Prestwick man's band, Parka, launches debut album

May 14 2008 By Lorraine Waddell

A PRESTWICK man was back in Scotland on Friday as his band launched their debut album.

Parka, fronted by former Prestwick Academy pupil Matt Thomson, were playing at King Tuts in Glasgow to showcase Attack of the Hundred Yard Hardman.

The 24-year-old along with bandmates Steve, Mark, Neil and Ian performed a rousing 60 minute set to a packed crowd.

It's been a whirlwind success for the five-piece who got together in 2005 and have already released three singles from their album, If You Wanna, Disco Dancer and Better Anyway.

Matt said: "This is coming up to the fourth year we've been together. We got together when I moved. I was up at college at Perth and moved back home with my parents.

"I started writing a whole bunch of new songs and I wanted to put a band around it.

"I went and found the boys through different ways like Neil was advertising himself as a drummer.

"Mark was advertising himself on a music website and then Ian was playing in a band with one of my friends.

"We moved down to London. We had just signed to a management and we were getting a lot of work in London. It made sense to be there.

Despite living the high life in London, Matt still likes to come home and catch up with family and friends.

He said: "It's always good to get back home and get some parents cooking and see my pals and stuff as well."

The group have been busy touring the country promoting their album which was released on May 5.

Matt continued: "We've just been mental crazy busy. We had a day off the other day and we spent seven hours in the rehearsal studio.

"It's just literally one thing after another but it's great fun."

Parka have been racking up airplay on Xfm and on Radio One where they have been given praise by DJ Zane Lowe.

Matt said: "Everybody's been really supportive. We've had great feedback. Quite a few of the boys don't read reviews.

"I'm the world's worst for taking them personally because I'm the writer and the songs are a bit more close to your heart.

"On the whole the reviews, especially in Scotland, have been great."

After moving to London and picking up some celebrity friends on the way, Parka roped in Saffron from 90s band Republica to feature on one of their album tracks, DJ In The Corner.

Unfortunately Saffron had to pull out of Friday's gig but her part was filled by comedian Tom Urie who has appeared on various shows including Chewin' The Fat.

More information on Parka is available by logging onto www.parkamusic.com.