Age no barrier to making your Marc

Dec 11 2008 by Graham Fraser, Hamilton Advertiser

TRY, try and try again: that seems to be the motto of Marc Evans.

The 32-year-old singer/songwriter originally grew up in the East End of Glasgow before moving to Bellshill, and now lives in Wishaw.

After a few unsuccessful stints with some bands in the West of Scotland, including Soma, Mark decided to go solo.

He said: “I was in bands in my early 20s, mostly as a lead guitarist, but it never really worked out.

“I then tried to set up a couple of bands over the past couple of years but I finally decided to go it alone after encouragement from friends and family.”

Marc’s first EP was produced in October from his home, before he had it mastered at Reeltime Music in Newarthill.

One of the tracks, Winter’s Tale, starts with a laid-back guitar and harmonica - creating a vision of dustbowl America - before Mark’s grainy voice comes in.

Drug Scene Beauty Queen is another fine work. The song brings back memories of Mad World by Tears for Fears, the sublime 80s track that featured powerfully on the soundtrack to Donnie Darko in 2001.

Marc commented: “I wrote that song years ago. When I was at school, there was a girl who was always at the top of the class but she then got into drugs and that was her demise.

“I wrote the song because her story stayed with me.”

Marc has so far performed at Pivo Pivo, Liquid Ship (both Glasgow) and Zico’s bar in Wishaw.

He is now looking forward to performing at the Renfrew Ferry on January 17.

He added: “It will be a brilliant opportunity for me to play in front of a bigger crowd.

“I enjoy playing in the pubs but this will give me a chance to test out some of my stuff to a wider audience.

“After every gig I have done so far I have been offered other gigs at the venues. I am pleased I’m moving forward.

“The feeling of playing live again is amazing, but it is a bit more nerve-racking now because I’m all on my own.”

Marc cites American performer Ryan Adams as his main influence and the reason he wants to be a singer/songwriter. Other acts that Marc appreciates include Neil Young, Paul Weller, Bob Dylan, Steve Marriott and The Beatles.

So what is next for the Marc? “I am not a man in my 20s any more, but I would still like to get my music out there to independent music producers.

“I love the buzz of gigging so that is what I am focussing on just now.”

For more information visit www.myspace.com/marcevans1976.