Mark Wihlidal & Chris Birkett would rather burn out than fade away on their new single One More Time — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The adage about time is that it remains undefeated. Everyone has to go at some point. But with today’s musical landscape, artists continue to defy Father Time by performing well into their 60, 70s and beyond. From The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen to Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, age is just a number. Oshawa blues-rocker Wihlidal and producer / guitarist Birkett are taking that idea to heart with their new single.
Wihlidal says One More Time was inspired by the idea of equating one’s age to one’s self-worth or ability as an artist. “This song is about an aging artist who wants to keep getting on the stage and performing as they always have,” Wihlidal says. “They don’t want to be left behind or forgotten. They want their music to live on and not fade away. They feel that even though they are aged, they still have lots to give as an artist.”
One More Time is a thoughtful, slow-building song as Wihlidal’s powerful and passionate delivery shines while the electric guitars works their magic. Think of some combination between Canadian artist Tom Cochrane and the earthy, roots feel of John Hiatt, and One More Time comes into full view over four powerful, pleading minutes:
“Please let me sing one more day
Please let me play before I’m cast away
One more time, before I leave it all behind
Please don’t let me fade away.”
Although Wihlidal says One More Time wasn’t inspired by personal experience, aging and performing are “a hot topic” for him. “It has been implied that my age has lost me a few performances,” he says. “I was told that I cannot be an ’emerging artist’ because I am older. Why is it that the music business only wants youth and beauty? Music is ageless. Performing is great for the soul at any age.”
He’s done his share. Wihlidal released the single Life Can Be A Mystery in 2022, followed by 2023’s You And Me with The Doctors Of Music. Now, armed with a new single, he looks forward to releasing more material in 2024 and beyond. He also hopes to collaborate with Birkett again. “He’s a true gentleman and boy, can he play guitar,” Wihlidal says.
And like the rocker in One More Time, Wihlidal isn’t putting his feet up and retiring anytime soon. “Personally, you will have to drag me off a stage to put me in the grave. Aging artists deserve more attention. Artists AT ANY AGE have lots to share.”
Listen to One More Time above, hear more from Mark Wihlidal below, and check in with him on Facebook.
