Interview with Music Artist “Gary Pratt”
Q: Hi Gary! How have things been going since the release of your album, “Something Worth Remembering?”
It’s been a whirlwind. I am so excited that people are hearing my music and liking it. I recently won US Songwriter of the Year with The International Singer Songwriter’s Association. It’s all because of this album and the promotion with MTS Records. What an honor. This validates my music and my songwriting ability. I am so blessed to be doing interviews all over the world. I have been featured on many radio stations. One, in particular, has had my first release “A Song You Can Drink A Beer To” on rotation for about 4 months I have to thank Buck McCoy and the Staff at WNHE in Nashville! It’s an unbelievable ride that I am enjoying to the max.
Q: You’ve had quite a ride with the first single doing very well on the charts. What has been the most thrilling thing that’s happened to you in the past year?
It would definitly be winning the ISSA Award. Since I was a kid, I always wanted to get a music award, go up on that stage, and thank those who helped me get that far in my music journey. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, a live award show was not possible. The event was done all virtual. I was actually sitting in the mall (waiting for an item to be finished at…. can you believe it…. a store called “Things Remembered”) … watching the show on my phone. When they announced my name, I could not believe it! It felt like the world stopped for a second. What a feeling. I sat there filled gratitude, feeling overwhelmed with emotions and thankfulness as a tear rolled down my face. What an extraordinary feeling. Then I thanked the lord for this gift.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not making music?
I own a retail floral shop which keeps me extremely busy. I feel it’s very important to make time for my family. I like to spend quality time with them and my friends. I also enjoy doing yard work and helping with community events. The one thing I look forward to is escaping to the beach once or twice a year!
Q: You live in Pittsburgh, PA. What is your favorite thing about the city?
I actually live in the nearby town of Greensburg. It’s about 40 miles East of Pittsburgh. We are blessed here with an extremely active and talented music scene. Even though the pandemic has limited some events, this past summer has been very busy. The Restaurants in this area are fantastic and there are plenty of outdoor venues. We are close to the Laurel Mountains and the scenery is awesome. It’s nice to take a few day trips to enjoy what they offer. In the City of Pittsburgh, I enjoy a place called Mt. Washington. It is a great place to see the view of the City.
Q: If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would that be and why?
I have been asked this several times. I’d like to pitch a few songs to Blake and Qwen. My ultimate duet partner would be Dolly Parton. I have so much respect for her. She continues to re-invent herself. She continues to write and perform. I have a few things I admire about her. She has the courage and has always put herself and her music out there. She is talented and she continues to help people. I also think she would be a “hoot”. I’d love to get to know her.
Q: Are you political at all? Do you get involved in social media debates?
At this point, I try to stay out of political debates. I have my opinions, but I keep them to myself most of the time.
Q: What is one thing about yourself that you would change?
I have been changing and overcoming obstacles most of my life. The key to a person changing is they have to get out of their comfort zone to grow. I try to live by this. I have the tendency to be a little shy and backward in certain situations and I am trying to assert myself more. If I don’t like something about myself, I look at the facts…. can I change it or is it something I can’t change? For instance, I’d like to be taller…. well. that is not going to happen…lol.
Q: If you had any advice for an up-and-coming artist, what would that be?
Don’t ever give up, no matter what others tell you. You can learn from others, however, never compare yourself. Run your own race. If God gave you the love and talent for music, then he wants you to use it. If you enjoy music, writing, performing always keep it close to you. It’s a gift.
Q: Any plans for a new single?
Yes, October 8th! “Country To the Bone”. It’s a song I wrote because I love Country Music. I have been in bands of all generes, however, I was never really happy unless I was performing Country Music. I grew up in the small old coal mining of Slickville. My parents always listened to Country Music I guess you can say it’s in my blood. The song idea actually came to me because I wanted to write a song with a few Country Music icon names in it and I wanted to tell people how much Country Music means to me. In this song, I make reference to Haggard and Jones. Now…. how can you go wrong with a song with those names in it!
Q: Will you be releasing a follow-up album?
There is plenty of life left in this album. I am enjoying what’s happening with it. I do have some song ideas for future recordings. I would like to include a few Christian Songs. I would also like to write with a few Nashville writers in the near future.
Q: Any last shout-outs or words for your fans?
Yes of course. First of all thanks to my fans and friends for all your continued support — you are amazing. Without your help, I would not be experiencing this ride. I also want to give a shout out to Michael Stover (MTS Records), Brayn Cole (Producer), Douglas Kasper (Tonic Studios-Engineer), Adam Ernst (Artist/Musician), Kate Szallar (Duet Partner), Savannah Nider (Singer), Matt Weston (Singer)and I thank NEW MUSIC TODAY for this interview. God Bless!
