fairly short, the process to get it to this point where people can buy a physical copies has been a long wait for me, and a long period of work for others, so to have the finished product in my hands is a wonderful feeling of both joy and relief."

For the past decade, he's been writing his own songs and impressing hometown crowds. In more recent years, he's also been winning over audiences with his city gigs, particularly in places like Manchester and his new home in Leeds.


Mark Pratt The support he's received back in Barrow has been one of the biggest motivating factors in his journey to hopefully becoming a full-time professional musician - and it is fitting that he will launch the record by playing it start to finish with a show at his local haunt, The Drawing Room.

"The opinion of the people in my hometown has always been the one I value most, so obviously I hope people like it, even though it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

"I just hope that it sells enough for the label to get enough money back to let me make another one as this has always been my dream and I am hoping I get to go on and obtain some sort of career for myself out of this.

"It becomes a lot easier to sell yourself to potential promoters when you have got something professional for them to listen to, and I am hoping it opens the door to different gigs and opportunities.

"One thing I have to say quite shamelessly is that without the support from people in the area this would not have been at all possible, and now it is finally here, the more people who buy it, the more chance I have of being able to make a success out of this and forge a career. So I would just like to ask everyone in the area to get on board, as it really does mean the world to me and this really is my life-long goal being realised.

"I would like to pay special thanks to Mike at Ajar Records as none of this would be happening if it was not for him, and also the coolest cat in Barrow town, Robbie Gallagher, for his fantastic album artwork and for his constant support and words of encouragement throughout the whole process alongside the rest of my friends.

"I'm also dedicating this album to my family and especially my grandma and auntie Cathy who I wish more than anything could be here for this day.

"I will always be doing this whether it is in my living room or an auditorium, and I have been lucky enough to pursue it to this and I just hope that continues as I feel I am always improving."

Mark Pratt launches his debut album with a live show at The Drawing Room, in Barrow, on Friday March 17, from 8pm. Entrance is free.

The album is available through Ajar Records, and can be purchased via markpratt.bandcamp.com

You can also hear him appearing live on Twang! Radio on Thursday March 16, from 8pm, on CandoFM 106.3 .