John Parish, born on April 11, 1959, is a multifaceted and accomplished English musician, songwriter, composer, and record producer, whose impressive body of work has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim.
As a musician, Parish has consistently demonstrated his exceptional skill and artistry, collaborating with a diverse range of talented artists and bands, and contributing his unique sound and style to a variety of genres and projects.
One of the most notable and enduring aspects of Parish's career is his long-standing creative partnership with the celebrated singer-songwriter PJ Harvey. Together, they have co-written and co-produced numerous critically acclaimed albums, EPs, and singles, showcasing Parish's remarkable talent for crafting innovative and emotive music.
Throughout his illustrious career, Parish has worked on a wide range of projects, from solo albums and EPs to collaborations with other artists, bands, and ensembles. His versatility, creativity, and dedication to his craft have earned him a reputation as one of the most respected and sought-after musicians, songwriters, and producers in the industry.
With a career spanning multiple decades, Parish has built a reputation for his ability to push boundaries, experiment with new sounds and styles, and consistently produce high-quality, engaging, and thought-provoking music.
As a composer, Parish has also made significant contributions to the world of film and television, scoring music for numerous projects and earning critical acclaim for his work.
Throughout his career, Parish has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including several BRIT Awards, Mercury Prize nominations, and a Grammy nomination.
Despite his many accolades and achievements, Parish remains committed to his craft, continuing to create and innovate, and inspiring a new generation of musicians, songwriters, and producers.
John Parish's remarkable career is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for music, and he continues to be a vital and influential figure in the music industry.
Throughout the extensive and distinguished course of his professional journey, Parish has had the privilege of working alongside a diverse and impressive array of talented artists, boasting an impressive list of collaborations that includes the likes of Eels, Aldous Harding, Tracy Chapman, Giant Sand, and the enigmatic Sparklehorse.
As an added layer of depth and complexity to his personal narrative, Parish's sister, the accomplished actress Sarah Parish, has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, showcasing her remarkable range and versatility on screen.
Born in the charming and historic town of Yeovil, Somerset, Parish's roots run deep in the English countryside, where he likely drew inspiration from the rolling hills and rustic landscapes that surrounded him during his formative years.
Currently residing in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Bristol, Parish's connection to the area has no doubt played a significant role in shaping his artistic vision and creative output, as he continues to draw inspiration from the world around him and push the boundaries of his craft.
During the decade of the 1980s, Parish's romantic partner was Maria Mochnacz, a significant figure in his personal life.
Parish's initial foray into the music industry was marked by the release of a single titled "Mind Made" by the British new wave band Thieves Like Us in the year 1980.
Two years subsequent to this debut, Parish co-founded the band Automatic Dlamini alongside Rob Ellis, an endeavor that would undergo a series of lineup changes, including the addition of Polly Harvey from the year 1988 to 1991.
Automatic Dlamini, a music group, had a discography consisting of three studio albums, with the first one being "The D Is for Drum" which was released in the year 1987.
The second album, although initially unreleased, was titled "Here Catch Shouted His Father" and was produced in 1990. Despite being initially unreleased, it has since become available as a bootleg.
The third and final album of Automatic Dlamini, "From a Diva to a Diver", was released in the year 1992. However, by the time this album was released, Harvey had already parted ways with the group to form the PJ Harvey trio, along with ex-Dlamini members Rob Ellis and Ian Olliver.
In the year 1986, Mark Parish embarked on a simultaneous career as a record producer, collaborating with prominent UK bands, including The Chesterfields, The Brilliant Corners, The Caretaker Race, and The Becketts. This marked the beginning of a fruitful venture that would see him work with a variety of talented artists in the music industry.
Fast forward to 1995, Parish co-produced PJ Harvey's critically acclaimed album "To Bring You My Love", in which he also showcased his impressive instrumental skills by playing guitar, drums, percussion, and organ. This collaboration not only demonstrated his versatility as a musician but also his ability to bring out the best in other artists.
In 2001, Parish co-wrote and produced the album "Souljacker" by The Eels, a project that further cemented his reputation as a skilled and innovative producer. He also joined the band on their world tour, playing guitar and bringing his unique energy to their live performances.
Notably, Parish has not only contributed to the production of various Howe Gelb/Giant Sand albums, but has also taken on a key role in the creation of these records. Furthermore, he has consistently appeared alongside the band members, lending his talents to their live performances. In 2000, Parish was responsible for producing the esteemed Giant Sand album, Chore of Enchantment, a project that showcased his impressive skillset as a producer.
Additionally, a significant milestone in Parish's life, his wedding celebration in Tucson, took place in 1998. What's more, a poignant photograph taken on that special day, capturing the joy and love shared among the gathering, was later selected as the cover art for the 2011 re-release of the album Chore of Enchantment.
Notably, Parish has expanded his creative endeavors beyond the realm of music, venturing into the realm of film composition, where he has garnered significant acclaim. His inaugural foray into this domain was the score for the debut film of Belgian director Patrice Toye, entitled Rosie, which premiered in 1998. This cinematic endeavour would ultimately prove to be a pivotal moment in Parish's career, as his score would go on to receive the prestigious Jury Special Appreciation prize at the 1999 Bonn Film & TV Music Biennale. Since then, Parish has continued to hone his craft, composing the scores for an impressive total of ten additional soundtracks.
John Parish has had a long-standing collaboration with the renowned British singer-songwriter PJ Harvey, contributing to the creation of seven albums together. Two of these albums, Dance Hall at Louse Point in 1996 and A Woman a Man Walked By in 2009, were co-written by Parish and Harvey.
Parish has not only lent his musical expertise to numerous projects, but has also ventured into the realm of production, meticulously crafting and fine-tuning the soundscapes of two albums by the esteemed New Zealand singer-songwriter Aldous Harding. His collaborative spirit has also led him to work on two albums by the renowned Malian artist Rokia Traoré, blending his unique perspective with her rich cultural heritage.
Furthermore, Parish has had the privilege of working alongside several prominent European artists, including the talented Italian singer Nada and the acclaimed Belgian singer Arno. This diverse range of collaborations has not only expanded his musical horizons but has also allowed him to contribute to the creative processes of these esteemed artists.
John Parish has traversed a multifaceted career path, showcasing his remarkable adaptability and artistic prowess as a musician, songwriter, composer, and record producer, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
John Parish
Born: 1969, Somerset, England
Nationality: British
Occupation: Musician, songwriter, composer, record producer
Parish's journey in the music world began in the late 1980s, when he co-founded the influential Bristol-based trip-hop collective, Tricky. As a founding member, he played a pivotal role in shaping the band's unique sound, contributing to the development of their distinctive blend of hip-hop, rock, and electronic music.
Throughout his illustrious career, Parish has demonstrated his versatility and talent as a musician, songwriter, composer, and record producer, collaborating with a diverse range of artists, including PJ Harvey, Sparklehorse, and Cat Power. His work has been characterized by its eclecticism, experimentation, and innovative approach to music production.
Parish's impressive portfolio includes work on numerous critically acclaimed albums, as well as his own solo projects. His collaborations with PJ Harvey, in particular, have yielded some of his most notable and enduring work, including the critically acclaimed albums "Is This Desire?" and "Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea".
As a composer, Parish has also made significant contributions to various film and television projects, further cementing his reputation as a talented and versatile musician.
