Back in April we wrote about Mari Wilson’s single, ‘Good News‘, and her album, ‘Girl About Town’. Now we’re proud to say we’ve had a chance to speak to Mari herself, and she’s shared her thoughts about her career, her music, and her fans.
Hi Mari, thanks for speaking to Essentially Pop! Your latest album, ‘Girl About Town’, is set for release on the 4th of September this year. What can fans expect from it and what’s your favourite song on the album?
I think it’s back to the kind of pop people know me for, with tinges of soul and jazz, a hybrid of all three genres I’ve spent my career singing and very much ‘me’. Some people have said it’s very “Mari Wilson”. It’s upbeat and optimistic as the whole writing/recording process was exactly that. Adrian York and I decided to just have some fun, there was no pressure as I’d not even thought about releasing a new album until we’d written three or four songs and I loved what we were doing. Hard to choose a favourite. Maybe Kaleidoscope for it’s psychedelia!
We’re loving ‘Come On Out’! Such a catchy song and not just a summer sizzler but one with a great positive message about being your authentic self. We’re also loving the music video with its vibrant, retro feel. What was your motivation behind the song, and the video?
The inspiration came from someone I know who has mental health issues and will often not leave the house. Sometimes just going out for a walk can shift things a little. Looking up is something that really does help too, as somehow just that physical movement lifts your spirit, so try not to look down. It makes sense just by thinking of the difference between the words ‘up’ and ‘down’. it’s really the simple things in life that make us happy.
‘Love Letter’ was also released at the same time as ‘Come On Out’ but it’s a much more romantic track – a great song for slow dancing with a special someone. What made you decide to release the two songs together?
To be honest it was the idea of the team of people I’m working with on the release of the album, I didn’t even know we did that anymore, especially as we no longer have vinyl 45rpm with a double A side! Initially I thought it a bit odd but it’s gained a lot of interest so I’m glad we’ve done that and it shows two completely different sides of the writing and the vocal performance. The song was inspired by An Evening with Silk Sonic, Bruno Mars’ and Anderson Paak’s album which is right up my street, that Philly-type sound. I saw them in Vegas a few years ago it was brilliant.
You’ve been in the music business for more than 40 years – what is it about it that keeps you going?
Isn’t it just such a fabulous thing to be able to do – for a living! Singing and writing stories to sing about is very special. The thing that has really kept me going is playing live which I’ve been doing since day one. I love being onstage and creating different emotions with each song, it’s magical and totally in the moment.
What advice would you have for anyone who’s looking to get into the music business now? Is there anything you wish you’d known yourself when you were first starting out?
Hmm that’s a hard one because it has changed so much since I first started. One thing that hasn’t changed is that you have to have total belief in yourself and if your manager or record company or anybody suggests something you’re not happy with, you must go with your gut reaction because it’s usually right. Don’t think that everyone else knows better because they don’t, music is organic and shouldn’t be affected by trends, algorithms or anything else. Just go with your instinct. I started to enjoy myself much more when I took control, even if I still made mistakes along the way. Mistakes are necessary but easier to live with if they’re your own. The other thing is to really know who you are, your style, your usp, in what way are you different and how can you make that grow to stand out from everyone else.
You’ve got a loyal fan base, many of whom have been with you right from the start. Is there anything special you’d like to tell them?
Well, yes they’re fantastic. I get lovely emails from them and they have really encouraged me over the years. So it’s a huge thank you and I hope they love this album. I look forward to seeing some of them at my forthcoming shows where I’ll be playing not only the new album but songs from my back catalogue.
And finally, what question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview, but nobody ever does?
Nobody has ever asked me what alternative career choice I would have made. I’ll leave you wondering…
Mari Wilson’s new album, ‘Girl About Town’ is set for release on the 4th of September 2026 – you can pre-save it here.
See Mari Wilson live at the following dates:
4th of October – Cadogan Hall, London
7th of November – Music Room, Liverpool
8th of November – Otley Courthouse, Otley
More details about Mari’s concert dates can be found on her official website. Also be sure to check out Mari on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Watch the music video for ‘Good News’ below.
