Gary Pratt released his latest album Something Worth Remembering earlier this year and he dedicated it to the memory of his brother Dennis, who the family had lose unexpectedly a few years ago. We recently had the chance to check in with Gary and talk with him about the album, it’s lead single “A Song You Can Drink A Beer To,” why the song “Something Worth Remembering” from songwriter Tony Arata (Garth Brooks “The Dance”) was the glue that brought the whole album together, opening for Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan, and much more!

www.garyprattmusic.com

1. Earlier this year (2021), you released your latest album Something Worth Remembering. Tell us a little bit about the album. How it came together, why now was the right time in your career for it, etc… 

This album is actually dedicated to my brother, Dennis, who my family lost unexpectedly a few years ago. We are a very close family, and we all continue to have a hard time dealing with him being gone.  To honor him, I wanted this album to be about life.

It came together as a journey from the first song, “You Gotta Jump In,” until the last song "Something Worth Remembering.” It's about celebrating life. It's about not being afraid of going for what you want in life. We only live once. It's about having faith. It's about making good and bad decisions, facing the wars inside, and changing to be a better person. It's about doing the right thing. It's about finding true love. It's about doing good for others.  

The timing of the album ...well I think God made it all possible. He brought the finances and some amazing people together to make it a project I am truly proud of. Most of all, it has been an outlet to work through the mourning of my brother. It also helped my parents as they saw and heard the album become what it is. I know he is looking down and is proud of what I am doing.

2. In comparison to your previously released album Don’t Walk There In My Shadow, what are the major differences that your longtime fans will hear, but also what similarities and Gary Pratt signatures show up on this new album?

There are several differences between the first album and the current project. Even though they were recorded at the same studio, technology is constantly changing and Tonic Studios (Engineer: Douglas Kasper) keeps up with all the new State of the Art equipment.

The few differences between the two is that Something Worth Remembering is better in quality, it's an album and not an EP, it includes songs I wrote in addition to songs penned by some known writers from Nashville, and I actually had a producer on this album, Bryan Cole. The music tracks are also so much better. I have the most amazing musician, Adam Ernst, playing most of the instrumental tracks.

One major difference is that I have MTS Records, (Michael Stover), promoting the album. Both albums include various ballads and up-tempo songs that range from serious messages to fun, gritty, country songs. I feel one of my trademarks is writing and singing songs that take negative situations and put a positive spin on the situation. 

3. The most current single from the album is “A Song You Can Drink A Beer To.” Why did you feel that this song was the best representative of the album as a whole?

I wanted this song to be the first single because I wanted a song that everyone could relate to; No matter who you are or even what kind of music you like. When I recorded the song, I felt it should be the first single. After asking Michael Stover of MTS which song he felt should be first, he picked the same song. We were on the same page! This song talks about people in all types of situations in life. It includes the hardships we may face or the triumphs and celebrations. No matter what we are facing, we all need a song to drink a beer to.

4. You mentioned earlier that the album was produced by Bryan Cole. What major qualities did Bryan bring into the studio from the production side that helped elevate the album to heights that it wouldn’t have otherwise gone?

Bryan has some of the greatest ideas. I feel he can take a person emotionally and vocally to a new height in the studio. I had a blast working with Bryan and will continue to work with him on future projects.  He opened some doors for me and introduced me to some amazing people. He has a tendency to hear something in a song that others don't. It could be something musically, vocally, or something on the technology side, but it improves the outcome. After all, our goal is to have the best album possible.

5. You wrote 6 out of the 11 tracks on the album. How important is it to you that you have a hand in writing some of your songs, so that you can convey the proper emotions they call for; especially on those which are ultra-personal to you.

Songs can be very personal; however, it is a craft to be able to write so others can relate to the situation.  The more a writer listens to others and writes, the better they become. When a singer writes his/her own songs, it is a part of them. The songs are an extension of their being. I wrote all the songs on my previous release. I feel if a singer can obtain the right songs by some known writers and include them on a project, it is a benefit to everyone. I really enjoyed having my songs on the album with known writers and I am grateful and honored to have their names on the project. I feel I will continue to do this in the future. 

6. You mentioned having some songs from outside writers in that last answer. What are you looking for in songs that are pitched to you from outside writers that will make you include them on your album?

The same as the songs I write. I want a few songs that people can sing-a-long to and just have fun with.  On the other hand, I want songs with a certain message.

7. Speaking of the outside writers, the album’s title track “Something Worth Remembering” is penned by Tony Arata (Garth Brooks “The Dance). What about that specific song spoke to you most?

I was looking for a song that would bring the album together. The whole idea about the album was to dedicate it in memory of my brother. Even though I really liked how the songs and the project were turning out, something was missing. I felt uncomfortable. It was not making sense to dedicate it to him.  I just didn't want his name on the album with no connection. Once Bryan brought this song to me, I knew it was perfect. It reminded me of my brother plus it had a message. This song brought the whole album together. I knew immediately what song would be first and what song would be last. It was the missing key! 

8. You teamed up with Savannah Nider on “To Find Us.” How did that come about and why do you feel that she was the perfect duet partner for this song?

When I wrote the song, I always thought it should be a duet. I first recorded the song by myself, but I mentioned to Bryan that I think the song should be recorded as a duet. I thought it would be great to have a female who was affiliated with the MTS label. Even though Savannah was in Nashville, I sent the song to her, and she loved it. Bryan and I drove to Nashville, and we recorded it at Omni Studios. Savannah is awesome and I am so proud to have her on the album.

9. Your resume includes opening spots for Dwight Yoakam, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Ronnie Milsap, Crystal Gayle, and more! What were you able to learn from watching those acts performing live that you’ve since incorporated into your own dynamic performances?

One thing I did learn is to how to treat others behind the scenes. Most people I have opened for were absolutely great, but a few have not been as nice. I just loved Pam and Lorrie. They not only included me while they were back in the green room, but they invited me to sign autographs with them after the show. That's the kind of person I want to be.

The other thing is to pull your audience in. Be personable on stage. Take what is happening in the crowd and use it in the show. Have a good time with your audience.

10. What is the best piece of advice that you can offer an aspiring songwriter/artist just trying to break into the music business?

Never quit. If God put music in your heart and it's a dream, then don't quit- it does not matter if you never become a big star. If it makes you happy and is part of your being, then continue to do it. You will regret it if you completely give up! Remember, it's God's timing!

Learn more about Gary Pratt by visiting his official website at:https://garyprattmusic.com/

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