Tag: Mardi Wilson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mardi Wilson Releases Raw New Single, “Chemically Enhanced”

Mardi Wilson has absolutely floored me with her latest single “Chemically Enhanced.” It’s an emotional, honest song recounting Mardi’s recent health battles. I love the way its stripped-back treatment lets those powerful lyrics shine.

“I wrote ‘Chemically Enhanced’ when I was not in a good way with my health. I was feeling pretty disheartened about some conditions that had been ongoing for a long time. I had countless tests, I had been prescribed many medications, but nothing sustainable had helped and I was at the point where I would try anything to get them to go away. One medication I was prescribed in mid 2021, led to me having my second grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizure,” Mardi recalled.

“I was feeling so many emotions after having that seizure, I felt weak and broken, like my spark was gone, or my spirit had been worn away a bit. That’s when I wrote ‘Chemically Enhanced’, it was an accumulation of all of these emotions. I didn’t feel like myself anymore and that was the worst part, I just wanted to be the old me, I could see people were worried.

“So I wrote this song to help people understand what I was going through and to apologise for not being the same ‘me’ I usually was. I know that all I can do is my best, I keep taking things one step at a time and trying not to let my health struggles get in the way of me doing what I love. I just feel grateful for all the things I can do and when there are difficult times, I work through them, because I know that there are so many beautiful days ahead”.

Mardi has a string of upcoming shows, including a gig at Yuin Country/Wallaga Lake today. Get yourself to one of these shows if you can.

17 September 2022 – Camel Rock Brewery Bar & Grill, Yuin Country/Wallaga Lake (FREE)
18 September 2022 – Bermagui Beach Hotel, Dyirringany Country/Bermagui
25 September 2022 – Tathra Hotel, Yuin Country/Tathra
29 September 2022 – Seeking Serendipity/Bar & Kitchen Milton, Yuin Country/Milton
7 October 2022 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Yugambeh Country/Kingscliff (FREE)
9 October 2022 – Phoebe’s Kingscliff, Yugambeh Country/Kingscliff
4-6 November 2022 – Airlie Beach Festival of Music @ Whitsunday Sailing Club, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
27 November 2022 – Bucca Hotel, Gurang Country/Bucca (FREE)

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Get Lost” – Mardi Wilson

Mardi Wilson came on my radar last April, with the release of “Runaway.” I’ve covered numerous singles since then, so I was thrilled to dive deep into her album, Get Lost. What I found was a collection of songs that were personal, yet so relatable from one of the country’s most promising singer-songwriters.

The songs capture moments in time, relationships that might have been fleeting, but they leave an impression nonetheless. We feel the dedication in the opening track “Give You My Time,” the poignant sadness in “Missing Me.” The upbeat groove of “Don’t Stop” helps balance the darkness of “Don’t Stop,” which so eloquently speaks of watching a loved one navigate addiction. In “Blinded By You,” Mardi captures the hazy, heady moments when attraction sparks. We see it develop into something more substantial in “Runaway,” which almost feels like a companion piece for the track that came before. “Nice Ones” is another of those happy-sad tracks, with biting lyrics paired with a rousing clap-along chorus. “Part Time Lover” is equally scathing. Mardi might sound like a sweet folk artist, but her words can wound when she wants them to.

While songs about relationships dominate this album, Mardi’s own voice shines through every track. So it’s only fitting that the final song and title track, “Get Lost” focuses on the self. It’s got a quiet strength, with Mardi’s gorgeous vocals joining acoustic guitar strums and percussion. What a powerful final statement this song provides.

Whether she’s singing about love, lust, or owning her own power, the thread of honesty runs through these songs. That starts with the lyrics, which are brave and raw, but there’s also an earthy, organic quality about these tracks that is so appealing. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of studio trickery here. Instead, you get the sense that the recordings capture jam sessions.

I’ve had Get Lost on repeat since it hit my inbox in mid-April and I think I fall a little more in love with each listen. Mardi’s voice has a warmth that draws you in, but stay with these songs a little longer and you’ll fall in love with the stories she tells and the characters in them. You’ll also find yourself humming those catchy melodies. Get Lost is available now.


Images used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mardi Wilson Offers Stripped Back New Single, “Salty”

Mardi Wilson reminds us of the beauty of simplicity with the release of her latest single “Salty.” It’s a stripped-back folky affair, with the gentle melody of an acoustic guitar accompanying Mardi’s distinct vocals. The back-to-basics approach ensures we can zero in on those lyrics, which are sure to connect with anyone who’s felt they had to fight for acceptance.

“I know that not everyone enjoys camping and peeing in the bushes and doing yoga, but that’s my happy place. So I guess when people question the way that I live and the things that bring me joy, I just don’t understand. It confuses me because I don’t mind at all what people do, as long as they’re not directly hurting me I don’t feel like one way of living is less valid than another … So I wrote ‘Salty’ about this thought process,” Mardi explained.

“Salty” comes from Mardi’s debut album, which drops on May 3. I love this song, so I can’t wait to hear what else she has in store for us. Catch Mardi tomorrow night, April 24, at Casuarina’s Crafty Cow Bar & Smokehouse and at the Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club on April 25.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mardi Wilson Drops Empowering Folk Track, “Part Time Lover”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Mardi Wilson speaks for anyone who’s ever been screwed over by a sexual partner, both figuratively and literally, with her new single “Part Time Lover.” I love the way its warm, folky sound counterbalances beautifully with those edgy lyrics.

“I would hope if anyone listening to this song feels like they are being/have been taken for a bit of a ride as a ‘part-time lover’ – they realize that they are not alone. I hope that this song speaks to those people and makes them feel empowered and important,” Mardi said. “You can’t help it if someone treat’s you like shit, but you can decide that you deserve better.”

Mardi penned the track back in 2018, after being hospitalised for some health issues. During this difficult time she reached out to someone she was seeing for nearly a year, hoping for support. “The reaction that I got wasn’t what I expected and that really caused a lot of hurt for me, she admitted. “When I eventually got home I went straight for my guitar and started letting it all out.”

COVID-19 has slowed down Mardi’s schedule, but she’s still gigging when and where she can. Follow her Facebook page for details of the next shows as they’re announced.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mardi Wilson Drops Superb New Single, “Runaway”

After sequestering ourselves away for a couple of weeks, most of us are probably getting a little stir-crazy. Given all that, Mardi Wilson’s new track “Runaway” has really struck a chord with me. It’s all about freedom, both the sense of liberty you get when exploring the world and when exploring a new love.

“I wrote ‘Runaway’ about when you meet a person and immediately feel that they will have some kind of impact on your life. Whether the person is there to stay or just passing through- this song is about being vulnerable, opening your heart to people, and growing from knowing them,” the Brisbane-based singer-songwriter revealed.

It’ll be a while until we see Mardi performing live again, but in the meantime check out her COVID covers on her Facebook page!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music