With Marlon Williams, it was nurture more than nature. Given Williams grew up in New Zealand, one might not conclude Williams' go-to genre would be Americana. "My dad was really into all sorts of music, and he constantly fed me with a cross-section of the world of music throughout my teenage years," Williams explains. "When I was starting to write songs, I think that's when country music came into the frame. … I was trying to scratch my tiny little teenage brain for song ideas, and the country form was fresh in my head as a means of expression."

Now on tour with Sam Beam and Jesca Hoop, Marlon Williams, accompanied by Ben Woolley, visited The Current's studio for a session hosted by Mac Wilson.

Among the songs in his set, Williams performs "Dark Child," off his self-titled release. "That song's written by a friend of mine," Williams says, "and it was written in response to the passing of a friend of his. When he went along to the memorial service, he didn't feel like the spirit of his friend was being very well represented. So I really think it's a song about generational miscommunication, in the tradition of songs like 'She's Leaving Home' by the Beatles and things like that. Despite all the love in the world, there's just always going to be a breakdown in communication somewhere."

Listen to the complete session to hear more about Marlon Williams, including the person he'd love to perform a duet with, and the record he was inspired to purchase following advice from Sam Beam.

Songs Performed

"Dark Child"
Come to Me"
"Little Glass of Wine"

The first song is off Marlon Williams' self-titled debut album, available on Dead Oceans. The second song is a brand-new composition by Williams, and the third song is a Stanley Brothers cover.

Hosted by Mac Wilson
Produced by Lindsay Kimball
Engineered by Michael DeMark
Visuals by Leah Garaas
Words by Luke Taylor

Gallery

Fullscreen SlidePrevious Slide

1 of 2

2 of 2

Next Slide