20 Aug 2025
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Mark Anthony, owner of St Albans’ Studio 35 since 2018. As one half of pop, electro, hip-hop, funk and rock band Lyrical Strangers, he has recorded both of their albums there, including the latest, ‘Phunk’, which comes out early next year. Check out their material to date at https://www.youtube.com/@lyricalstrangers5129 and follow https://www.facebook.com/lyricalstrangers
Where do you go to listen to music?
For me, nothing beats slipping away to my creative haven – Studio 35 in St Albans. It’s my escape from the world. Some of my best moments happen there late in the evening, when the day’s chaos is behind me. I’ll sink into my chair, dim the lights, and let a playlist of melancholy tunes fill the room. It’s part relaxation, part therapy, and part plotting the next big idea.
What items do you always carry with you?
I’m pretty low-maintenance — if I’ve got my wallet and my keys, I’m good to go.
What TV did you watch as a child?
I was raised on comedy gold — Desmond’s, Only Fools & Horses, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Keeping Up Appearances, Steptoe & Son. I still watch the re-runs now, and they make me laugh just as much as they did the first time. I also watched loads of football – no surprise there, since I’m a lifelong Arsenal fan. Some kids had bedtime stories; I had Match of the Day.
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
Freddie Mercury, hands down. The man was pure magic. I’ve been a Queen fan for as long as I can remember, and I’d love to know how he came up with masterpieces like Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, and Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy. I imagine I’d spend most of the time just staring at him in awe while frantically jotting down every word.
Were you well behaved at school?
Let’s just say I was more “socially engaged” than academically focused. I wasn’t badly behaved, but if it came down to a choice between doing my homework and playing football, making music, or chatting with mates – you know which one won. My teachers probably got used to saying, “Could you please concentrate?” on a loop.
What’s your favourite meal?
Jerk chicken with rice and peas, coleslaw, and mac and cheese – pure comfort on a plate. It’s my go-to order at Caribbean restaurants. If I’m feeling festive, I’ll throw in a couple of rum punches too… for balance, obviously.
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
Smokey Robinson — for the Motown stories, inspirations, and behind-the-scenes gossip.
Michelle Obama — one of the most inspiring and graceful people on the planet.
David Jason — a comedy icon. Del Boy is a hero of mine, and I’d love to hear the tales from Only Fools & Horses.
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
I was gutted when Alban’s Well closed — it was my go-to lunch spot. I also miss Number 8 on George Street, which didn’t last long but hosted fantastic live music nights, often featuring the brilliant Matthew Castle.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
The bridleway between Batchwood roundabout and Childwicksbury – a peaceful countryside walk I discovered during the pandemic. It feels like stepping into another world, just minutes from town.
Who is your favourite St Albans musician or band?
The Maida Vales — incredibly talented and great to work with. They featured on an album I put together in 2022, Hope by The Alban Connection, and they’re as good off-stage as they are on it.
