Steven Clark is a singer-songwriter from Glasgow:
"I was born in 1957 and raised in Springburn, Glasgow, and despite getting older, I'm determined not to grow up if I can help it. Married with 2 mostly grown-up kids who kindly pretend not to be embarrassed that Dad sings. I have a day job. I'm suspicious of labels and categories, especially when they are applied to me. Nevertheless, here I am, describing myself as a "singer-songwriter", and I suppose that means that I write songs, and sing them. Sometimes I sing other people's songs too.
I can't really describe my style - not even sure if I have an identifiable one - but if pressed, I'd say I sound like me, and probably more like me than anyone else does.
My voice has been described, not unfairly, as being "able to bend the needle on a record player". (It was Ian Davison that said that). Guitar style? Hmm .. "a bit crap" describes it, I think. I play mandolin "a bit".
So, yeah, I have won the Girvan Folk Festival Songwriting Competition twice, but on the other hand, one of those years there was just me and a tone-deaf dog - and the dog's entry was called "My Pretty Budgie".
I've performed at the Glasgow Show on Glasgow Green, as a floor artist at the Star Folk Club, and at Stirling and Houston Folk Clubs (not as floor singer, because Houston don't have floor spots) , and I'm regularly to be found at singing sessions in and around Glasgow.
I can't say for certain what my influences have been, but here's some people whose songs and music I really like: Loudon Wainwright, Richard Thompson, Dick Gaughan, Michael Marra, Ry Cooder, Steve Earle, Robert Burns, J.Scott Skinner, Michael Marra, Randy Newman, amongst others. And, yes, I know Michael Marra is in the list twice and so should Randy Newman be, and if you ask me next week, I'll give you a different list.
My own songs range over many different subjects - all the way from the philosophical insights afforded by a pigeon, or the restorative properties of Our Other National Drink, to fury over the Iraq conflict and other lunacies of our time.
I'm pleased to say that I am one half (I'll leave it to you to guess which half) of Clark & King, a musical collaboration with the esteemed singer and songwriter Jim King. Our live CD "Tougher Than Suet" was launched in April 2009.
You can mail me at: stevenclarksongs@yahoo.co.uk
There's more stuff at : www.myspace.com/stevenclarksongs
Official Website: http://www.stevenclarksongs.me.uk
MySpace page: www.myspace.com/stevenclarksongs