Artist on Artist: Mark Williams Chats About 50th Anniversary Event with Taylor B-W
Set to celebrate an impressive five-decade long career that has been marked by numerous achievements and praise, multi-faceted performer Mark Williams has announced ‘Now And Then’; a special 50th anniversary show for fans in Sydney this November.
Taking place just weeks before the iconic performer tours the East Coast, fronting Dragon at this year’s Good Things Festival, Williams’ 50th anniversary show is a moment for fans to revisit one of New Zealand’s biggest success stories. For Williams, it is an opportunity to celebrate 50 years in the industry, and to take the audience on a journey – from then, all the way to now.
To celebrate, Mark has interviewed his daughter Taylor B-W, who will be supporting him on the night and joining him on stage as a part of his band.
MARK WILLIAMS ARTIST-ON-ARTIST INTERVIEW WITH DAUGHTER TAYLOR B- W
Taylor B-W asking Mark Williams:
What does reaching your 50th anniversary in the music industry mean to you
No doubt this is a monumental milestone. I guess resilience and evolution comes to mind. It’s fascinating to reflect how the landscape has changed – from the warm tones of analog to the vast possibilities of digital. Despite these shifts, the essence of music remains the same, echoing our shared human experience. Celebrating this anniversary isn’t just about looking back; it’s also an opportunity for me to kick the ball forward embracing new sounds and innovations while honouring my roots.
How did you feel when you realised I wanted to pursue music as a career?
This is not a path I would recommend to anyone so as a father I was faced with concern, then acceptance and pride. At first, I worried about the uncertainties of a music career, obviously wanting the best for you. But as I learned your songs and shared those experiences, I found joy and connection in your passion. It’s beautiful how that shift can happen, realising that pursuing what you love can lead to fulfillment, even if it’s risky. I am so impressed with how you write, your amazing voice, your self-produced videos and your social media ‘Skillz’. Music has a way of bringing people together. However, as a dad I worry for you in this unforgiving industry.
What advice would you give me, and any younger artists in the music industry today, having been in this industry for so long?
My advice… keep plugging away. I believe in the power of perseverance, persistence and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of music.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first started that you know now?
The highs and lows of being an artist both come with their own pressures and expectations. But would I have chosen another career? No.
What song are you most excited to perform at the anniversary concert and why?
They’re all my favourites and each one relates to a certain period in my life but if I had to, I would choose two: ‘Yesterday Was Just The Beginning Of My Life’ because it cemented my career in New Zealand, and ‘Show No Mercy’, because it did the same for me in Australia (and New Zealand).
What are you most looking forward to about performing with me at the concert?
I was at a recent gig where you were supporting and accompanied just by a guitarist. When the cameras turned on and you were on three big screens, I was instantly mesmerised at how surreal it was. Your voice, songs and appearance was magical. I want everyone to see and hear.
Mark Williams asking Taylor B-W:
How does it feel to be supporting me at my 50th anniversary concert, ‘Now and Then’?
Ohhh, I’m going to get super cheesy – it’s honestly such a huge honour, and it’s one of those experiences I’ll always remember. Ded (Ded = Taylor’s nickname for Mark), you are one of my biggest musical inspirations and I’ve always had such respect for you and the incredible things you’ve achieved in your career. I’m beyond proud of you. When you asked me to be your special guest for ‘Now and Then’, I was absolutely chuffed and deeply flattered. It just feels right, like everything’s come full circle – now we’re not just father and daughter, we’re two artists sharing the same stage. I’m stoked to celebrate this milestone with you, and to make it a real family celebration of love and music.
What’s the most rewarding part about making music for you?
For me, it’s the connection I create with people – whether it’s on stage or when someone tells me how they connect with my music in their own time. It’s such a powerful feeling knowing that something I’ve written can resonate so deeply. I also find the songwriting process incredibly cathartic. It’s like a safe space where I can process my thoughts, struggles, and emotions that I might not be able to put into words in everyday life.
What’s your approach to songwriting – do you start with lyrics, melodies, or something else?
I don’t really have much of a method, to be honest. My approach is fairly random and often just comes out of thin air while I’m doing daily chores, or at the gym, or driving – that’s more common than when I’m noodling at the piano! I sometimes start with a lyric stuck in my head, but most often it’s a melody that catches my mind’s eye that I just have to immediately record in my voice memo and save for later. I have hundreds of thousands of short bites stored in my voice memos!
In saying that, I am trying to be more methodical in my approach these days, especially as I’m collaborating and writing with, and for, other artists. The toplining/songwriting process, where you’re in a ‘pressure cooker’ environment and need to write a full song in a few hours with another artist and a producer, is a process I initially found challenging but the more practice I get, the more I am developing those skills!
Do you have a dream collaborator you’d love to work with?
Oh you know my answer to this, Ded! I have a LONG list of many dream collaborators that I would love to connect with in the near future: big names like Kimbra, Finneas, Frank Ocean, Labrinth, and Jacob Collier, and also DnB producers, like Nia Archives and Chase & Status (seeing as that is my current musical direction). Also, more locally, my dream collaborators in Australia would be Genesis Owuzu, Jerome Farah, Forest Claudette and Vera Blue!
What excites you the most about performing at this upcoming show?
Besides being able to support my Dad, both on and off stage, in celebrating his milestone anniversary?? Well, it would also be getting back on stage to perform my own music, after taking a year off from doing any original shows, including some of my new DnB tracks, which I haven’t performed with a live band before!
Also, Ded, you have the most incredible catalogue of music from your career – from soul (‘Yesterday Was Just The Beginning Of My Life’), to rock (‘Fix Of Love’ or any Dragon classic), to pop (‘Show No Mercy’), to disco (‘A House For Sale’), and it’s been the best fun to revisit your songs as we prep for your concert. I cannot wait for this night!
Do you think we’ll ever release a father-daughter song or project together?
Yes!!! Actually, I’ve been meaning to chat with you about that… watch this space…
MARK WILLIAMS 50th ANNIVERSARY EVENT
‘Now And Then’: Celebrating 50 Years of Songs, Stories and Soulmates
Saturday 23 November The Bridge Hotel Rozelle
supported by Taylor B-W
