Biography
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Born
7 November 1978 (age 45)
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Born In
Worcester Park, Sutton, London, England, United Kingdom
Mark Read first found fame as part of the internationally successful UK Pop Group a1, scoring several number one hits across the globe and two UK No.1s within 9 weeks, with a cover of A-HAs Take On Me, followed by the self-penned Same Old Brand New You.
After enjoying 8 UK Top ten hits, 6 of which were co-written by Mark, 3 successful albums and being awarded a prestigious BRIT award for British Breakthrough Act in 2001 with the group, Mark now has a promising career ahead of him as a solo artist.
Since a1 disbanded in 2002, Mark has focussed on writing for other artists, signing a publishing deal with Metrophonic, the hit making house responsible for writing and producing such huge hits as Enrique Iglesias Hero, Chers Believe and If Your Not the One for Daniel Bedingfield.
During this time he has written with a number of major International artists and already possesses an impressive list of writing credits to his name.
With a reputation for outstanding musicianship and dedication to his craft, Mark has earned the opportunity to collaborate with a number of well respected writers, producers and performers throughout the early stages his career, including : John Barrowman, Joe Brown, Sam Brown, Jarvis Cocker, Roger Cook, Rob Davis, Robin Gibb, Robert Hart (Bad Company) Mike Hedges, The Hollies, Kenney Jones (The Who, The Faces), Ronan Keating, Steve Mac, Lee Mead, Dennis Morgan, Chris Porter, Denny Randell, Gary Stevenson, Graham Stack, Mark Taylor and Rick Wills (Foreigner) , and UK X-Factor finalists Andy Abraham , Journey South and Chico
Marks experience as a performer however, extends back long before the signing of his first recording contract at age 20. Growing up in a musical family gave him an early start, he began playing piano at the tender age of 3 and at age 7 he would regularly watch mesmerised as his parents performed with their band. It was at this time he became hooked on live performance when he joined them on stage for an impromptu rendition of Elvis Presleys Blue Suede Shoes. It wasnt long before he was on the circuit himself, having joined the family band.
From the ages 16 to 19, Mark was approached by a number of well respected managers for various projects, but it wasnt until he met and befriended future a1 band-mate Ben Adams that the first chapter of what Mark hopes to be a long career in the music industry began.
During his time with Metrophonic, Mark has been writing material for his own solo project, and with the first album nearing completion, is looking forward to presenting his exciting project to the world.
Through continued hard work, ambition and desire, Mark hopes it wont be long before he hits the charts again and he looks forward to performing his new material in front of a live audience.
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