image via Marlon Williams
Marlon Williams has the voice of an angel.
A two-time New Zealand Music Award-winning singer songwriter, Rhythms Magazine called Marlon ‘the artist to watch’ in Australia for 2014. 2015 is full his current tour of New Zealand and Australia to promote his debut LP, Dark Child.
Marlon is from Lyttelton, the little port town through the tunnel from Christchurch, New Zealand. Singing in the school choir and then the Cathedral choir, he went on to sing with friends and alone in pubs and bars around the city. Moving to Melbourne in 2013, Marlon has been on a steady upward flight. He plays sold-out gigs and has developed a loyal following.
Last week, Marlon’s Dark Child show sold out both the nights he appeared at The Gasometer in Fitzroy. Beginning the show on his own and then joined by others, Marlon took us on a journey through his incredible vocal range and ability to nail gospel, bluegrass, country, and a little rock.
Marlon has lots of talented friends it seems and he often invites them up on the stage to perform with him. His band, The Yarra Benders, provide rich musical backing throughout the show. Old friend Tim Moore joined the band for a couple of songs, including the single ‘Dark Child’ which he had penned. Haunting and lush, this song goes straight to the soul. Special friend Aldous Harding was invited up for two songs, and the duo wove a very beautiful and spine-tingling harmony together, reminiscent of Johnny and June.
Marlon and his friends know how to work the room. Darker and heavier songs are followed up by more upbeat romps, with the musicians clearly having a good time. It is the quieter, more soulful songs such as ‘When I Was a Young Girl,’ and ‘Heaven for You and Prison for Me’ when the audience collectively holds its breath at Marlon’s ability to hold notes with a strength and power that is astounding, and where his talent shines.
Marlon Williams is going places. Get on board and check him out at a venue near you.
– Jo
Jo Rittey is a freelance writer and French teacher caught up in the myth she can cram as much as possible into every day, devouring life like a large crème brûlée.
Dark Child Tour Australia Dates
April 10th – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane QLD
April 11th – Newtown Social Club, Sydney NSW
April 16th – Grace Emily, Adelaide SA
April 17th – Mojos, Fremantle WA
April 18th – Jimmy’s Den, Perth WA
