“Mark writes the kinds of songs other writers wish they had written, a true talent.” - Shari Ulrich
“One of our finest.” - J.P.M. Vancouver Province
Mark Perry is a prolific songwriter from Northwestern British Columbia, with 7 albums to his credit. His 8th recording, “West”, will be released in September of 2011 and was recorded in Victoria BC with producer Joby Baker. It features fine West Coast musicians, Joby Baker, Steve Dawson, Tobin Frank, Rick May and even includes a special appearance by Alex Cuba.
In his early teens, Mark played in basement bands and at school dances and weddings. From weekend bands to hitting the road making a living in the bars, playing music became a major part of his life.
In 1990 Mark recorded “Dreams of the Highway” with a West Coast hero of his, Roy Forbes (Bim). Seven albums later, and having worked with numerous producers, Mark continues to write and record. “ I’ve worked with quality people over the years and I have good things to say about all of them. I’ve tried different combinations searching for the right fit. To me, music and song writing is like life’s journey, start writing and see how the story unfolds.”
Mark has played at festivals, coffee houses, theatres and bars across western Canada. He writes about hockey games on frozen lakes, plane crashes, bank robberies, towns dying, towns being born, laughs, tragedies and the people that come with them.
Success can be a funny word but if it means enjoying what you do then Mark is successful. “I have people come up to me and say how songs of mine have been a part of their lives. There are nights after a live gig where I am amazed at the connection that happens.”
Mark was born and still resides in Smithers BC with Jane, his wife of 25 years. Smithers is in the Bulkley Valley, surrounded by mountains with a river running through the heart of it, a source of inspiration for songwriters and artists in the area. For him, it’s the right place to be.
