Mark Wilkinson may be one of the country’s most under-appreciated songwriters. He’s been releasing incredible music for 15 years, yet most people don’t know his name. If you’re in the dark, make sure you don’t miss his latest single, “Human Beings.” It’s a timely release that aims to remind listeners of our capacity for connection in a world that feels so divided.
“This song is a recognition that as human beings we share a universal bond despite our varied cultural and religious backgrounds,” Mark said. “It’s a song about connection, empathy, and hope.”
“Human Beings” comes from Mark’s new EP Love and Loss, which drops on July 31. He’ll celebrate its release with headlining shows featuring Glenn Hopper on keys and dates supporting Katie Noonan.
For not the first time last night, I found myself marvelling at how lucky the Darkinjung Country/Central Coast community is to have a venue like Avoca Beach Theatre. It’s a place that champions not just live music, but original Australian music. It’s an intimate venue, one where you can go to hear artists with an audience who respects what they’re doing. Even in the support act, you won’t hear a peep, unless of course the artist encourages us to sing along. Only occasionally will you see someone raise their phone to capture a photo, but then it’s put away as they give themselves over to the music once more. You rarely see people getting up mid-set to head to the bar. They’re too busy being in it. The older I get, the more annoyed I become at all those things that take me out of the music and the more I appreciate venues that let me revel in it.
I can’t imagine seeing a show like last night’s gig anywhere else, and I’m glad I don’t have to. Mark Crotti opened the show with an incredible set of gentle acoustic folk that had us all hanging on his every word. He could be hilarious one moment, but then make our hearts break with songs like “Half a Cup of Tea” and “Paint Me.” Ordinarily, I don’t remember the songs that support acts sing, even when I enjoy them, so that tells you something about how incredible they were. I’m an instant fan.
Mark Wilkinson is one of those artists I’ve appreciated for many years, but never managed to see live. Falling for his latest album Wild and Hunted Things gave me the push I needed. Now I’m wondering why it took me so long. His voice has always drawn me in, but I think it’s better in person. It filled the hushed room, wrapping around us all like a warm hug. He performed many songs I didn’t know, but it didn’t matter. In a venue like this, where everyone is so quiet and respectful, I could hear every lyric. It was the perfect introduction, and a timely reminder that I need to dig a little deeper into his discography. He gave us a couple of covers: a stripped-back version of Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” that made me appreciate the lyrics in a way I never have before and a killer rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire.” When people talk about artists making songs their own, they’re talking about what Mark does.
Mark spent most of his time on the acoustic guitar, but also ventured over to the piano for a few songs. He said he was nervous about playing this instrument for us, but honestly, these songs were probably my favourites. What a well-rounded talent he is.
Even though we were all out on a Thursday night, no one seemed in a rush to go anywhere. When Mark told us he’d play an extra song in his encore, we were thrilled. Any excuse for us all to stay in the moment, revelling in such beautiful music a little longer.
When you intend to see an artist for some time, there’s always a risk they might disappoint you. But I can’t imagine a better night, seeing Mark playing songs from his latest album, with Mark Crotti on support, in such a special venue, with a good friend keeping me company. I’m so thrilled I got to experience it. Mark Wilkinson continues his Wild and Hunted Things tour with Mark Crotti on Saturday night in Mulubinba/Newcastle. Limited tickets are available for most of the remaining shows:
Fresh from the release of his gorgeous new album Wild & Hunted Things, Mark Wilkinson is hitting the road next month. He’ll visit some of the country’s best intimate venues to showcase his new introspective folk songs and some old favourites.
“I can’t wait to reconnect with my amazing Aussie fans and showcase the songs from the new album in a live format,” Mark enthused. “I feel like the studio and the live environment are two very different things, both allowing the songs to shine in different ways. There’s a raw energy to the live shows that can’t really be replicated in the studio and I can’t wait to share that energy and some magical unfiltered moments with audiences across Australia!”
Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Mark Crotti will support Mark Wilkinson at all but the final two shows. Tickets are available now. I wouldn’t muck around if I were you, because such small venues are bound to sell out.
Just how much talent can you cram into one track? Mark Wilkinson tests the theory with his iso charity single “We’re Not Alone.” Spotify credits Mark and the Lockdown Choir. But take a listen and you’ll soon realise this isn’t your average choir.
It features the one and only Ian Moss, Dragon frontman Mark Williams, Australian Idol graduates Rob Mills and Damien Leith, Uncle Jed’s Laura Brooker, and talented up-and-comers Patrick James, Rachael Fahim, and Taylor B-W.
It’s a rousing ballad that looks to lift our spirits in these dark pandemicky times.
“I wrote ‘We’re Not Alone’ just as COVID-19 really started to take hold here in Australia. The song was very much a reaction to and a reflection of the emotions the situation evoked in me,” Mark explained. “Along with the obvious anxiety and uncertainty driven by the pandemic, I was struck by the fact that in a backwards kind of way, despite having to isolate ourselves, the circumstances had truly united the world. I wanted to try and write a song that celebrated the world’s resilience and unity in the face of the many challenges brought about by the pandemic.”
In the tradition of the best star-studded singalongs, funds raised from the recording will be divided between Beyond Blue and Support Act. So make sure you download a copy or get streaming to help out these vital charities.
I pride myself on loving music of all genres, but there’s no denying that I have a special place in my heart for folky acoustic singer songwriter types. The latest to cross my path and worm his way into my subconscious is Mark Wilkinson.
It was love at first listen when I heard his new single “All I Ever Wanted.” The film clip, which was recorded in Cape Town, is every bit as uplifting. I can’t wait to hear more from this Sydneysider when he releases his debut album Truth Came Running in February.
