Mark Owen began his musical career some 15 years ago as a member of the hugely successful group, Take That. When the band split in 1996, Mark immediately released the self-penned debut album “Green Man”, produced by the legendary John Leckie (Radiohead, Stone Roses), to much critical acclaim. Following two top-three hits and extensive touring across the UK, Europe and South-East Asia, Mark returned to the studio to commence work on his second solo album.
There could have been no more confident an opening paragraph to the new chapter of his career than his re-introductory single 'Four Minute Warning' which was released at the beginning of August 2003 and entered the UK charts at No. 4, remaining in the Top 40 for 8 weeks. His next single, “Alone Without You” was followed by the release of his second album, In Your Own Time, in November 2003.
Having completed a successful tour of the UK at the end of 2003, Mark embarked on a period of intense creative energy in early 2004 and headed over to LA to record new material, all of it beguiling and eclectic, the results of a very positive and defined musical vision. Produced by Tony Hoffer, revered for his work with Beck, Supergrass, Turin Brakes and The Thrills and enlisting the musical talents of former REM drummer Joey Waronker, ex-Jellyfish founder Roger Manning Jr., Greg Kurstin and Dan Rothschild; Owen’s latest work showcases his lyrical and musical confidence and the results speak for themselves.
In Summer 2004, Owen set up his own label, Sedna Records, enabling him to retain full control over every aspect of his career. His first release, “Makin’ Out”, provided just a taste of his stunning forthcoming material. Hailed as “a euphonious slice of guitar Pop with an insistent piano-driven melody and a lush anthemic feel, combined with Owen’s strong and unmistakeable vocal… the track wears the influences of some of music’s classic acts, deeply infused with Mark’s personality and style”. The track was further described as “a breath of fresh air with all the signs of being a Summer classic”.
Having recently returned from LA where, along with Tony Hoffer and the same musicians on board, he completed recording the forthcoming album at the legendary Sunset Sound Studios. By far his most honest and accomplished record to date, this almost concept album features 10 tracks which, when taken as a whole, carry the listener on a musical journey of love, loss, loneliness, soul searching, reflection, and optimism.
The beginning of 2005 marked a turning point for Owen when he was picked up by A&R Woman of the Year, Caroline Elleray (Coldplay, Keane), resulting in him signing a publishing deal with BMG Music Publishing.
Mark’s third solo album, How The Mighty Fall, was released via Mark’s own label Sedna, here in the UK in April 2005, and under licence with Edel Records across Europe with further plans to license it across Australasia, Japan and the US. Accompanying the release Owen and his band toured the UK nationally in Spring 2005 and have since been touring in Europe promoting the release of How The Mighty Fall.
Released in Germany on 20th June 2005, Believe In The Boogie has since been added to the European soundtrack of the US Blockbusting movie, Mr & Mrs Smith starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
Believe In The Boogie, the new single to be released from How The Mighty Fall, will be available in the UK on 15 August 2005.
