It’s a huge day for Bowen Mountain singer-songwriter Imogen Clark.
Her debut album, titled Love & Lovely Lies, is officially on the streets via Universal Music.
Right behind her in the celebrations is her biggest fan, her father Mark.
“He’s my number one fan. He’s great, my dad, and I wouldn’t be doing any of this without him,” she told the Gazette.
The Bowen Mountain resident credits Mark for nurturing her musical talent from a young age. An English and drama teacher at Colo High School, Mr Clark is also a songwriter and performer, and raised his daughter on a steady diet of music appreciation.
“He’s a very big inspiration to me. I wouldn’t have started in music without Dad. When I was a child he let me play and muck around with his instruments, which was really lovely for me. The fact he did that made me realise I had an interest in music and for that I am eternally grateful,” Ms Clark said.
The 21-year-old received due recognition last year when Universal Music signed her to its Lost Highway Australia label.
Though dates and venues for an upcoming tour are still being firmed-up, Ms Clark said her father will no doubt attend most (if not all) of her performances - either as part of the audience, or as the bass player in her band.
“He and Mum come to about 99 per cent of my gigs. If they’re in the state, they’re always there. When I was younger, I used to think that’s because they had to chaperone me because I was under age. But then when I turned 18 I realised they still wanted to come,” she said.
“Dad will often play and Mum will sell my merchandise, so it’s a big family affair!”
Love & Lovely Lies will feature as album of the week on ABC Local Radio, kicking-off with an interview with Ms Clark airing on the Saturday Night Country program this weekend.
Ms Clark also currently features as artist of the week on the Country Music Association of Australia website.
Imogen came to national and international attention with the release of her third independent EP, Stories From A Porcelain City in 2013.
Its lead single, Ceaseless Goodbye, was shortlisted for APRA’s prestigious Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition and given an honourable mention in the Nashville-based International Songwriting Competiton.
The range and conviction throughout her songs is what has already drawn many to Imogen’s songwriting and is sure to capture the hearts and minds of new fans once they hear Love & Lovely Lies.
Keep an eye on her website for tour dates: imogenclark.com.au and details on where to buy the album.
