Mark Peters was the songwriter in the acclaimed York based shoegaze band Engineers who released four albums on the Echo label and K-scope between 2005 and 2014; he has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including two albums on Bureau B with German electronica legend Ulrich Schnauss.
In 2018 he released his first solo album, ‘Innerland’ on Sonic Cathedral. It was one of last year’s most surprising sleeper successes. An intentionally low-key album of windswept instrumentals inspired by Mark’s move back to his native northwest, it gave musical nods to Eno, Talk Talk, Vini Reilly and Richard Thompson.
Something about its beautiful simplicity struck a chord and slowly but surely – thanks to word of mouth, as well as the support of the likes of Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6 Music and positive reviews everywhere from Uncut to The Times – it worked its way into people’s hearts. By the end of the year it had also worked its way into Rough Trade’s top 10 albums of 2018.
Mark will be supported by Elk. Elk is 21 year old York based multi-instrumentalist Joey Donnelly, whose brooding and beguiling work on debut album Beech marries up the sound of Daudi Matsiko, Florist and Talons with the lyrical depth of Phoebe Bridgers.
“I love how dark and honest her lyrics are at times,” says Joey of Bridger’s writing, “and I tried to use that whilst writing the Elk songs.”
Working with brother Mikey in his band Miles, Joey began writing the music that would become Elk. Mikey did what all good big brothers do and kicked Joey out of the band.
“He made me do my own stuff, so he’s to thank for Elk. I’ve learnt a lot from him over the years about song-writing and just being a good person.”
Family is embedded in Elk. The 7 songs that make up Beech were written and recorded at the family home in York, over a 6-month period.
“I’d write the songs in Leeds and go home and record them with my brother Mikey,” with Joey handling everything except drums and some backing vocals.
Like a family, the songs envelope you in a trusting warmth; Joey lays himself bare, as his honest songs slowly welcome and wash over you. The songs are a personal reflection on relationships, loss and growth, all told with the openness of family.
“We used to move around a lot when I was younger and the first place we stayed in for a long time was on Beech Avenue, which is the name of the album and [a] song, as it was pretty important to me”
“We moved out of the house and rented it for a few years, but before we sold it we all stayed for one last night. We stayed up all night, drank and ate Chinese food and reminisced about the time that had passed.”
Live Elk performs as a 2 piece with Mikey Donnelly joining Joey on keys, samples, glockenspiel and backing vocals. The show is a captivating glimpse of Joey laid open on stage.
Please Please You & Bad Paintings presents
Mark Peters
‘Performing songs from Innerland’
+ Elk
+ The Listener’s Club DJs
The Stained Glass Centre, York
Saturday 3rd August, 7.30pm
Tickets are £6 in advance from Earworm Records in York in person and online via http://www.pleasepleaseyou.com
