Marlon Williams

Marlon Williams has quite possibly had the best 2015. Not only has he released his self-titled debut album, he is also up for best blues ‘n’ roots album at the ARIA awards in a couple of weeks as well as touring Europe and the US. On top of all this, Marlon Williams is about to head out on the lap of the country with his band The Yarra Benders and is very humble as we chat about the success of the record since its release.
“Why thank you man! It’s been a wild year and it’s going to be a cracker end to 2015, and 2016 is gearing up to be just as big. I’ve just come back from a big couple of weeks in Europe and the band is ready and raring to go on this tour. There wasn’t much time to do anything else, except sound check, travel and sleep and play the show. I had such a nice time and the Paradiso Lounge in Amsterdam was sensational. It was a festival in a beautiful old building and the Dublin show was also amazing. Enthusiastic crowds throughout and it was a beautiful vibe, even though there was a fair bit of city hopping.”
If you have, for some reason, overlooked the debut album then you should definitely get on falling in love with it. Equally heartbreaking in the swagger of the vocals and delicious in the sweet and melodic country sounds, Marlon Williams is a record (in this music journalists opinion) for the ages and an album that will be looked upon for years and years as a brilliant debut. Courtney Barnett might be smashing it in the rock market, but in the country folk troubadour scene Williams reigns supreme.
The album was recorded in Lyttleton in New Zealand, which has been Williams’ home for many years. Inspired by the likes of Music From Big Pink by The Band and the double album GP and Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons. Talking about the influence of the two albums on his career, Williams reveals that they are two of his favourite of all time.
“My dad used to do this thing where he would get CDs and then exchange them a week later. He did that with my The Band album and, luckily for him, he brought back Gram Parsons. What I love about these albums is they are incredibly simplistic yet they are very effective. They are very rewarding listens and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone,” he says.
As part of the regional tour before Williams takes time off for Christmas and hits the road in America early next year, the travelling circus that is their stageshow is set to hit Geelong on December 10. Having listened to the album on repeat for some time, I highly urge you to get down to this show and see a star in full flight with his band.
“This tour is going to be a great way to finish up 2015. Geelong has always been a great place for me to play and I can’t wait to get back there again. The crowds have always been very supportive of what I do and I think everyone should come boogie!”
Written by Tex Miller
When & Where: Workers Club, Geelong – December 10