Wilkinson Interview

We’ve had the ultimate opportunity to interview Mark Wilkinson – more simply known as Wilkinson, the drum ‘n’ bass golden boy of the year.
With exclusive insights to opinions on the new generation of developed music, he reveals his dream collaborations, what to expect from his upcoming tours, and the genius behind the video concepts.
Wilkinson has seen huge success in the dance scene too; his distinctive productions and remixes have the international scene utterly hooked. With melodic and emotional progressive tunes, Wilkinson dips into the realm of pop rock while still going in with hard ‘n’ fast beats and sizzling drops. With collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Katy B to Nero, Chase & Status and Naughty Boy, Wilkinson has cemented his position firmly in the d’n’b scene.
After producing the hugely popular track Afterglow which reached #5 in the charts and several other anthems raging the club playlists, his recent debut album Lazers Not Included, went to #1 on the iTunes Dance chart in no less than ten countries. Wilkinson is already in full stride of his Australia and New Zealand Tour. With massive festival experience as a regular at Glastonbury, Wireless, Reading and EDC Vegas, the live shows are sure to be epic and electric.

We’re so happy to be doing this Wilkinson interview! You’ve been touted as the ‘new school’ in drum ‘n’ bass. How do you feel about that? Who do you think is pioneering new sounds in drum ‘n’ bass at the moment?
Its funny to hear that because I feel like there’s a whole new generation coming through. Critical sound is smashing it bringing new guys through. Also the Noisia boys are always at the forefront of that harder sound. I guess I like doing my own thing and dip in and out of different styles of D&B. I love writing songs and working with vocalists. Cyantific is really smashing it at the moment as well.
Not being limited to drum n bass you’ve gone on to produce for the likes of Ed Sheeren and Katy B, which are some pretty exciting opportunities. What was it like working with them? How does working with someone like Ed Sheeren compare to say, working with Nero or Chase and Status?
It’s always inspiring working with different artists. When it comes to remixing, I love a challenge. I love turning another genre into D&B and making it work in the club. It keeps me on my toes in the studio.
Who are your musical heroes? Would you like to work with any of them?
I think number 1 on the list would be The Prodigy, their journey has been incredible and they’re a major player in creating the rave culture. I’ve been lucky enough to remix them which was an amazing opportunity. Hip Hop was my first love so people like Tribe Called Quest, Jurassic 5 etc..
The video for Afterglow is incredible, it steers away from cliches usually explored in music videos but somehow isn’t too far from the comfortability of the cliche either. How did the concept come about? Does the narrative of the video have a lot to do with the song itself?
The video really connected with people. I was fortunate to have such a good director that came up with such an original idea. You know it’s an original idea when you see big companies copying your idea!
You’re about to head on an extensive tour of Australia and New Zealand – have you been here before? What are you looking forward to the most when you’re down here?
Yeah I love it down under! I have to say Perth is my favourite city to play in. D&B has such a strong following here and the shows are always amazing. It’s so refreshing coming so far from home and seeing such a good reaction to my music.
You’ve achieved incredible success in all your singles, albums and collaborations – what does the rest of the year look like for you?
I’m just finishing off my second album which is due for release at the beginning of summer 2016. I’ve still got loads of shows planned including a 10 date U.S tour in October. Playing across Europe and the UK before I take a break to finish my album in January.
What’s one classic drum ‘n’ bass track you couldn’t live without?
DJ Marky & XRS – LK feat. Stamina MC
Tour Dates- Still dates available
Australia dates
Saturday 5th September: Prince Bandroom, Melbourne
Sunday 6th September: HQ Complex, Adelaide
New Zealand dates
Wednesday 9th September: 10 Bar, Dunedin
Thursday 10th September: Altitude, Hamilton
Friday 11th September: Foundry, Christchurch
Saturday 12th September: Studio, The Venue, Auckland