Nice Guys Do Win...A Conversation Worth Remembering With Gary Pratt
Talking one on one with one of Country Music's newest male stars in the making!
Gary Pratt
Pittsburgh-based singer-songwriter, Gary Pratt is no stranger to the world of country music. He started his career fronting headlining club acts in the area before making his move to Nashville. While in Music City, Pratt performed at some of the top clubs and showcase venues in town. In addition to his shows at CMA Fest, the Tennessee State Fair, and the Rocky Gap Music Festival, Gary was invited to open shows for the likes of Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Crystal Gayle, Ronnie Milsap, and Dwight Yoakam, among others.
Following the release of two albums, 2008’s “Don’t Walk There In My Shadow” and 2018’s Christmas album, “Angels In the Snow,” Gary Pratt signed with MTS Records for the release of his full-length “Something Worth Remembering," which came out in March. The album features the first single, a song that went to #1 on the iTunes charts in South Africa, "A Song You Can Drink a Beer To." Gary spoke with us about his recent successes and much more in this exclusive interview...
Hi Gary! Obviously, 2020 was a very unusual year, and 2021 has started off in the same way. How did you find sanity and normalcy during COVID?
Most of my time was focused on getting my most recent project completed and ready for release. Deciding on the order of the songs, the artwork, and obtaining the mechanical rights for the songs I didn't write. I did a few virtual fund raisers for a few local organizations. I also concentrated on designing my new website and published it with the release of my first single and the album. I kept in contact with my fans through the internet and kept them posted on what was happening at the studio sessions and the progression of the project. I have been working on new material and setting up a new show for when we do get out there. Recently I have been doing interviews concerning my music and promoting the new album. All in all the new project and music has kept me busy and sane!
2. You had a pretty successful year on the music front. What was the highlight for you?
Actually my first highlight was getting Michael Stover and MTS to accept my project for the label and it' been all up hill and positive since then. I have had tons of interviews, magazine and newspaper articles and radio plays. Traveling to Nashville to record my song "To Find Us" as a duet with fellow label artist Savannah Nider was also a highlight. I must say the best highlight is finding out that there are still some good God believing people in this business and finding out how much my friends and fans support me in my music. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people around me, including everyone who helped get this project recorded and completed. I have met some amazing people.
3. Your single, "A Song You Can Drink a Beer To" is awesome. What inspired you to record that song?
This song was brought to me by my Producer- Bryan Cole through Sherrill Blackman. When I heard the song, I instantly knew i wanted to include it on the Album. It's a song everyone and anyone can relate to. It is a song people can sing along to. Everyone needs "A SONG YOU CAN DRINK A BEER TO" no matter what situation you are going through or emotion you may be feeling. It is a fun song. I felt it would be a great first single. After MTS heard the song, Michale Stover suggested it for the first single. Little did he know, I was thinking the same thing.
Congrats on several awards that you've been up for. What do industry awards mean to you?
It means rising to the next level. It's a confidence builder and a reward for all the hard work I have done over the years. I am grateful to be included in the nominations. To receive an award would mean I am finally being recognized as a true artist by music lovers, fans and peers. It would make my life and my music all worthwhile.
When are you planning to record a follow-up single or album?
I recorded the whole album before bringing it to MTS. It includes 6 songs that I wrote and 5 songs written by known writers in Nashville. It includes a song written by Grammy Nominee Tony Arata who wrote "The Dance" for Garth Brooks. The song and the title of the album is "SOMETHING WORTH REMEMBERING". I dedicated this album to the memory of my brother who passed away a few years ago. I am not sure what song will be the next single. There is plenty of life left in this album and I am ready for the ride.
Any plans on live performances? Where would you love to perform?
I have a few festivals and gigs starting to fill the schedule. I am looking forward to being with people/fans. One thing this pandemic has made me realize is the fact of how important and much I appreciate and love my fans. I would love to perform at the CMA fest. Years ago I sang on a stage where people were going into the large event and the energy was amazing. To perform at the CMA fest would be the ultimate.
Dream collaboration...who would that be and what kind of song would you sing?
Wow that's a hard question. There are so many writers and artists that I would love to do this with. I think, at this current moment, I'd love to write with Ashley McBride and sing a ballad duet .
If you could meet your favorite singer, who would that be, and what would you say to them?
I have met a few of my idols...sometimes I have been a little speehless. I'm always getting a new favorite. I love new artists, however I would love to meet Dolly Parton. She is an icon who continues to re-invent herself. She continues to help others in this world and that is to be respected. I would come out and tell her how much I enjoyed her Christian duet with Zack Williams and ask her if she would be interested in helping me to complete this new Christian song I am writing.
What are your favorite things to do, outside of music?
I love going to the beach. I like doing yard work and landscaping. I enjoy running my other business, which is a floral and event retail store. Most of all, I love spending time with my friends and family because that is the true treasure in life.
Any final words for our readers?
I want to thank everyone for liking my music. I can't do this without people who love and support me. Check out my new website www.garyprattmusic.com . My music is available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Itunes -- and all the music media sites. Check it all out start following me on all available sites!
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